Are KS1 SATs still compulsory in 2025?

No. KS1 SATs became optional in 2024, meaning schools are no longer required by law to administer them. Many schools continue to use the assessments voluntarily. Parents should check with their school directly to confirm whether the tests will take place.

What is included in the KS1 SATs papers?

The KS1 SATs cover three subject areas: English Reading (two papers), Mathematics (two papers), and Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (two papers), giving six papers in total. Writing is assessed by the class teacher and is not tested through a formal paper.

Who marks the KS1 SATs papers?

KS1 SATs are marked internally by the child's class teacher using the official STA mark scheme. There is no external examiner involved — unlike KS2 SATs, which are marked by trained external markers.

Where can I download free KS1 SATs papers?

You can download all KS1 SATs past papers free of charge at satspapershub.co.uk/ks1-sats-past-papers/, including mark schemes, from 2016 to 2025. No registration is required.

Can my child use a calculator in the KS1 Maths SATs?

No. Calculators and all other numerical aids are not permitted in either of the KS1 Maths papers. A ruler may be used in the Reasoning paper where measurement questions appear.

How long do the KS1 SATs papers take?

The papers are not strictly timed. As a guide, the two Reading papers take around 70 minutes in total, the two Maths papers around 55 minutes, and the two SPaG papers around 35 minutes. Children are given rest breaks between papers.

What do KS1 SATs results mean?

Results are given as a scaled score between 85 and 115. A score of 100 means the child has met the expected standard for the end of Year 2. Results are reported as Working Towards, Working at, or Working at Greater Depth within the Expected Standard.

Do KS1 SATs results appear in school league tables?

No. Since KS1 SATs became optional, results are no longer included in published school performance data or government league tables. They are used solely for internal teacher assessment.

How can I help my Year 2 child prepare for KS1 SATs at home?

The most effective preparation is regular, short practice using past papers in a calm and supportive environment. Keep sessions to 10 to 15 minutes, read together daily, and practise number skills through everyday activities. Avoid long study sessions and keep the tone positive.

What is the difference between KS1 and KS2 SATs?

KS1 SATs are taken by children in Year 2 (age 6–7) and are now optional. KS2 SATs are taken by children in Year 6 (age 10–11) and remain statutory. KS1 papers are marked by the class teacher; KS2 papers are marked externally. KS2 results feed into school performance data.

Free KS1 SATs Papers | Year 2 Past Papers 2003

KS1 SATs papers are the official assessments taken by children in Year 2 (age 6–7) at the end of Key Stage 1 in England. On this page, you can download free KS1 SATs past papers from 2016 to 2026, including all Maths, English Reading, and Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (SPaG) papers, along with their official mark schemes — no registration required.

All papers on this page are produced by the Standards and Testing Agency (STA), the official body responsible for national assessments in England. We update this page every year as new papers are released.

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KS1 SATs Reading Papers

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KS1 Maths SATs Papers

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New Curriculum

We recommend using papers from 2016 onwards as these align with the current national curriculum. Earlier papers follow a different specification and may include content that is no longer tested.

Old Curriculum

These papers were produced under the previous curriculum and are useful for additional practice, though some content may differ from current tests.

Free KS1 SATs Papers – Year 2 Past Papers & Resources (2003–2026)

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