Is your child in Year 6? They'll be taking their Key Stage 2 SATs maths exam in May 2024. Learn what they'll be tested on and get free resources to help your child prepare.
What is the Year 6 SATs maths exam?
The Key Stage 2 Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) are compulsory for all Year 6 students at state schools in England. They're used to assess your child’s knowledge of the Key Stage 2 national curriculum and gauge the quality of education across England’s schools.
The KS2 maths test is designed to test pupils’ knowledge and understanding of:
Arithmetic: confidence with the range of mathematical operations
Reasoning: mathematical fluency, logic and problem-solving
The maths curriculum covers these eight key topics:
Number and place value
Calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division)
Fractions, decimals and percentages
Ratio and proportion
Algebra
Measurement
Geometry (properties of shapes, position and direction)
Statistics
Fractions worksheets
Download 38 free questions covering all the fractions subtopics your child should know by the end of Year 6. Includes answers after each sub-topic.
When is the 2024 SATs maths exam?
There are three maths papers on the Year 6 SATs. These take place over two days.
Wednesday 15th May 2024
Paper 1: arithmetic test – 30 minutes, worth 40 marks
Paper 2: reasoning test (1) – 40 minutes, worth 35 marks
Thursday 16th May 2024
Paper 3: reasoning test (2) – 40 minutes, worth 35 marks
What format are the KS2 SATs maths papers?
There are different question formats in the Year 6 SATs maths papers.
In the arithmetic paper, your child will need to write their answers in free-form. They will have space for working out.
In both reasoning papers, your child might need to complete a grid/graph, write free-form answers, or choose the correct answer(s) from multiple-choice options. They will have plenty of space to write their workings.
Example of a question in a Year 6 SATs maths reasoning practice test on Atom
How is the maths SATs exam marked?
There are 110 marks available across the three maths papers. Partial marks will be awarded for correct working where the final answer is wrong, but the pupil has used the formal method of working.
Your child’s raw score (out of 110) will be converted into a scaled score. This makes sure all pupils in the year group are tested on a consistent scale. The scaled score is adjusted for any differences in the difficulty of the test year on year.
How to prepare for the Year 6 SATs maths exam
More free SATs resources
Build the knowledge you need for SATs
The most reliable way to perform well in the SATs is to build a stable understanding of the Key Stage 2 curriculum. Atom is a home learning programme created by teachers, designed to help your child build knowledge and confidence across English, maths and science.
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Year 6 SATs English and maths practice tests
Helpsheets and tutorial videos
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