SATs Preparation Guide for Parents
SATs are national curriculum assessments taken by pupils at the end of Key Stage 2. They help measure a child’s attainment in English and Maths before moving to secondary school.
This guide explains what pupils should practise for Year 6 SATs and how to use the Scholars Tutorial online platform and printed paper sets to strengthen English reading, grammar, punctuation, spelling, Maths fluency and problem-solving skills.
What Are SATs?
SATs are Key Stage 2 national curriculum assessments completed by Year 6 pupils in England. They assess core English and Maths skills that children have built during primary school.
The main SATs areas are:
- English reading
- English grammar, punctuation and spelling
- Mathematics
SATs are different from 11+ exams. SATs are national curriculum assessments, while 11+ exams are selective school entrance tests. However, strong SATs preparation can also support important 11+ foundations, especially in English, Maths, vocabulary, SPAG and problem solving.
SATs vs 11+ Exams
SATs and 11+ exams have different purposes, but there is useful overlap in the skills pupils need.
| Area | SATs Preparation | 11+ Preparation Link |
|---|---|---|
| English Reading | Comprehension, inference, retrieval and vocabulary | Supports 11+ English comprehension and vocabulary questions |
| Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling | Language rules, spelling accuracy and punctuation | Supports 11+ SPAG, English and written accuracy |
| Mathematics | Arithmetic, reasoning and problem solving | Supports 11+ Maths, word problems and numerical reasoning |
| Exam Technique | Careful reading, timing and checking work | Supports 11+ accuracy and test confidence |
A child preparing well for SATs is also building useful academic foundations for 11+ and secondary school readiness.
What Should My Child Practise for SATs?
SATs preparation should focus on English reading, grammar, punctuation, spelling and Maths. Pupils should also learn how to work carefully, check answers and manage time calmly.
English Reading
English reading practice helps pupils understand texts, answer comprehension questions and explain meaning clearly.
Your child should practise:
- Reading age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction
- Retrieving information from a passage
- Making inferences
- Understanding vocabulary in context
- Explaining word choices
- Summarising ideas
- Using evidence from the text
- Answering questions accurately
Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling
Grammar, punctuation and spelling practice helps pupils improve language accuracy and confidence.
Your child should practise:
- Word classes
- Sentence types
- Clauses and phrases
- Verb tenses
- Subject-verb agreement
- Commas, apostrophes and speech punctuation
- Prefixes and suffixes
- Spelling patterns
- Proofreading and correcting errors
Mathematics
Maths preparation should include both arithmetic fluency and reasoning skills.
Your child should practise:
- Times tables and mental maths
- Written addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
- Fractions, decimals and percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Measurement and units
- Area, perimeter and volume
- Geometry and angles
- Statistics and data handling
- Algebra basics
- Word problems
- Multi-step reasoning
- Checking calculations
Scholars Tutorial Preparation Route for SATs
The Scholars Tutorial online platform can support SATs preparation by helping pupils strengthen English, Maths, SPAG and problem-solving skills.
Recommended Scholars Tutorial Online Route
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Foundation → 11+ Foundation English
- 11+ Foundation → 11+ Foundation Maths
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced English, for stronger readers
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced Maths, for pupils needing extra challenge
For SATs-only preparation, pupils do not usually need to prioritise Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning. However, VR and NVR may be useful if your child is also preparing for 11+ selective school exams.
Scholars Tutorial Online Categories
Scholars Tutorial organises practice into categories that can also support SATs foundations.
11+ Core Subjects
These are the most useful areas for SATs preparation.
- 11+ English
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ VR, if also preparing for 11+
- 11+ NVR, if also preparing for 11+
11+ Mock Exams
The most useful SATs-related subject in this category is SPAG.
- 11+ SPAG — spelling, punctuation, grammar and language accuracy practice.
- 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE — useful if your child is also preparing for mixed 11+ exams.
- 11+ SET (Sutton) — useful if your child is also preparing for Sutton-style 11+ tests.
11+ Foundation
Foundation subjects are useful for pupils who need to rebuild confidence before moving on to harder work.
- 11+ Foundation English
- 11+ Foundation Maths
- 11+ Foundation VR, if needed for wider 11+ preparation
11+ Advanced
Advanced subjects are useful for confident pupils or those also preparing for selective school entrance exams.
- 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced Maths
- 11+ Advanced SPAG
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- Creative Writing
- 11+ Poems
English Reading Preparation
Reading is one of the most important parts of SATs preparation. Pupils should practise reading a range of texts and answering questions carefully.
Useful practice includes:
- Reading short stories and extracts
- Reading non-fiction texts
- Finding evidence in a passage
- Explaining character feelings and motives
- Understanding unfamiliar vocabulary
- Summarising paragraphs
- Answering “how do you know?” questions
- Checking that answers match the question
Scholars Tutorial 11+ English, Foundation English and Advanced English can support comprehension skills at different levels.
SPAG Preparation
SPAG stands for spelling, punctuation and grammar. It is important for SATs and also supports better writing across all subjects.
Useful practice includes:
- Identifying nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs
- Using commas, apostrophes and inverted commas correctly
- Understanding clauses and phrases
- Recognising different sentence types
- Using correct verb tense
- Learning common spelling patterns
- Proofreading short passages
- Correcting grammar and punctuation errors
Scholars Tutorial 11+ SPAG and 11+ Advanced SPAG are useful for building accuracy and confidence.
Maths Preparation
SATs Maths preparation should combine arithmetic practice with reasoning and problem solving.
Useful practice includes:
- Daily times tables practice
- Mental maths warm-ups
- Written calculations
- Fractions, decimals and percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Measurement conversions
- Geometry and angles
- Word problems
- Multi-step reasoning
- Checking work carefully
Scholars Tutorial 11+ Maths, 11+ Maths : Word Problems, Foundation Maths and Advanced Maths can help pupils practise at the right level.
Creative Writing and SATs
Creative writing is not normally tested as a separate KS2 SATs paper, but writing skills are still important for school progress and secondary readiness.
Writing practice can help pupils improve:
- Sentence structure
- Vocabulary choice
- Paragraphing
- Spelling and punctuation
- Planning ideas
- Writing with clarity
- Editing and proofreading
Scholars Tutorial Creative Writing, Advanced English and SPAG can support pupils who need stronger written expression.
How to Use Printed Paper Sets for SATs
Printed paper sets help pupils practise concentration, careful reading and full-paper discipline.
For SATs preparation, useful printed paper sets include:
- 11+ English Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems Practice Papers
- 11+ SPAG Practice Papers
- 11+ Foundation English Practice Papers
- 11+ Foundation Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced English Practice Papers for stronger readers
- 11+ Advanced Maths Practice Papers for extra challenge
Although these printed sets are designed for 11+ preparation, they can also strengthen the English, Maths and SPAG skills needed for SATs.
Multiple Choice and Written Answer Practice
SATs include different question styles, including short answers, written explanations, calculations and selected responses. Pupils should practise reading each question carefully and answering in the format required.
Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets support Multiple Choice Format practice, which is useful for answer accuracy and careful selection. For SATs, pupils should also practise written answers, Maths working and explanations.
This helps pupils learn how to:
- Read instructions carefully
- Answer the exact question asked
- Show Maths working clearly
- Write concise English answers
- Check spelling and punctuation
- Review calculations
- Manage time calmly
Suggested Weekly SATs Preparation Plan
A balanced weekly SATs preparation plan could include:
- 2 days per week: English reading comprehension
- 2 days per week: Maths arithmetic and reasoning
- 1 day per week: SPAG and spelling practice
- 1 day per week: Printed paper or longer practice task
- 1 day per week: Review mistakes and revisit weak topics
Sessions do not need to be long. Regular short practice is usually more effective than last-minute cramming.
How SATs Preparation Supports 11+ Preparation
SATs preparation can support 11+ preparation because both require strong English and Maths foundations.
SATs skills that also help with 11+ include:
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar and punctuation
- Spelling accuracy
- Arithmetic fluency
- Problem solving
- Word problems
- Checking answers
- Working calmly under time pressure
If your child is also preparing for 11+ exams, add Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, mixed mock-style practice and exam-board-specific practice where needed.
Common SATs Preparation Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Leaving revision until the final few weeks
- Doing practice papers without reviewing mistakes
- Practising Maths arithmetic but ignoring reasoning
- Reading texts without answering comprehension questions
- Ignoring spelling, punctuation and grammar
- Focusing only on speed instead of accuracy
- Not checking answers carefully
- Creating too much pressure at home
The best preparation is steady, calm and focused on understanding mistakes.
How Parents Can Support at Home
Parents can make SATs preparation more effective by keeping practice positive and consistent.
Helpful habits include:
- Encourage daily reading
- Discuss unfamiliar vocabulary
- Practise times tables regularly
- Review one or two mistakes at a time
- Use short focused practice sessions
- Keep a list of weak topics
- Use online practice to target gaps
- Use printed papers for longer practice
- Encourage careful checking
- Praise effort and progress
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Year 6 SATs?
Year 6 SATs are Key Stage 2 national curriculum assessments in English reading, English grammar, punctuation and spelling, and Mathematics.
Are SATs the same as 11+ exams?
No. SATs are national curriculum assessments, while 11+ exams are selective school entrance tests. However, SATs preparation can build useful English and Maths foundations for 11+ preparation.
Which Scholars Tutorial subjects are best for SATs preparation?
Useful subjects include 11+ English, 11+ Maths, 11+ Maths : Word Problems, 11+ SPAG, Foundation English and Foundation Maths.
Does my child need VR and NVR for SATs?
No. SATs do not require separate Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning preparation. These areas are useful only if your child is also preparing for 11+ entrance exams.
Are printed paper sets useful for SATs?
Yes. Printed paper sets can help pupils practise full-paper concentration, careful reading, Maths problem solving, SPAG accuracy and time management.
Should my child practise creative writing for SATs?
Creative writing is not normally tested as a separate KS2 SATs paper, but writing practice still supports spelling, punctuation, grammar, sentence structure and secondary school readiness.
How often should my child practise for SATs?
Short, regular practice is usually best. A balanced routine can include reading, Maths, SPAG and mistake review across the week.
How can I reduce SATs stress?
Keep practice calm and consistent. Focus on progress, review mistakes gently and avoid last-minute cramming.
Final Advice
SATs preparation should be calm, consistent and focused on core English and Maths skills.
Pupils should build confidence in reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, spelling, arithmetic, reasoning and problem solving.
The Scholars Tutorial online platform can help pupils strengthen these areas through organised English, Maths, SPAG and Foundation subjects. Printed paper sets can support longer practice, exam discipline and careful mistake review.
By combining online practice, printed paper work, regular reading, Maths fluency and calm parental support, pupils can build the confidence needed for SATs and the foundations needed for future 11+ or secondary school success.