SATs season is coming up, and whether you're a student preparing for the tests or a parent wondering how to help, this guide has got you covered. From understanding what SATs are to top revision tips and exam-day strategies, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to approach SATs with confidence!
What Are SATs and Why Do They Matter?
SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are used in primary and secondary schools in the UK to check students’ progress in English, Maths, and sometimes Science.
📝 KS2 SATs (Year 6) – These are taken in May and assess:✔ English Reading – Can you understand and analyze a text?✔ English SPaG – Spelling, punctuation, and grammar.✔ Maths – Arithmetic and problem-solving.
Do KS2 SATs matter? Not in terms of getting into secondary school! But they do help teachers understand your strengths and areas to work on.
🔎 KS3 SATs (Year 9) – These aren’t compulsory anymore, but some schools still use them to check progress before GCSEs. They cover English, Maths, and Science and help teachers decide on GCSE groups.
How to Revise for SATs Without Feeling Overwhelmed
✅ Start Early – The earlier you begin, the less stressful it’ll be! Even 15-20 minutes a day can make a difference.
✅ Practice, Practice, Practice – Get familiar with SATs-style questions using past papers and quizzes.
✅ Make Learning Fun – Apps like BBC Bitesize, Spelling Shed, and DoodleMaths turn revision into a game.
✅ Break It Down – Don’t try to do everything at once. Focus on one topic at a time.
✅ Ask for Help – If something isn’t making sense, ask a teacher, tutor, or even a friend.
✅ Test Yourself – Flashcards, mini quizzes, or even explaining a topic to someone else can help you remember things better.
✅ Take Care of Yourself – Get enough sleep, take breaks, and don’t forget to breathe!
For Parents: How to Support Your Child
💡 Keep It Positive – Remind your child that SATs are just one part of their learning journey. Encouragement goes a long way!
💡 Create a Study Routine – A little revision every day is better than last-minute cramming.💡 Use Real-Life Examples – Turn everyday moments into learning opportunities (e.g., measuring ingredients for Maths).
💡 Provide a Quiet Study Space – Make sure your child has a distraction-free area to focus.💡 Go Through Practice Questions Together – Even if you don’t remember your own SATs, talking through problems can help boost confidence.
💡 Celebrate Progress – Reward effort, not just results! Small treats or breaks can keep motivation high.
The Best SATs Revision Resources
📚 Books: CGP SATs Study Guides, Collins SATs Practice Papers.
💻 Websites: BBC Bitesize, SATs Boot Camp, Twinkl.
📱 Apps: DoodleMaths, Literacy Planet, Times Tables Rock Stars.
The Night Before & Exam Day: Staying Calm and Focused
The night before SATs can feel nerve-wracking, but there’s no need to panic!
🌙 Night Before SATs:
Get at least 8 hours of sleep – A well-rested brain performs better!
Pack everything you need – Pens, pencils, water bottle.
Avoid last-minute cramming – Instead, do a quick recap of key topics.
Stay positive – You’ve worked hard, and you’re ready!
🎯 On the Day of the SATs:
Eat a good breakfast – Avoid sugary cereals that cause energy crashes!
Take deep breaths – If you feel nervous, breathe in for 4 seconds, hold, then breathe out slowly.
Read the questions carefully – Don’t rush; take your time to understand each one.
Check your answers – If you have time left, go over your work.
Believe in yourself – You’ve got this!
SATs are just one step in your education journey. They don’t define you, and they certainly aren’t something to fear. With the right preparation, a positive mindset, and a bit of practice, you’ll be able to tackle them with confidence.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with many students, helping them gain confidence in their abilities and achieve their academic goals. One of my recent students, Maiia, worked incredibly hard on her SATS and 11+ exams. Through our lessons, we focused intensively on verbal and non-verbal reasoning practice papers, honing her skills and exam techniques.
Maiia’s dedication, combined with structured support, paid off—she successfully secured a place at her top-choice grammar school, at Ashcroft Technology Academy! Her journey is a perfect example of how the right preparation, perseverance, and expert guidance can turn aspirations into achievements.
✨ If you or your child need extra support for SATs or 11+, grammar school entrance exams, or GCSE English, I’d love to help. Get in touch today to start the journey to success!
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Or call at 07568583947
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