
SATs Resources: Essential Tools and Strategies for KS2 Success
Best SATs Resources for KS2
The right SATs resources help Year 6 pupils prepare effectively for their tests. You can access quality free resources online, and you should choose between printed and digital materials based on your classroom needs.
Top Free Download Sites
Many websites offer excellent free KS2 SATs papers and practice materials at no cost. These platforms support both teachers and parents.
SATs Papers Guide serves as a reliable source. This website provides downloadable KS1 and KS2 SATs papers with preparation guides to help pupils study.
SATs Tests Online gives schools a free preparation service. Pupils can create their own Maths, English, and Science tests at school or home.
The Twinkl platform offers SATs Packs for Parents and Carers. These packs contain practice tests that help children get used to SATs-style questions.
TES Resources features materials from experienced teachers. You will find comprehensive SATs preparation bundles including KS2 SPaG papers with detailed mark schemes.
Printed vs Digital SATs Materials
Digital resources provide immediate access and easy sharing across devices. You can print specific pages or display questions on interactive whiteboards.
Printed materials create a more authentic test experience. Many children find it easier to focus on paper-based questions without screen distractions.
Digital advantages:
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Instant downloads
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Easy storage and organisation
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Interactive features available
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Environmentally friendly option
Printed benefits:
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Matches actual test conditions
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Reduces screen time
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Better for annotation and working out
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No technical issues during practice
Use both formats strategically. Digital resources suit initial teaching and revision, while printed papers are best for formal practice sessions.
Choosing High-Quality SATs Resources
Choose resources that organise questions by content domains and topic areas. This helps you spot where pupils need extra support.
Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole, says, “Quality SATs resources should mirror the actual test format and provide clear explanations for answers.”
Essential features:
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Past paper questions from official sources
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Detailed mark schemes with model answers
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Questions organised by National Curriculum objectives
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Different difficulty levels for differentiation
Avoid resources with unclear instructions or poor question quality. Make sure answer sheets include worked solutions, not just final answers.
Select materials that teachers have used successfully in real classrooms. Teacher-created resources often include practical insights.
Maths SATs Resources for Year 6
To prepare Year 6 pupils for KS2 SATs, use a mix of practice papers, targeted question sets, arithmetic drills, and engaging reasoning activities. Mixing different resource types builds confidence and mathematical stamina.
KS2 Maths Practice Papers
Complete SATs papers give pupils the full test experience. You can find free KS2 SATs past papers from 2014 onwards, including mark schemes.
Start with the most recent papers. These reflect the current format and difficulty level.
Paper Types:
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Arithmetic papers (30 minutes)
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Reasoning Paper 1 (40 minutes)
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Reasoning Paper 2 (40 minutes)
Michelle Connolly, with experience in educational technology, notes that regular timed practice builds stamina. Quality discussions after practice help deepen mathematical understanding.
Third Space Learning offers comprehensive SATs practice papers with detailed mark schemes. Teachers have downloaded their papers nearly 50,000 times.
Use diagnostic questioning after each paper. Ask pupils to explain their working and identify where they lost marks.
Topic-Based Maths Questions
Break down SATs revision by mathematical topics to target specific weaknesses. Place value, fractions, and ratio appear often in tests.
You can access 75 topic-based SATs questions organised into practice tests. These cover the most frequently tested areas.
High-Priority Topics:
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Fractions, decimals and percentages (40% of reasoning questions)
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Measurement and geometry (focus on area and perimeter)
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Ratio and proportion (complex word problems)
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Statistics (interpreting charts and graphs)
The White Rose Maths Hub provides SATs-style reasoning resources by curriculum area. Work backwards from the answer with your class to reverse-engineer these questions.
Use these questions for intervention groups or homework. Pupils benefit from working together and discussing their methods.
Revision Activities for Arithmetic
Pupils need automatic recall of number facts and efficient calculation methods. The arithmetic paper allows pupils to secure easy marks with proper preparation.
Fluent in Five is a popular daily arithmetic resource. You receive 5 questions daily covering four operations to build speed and accuracy.
Essential Arithmetic Skills:
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Long multiplication and division
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Adding and subtracting fractions
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Decimal calculations to 3 decimal places
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Percentage calculations
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Order of operations (BODMAS)
Try My Mini Maths for 10-minute arithmetic tests that match the SATs format. Use these as starter activities or for intervention sessions.
Quick Tip: Create arithmetic question banks using the TES downloadable arithmetic template. Edit it weekly to focus on your pupils’ weak areas.
Set up arithmetic races where pupils compete against their previous times. This builds fluency without causing anxiety.
Reasoning Tasks and Games
Reasoning questions require mathematical thinking and clear explanations. Pupils need to explain their methods and justify their answers.
Rapid Reasoning provides 360 reasoning questions in a structured daily programme. Use 3-5 questions each day throughout the term.
Effective Reasoning Strategies:
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Bar modelling for word problems
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Drawing diagrams to visualise problems
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Working systematically through multi-step questions
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Checking answers using inverse operations
Diagnostic Questions offers interactive KS2 quizzes that reveal common misconceptions. Pupils receive immediate feedback to help them learn from mistakes.
Turn reasoning practice into engaging activities. Use maths games where pupils explain their thinking aloud to partners.
Let pupils act as teachers by reviewing a completed reasoning question with deliberate errors. They identify mistakes and explain the correct method, which builds confidence and reinforces good techniques.
English SATs Resources for Year 6
Year 6 students benefit from focused practice materials that build confidence and mastery in English SATs. The best resources combine past papers, targeted comprehension activities, grammar exercises, and interactive games.
KS2 English Practice Papers
Past papers form the foundation of effective SATs preparation. You can find free English past SATs papers and answers for authentic practice.
These papers help children learn the exam format and timing. They cover reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and spelling in the same structure as the real tests.
Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole, says, “Past papers are invaluable because they show children exactly what to expect. Students who practice with real papers feel more confident on test day.”
Start with older papers and move towards recent years. This approach builds skills gradually and tracks improvement.
Benefits of using past papers:
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Authentic question styles
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Proper timing practice
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Mark scheme guidance
Reading Comprehension Activities
Reading comprehension needs specific practice beyond general reading. Use activities that develop inference, explanation, and analysis skills.
BBC Bitesize offers KS2 SATs resources designed for year 6 children preparing for 2025 tests. These interactive materials target comprehension weaknesses.
Practice with different text types, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Each type requires different reading strategies.
Keep sessions short and focused. Twenty minutes of concentrated practice is more effective than hour-long sessions.
Key comprehension skills:
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Finding evidence in texts
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Making inferences about characters
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Explaining word choices
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Summarising main ideas
Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Tasks
SPaG tests need systematic practice of grammar rules and punctuation. CGP Books provides free KS2 SATs online 10-minute tests for grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills.
Focus on common problem areas like apostrophes, speech punctuation, and verb tenses. These topics appear often in SATs papers.
Create quick daily practice routines with short tests. Regular practice helps prevent knowledge gaps.
Most tested SPaG areas:
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Apostrophes for possession and contraction
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Speech punctuation and paragraphing
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Verb tenses and subject-verb agreement
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Word classes and sentence types
English Revision Games
Games make revision enjoyable and reinforce key concepts. Tes offers KS2 reading, SPaG, and activities created by experienced teachers.
Interactive games work well for grammar revision. Students remember rules better when they learn through play.
Use games as rewards after practice papers or as warm-ups before revision sessions. This keeps motivation high.
Effective game types:
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Grammar sorting activities
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Punctuation correction challenges
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Vocabulary building games
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Speed comprehension quizzes
How to Use SATs Resources Effectively
Use SATs resources strategically to organise your child’s preparation. Create structured revision schedules, set measurable goals, and balance serious practice with engaging activities.
Creating a Revision Timetable
A well-planned revision timetable helps you and your child avoid last-minute cramming and reduces stress.
Start by using practice tests or teacher feedback to identify which subjects need the most attention.
Michelle Connolly, who has 16 years of experience in education, observes that children do better with predictable routines that break learning into manageable chunks.
She suggests that short, focused sessions work better than long study periods.
Weekly Structure Example:
- Monday: English reading comprehension (20 minutes)
- Wednesday: Maths problem solving (20 minutes)
- Friday: Mixed practice questions (15 minutes)
- Sunday: Review mistakes from the week (10 minutes)
Keep sessions short and focused.
Year 6 children concentrate best in 15-20 minute bursts with clear objectives.
Creating a revision calendar helps your child know exactly what to study each day.
Write specific topics instead of general subjects like “do maths.”
Quick Planning Tips:
- Schedule harder subjects when your child is most alert
- Include weekend breaks to prevent burnout
Plan lighter revision the week before SATs.
Build in flexibility for school homework.
Setting Targets and Tracking Progress
Measurable goals let your child see improvement and build confidence.
Set clear targets like “answer 8 out of 10 fraction questions correctly” instead of vague goals.
Create a simple tracking chart with weekly targets.
This visual progress helps motivate children and shows you where to focus extra support.
Target Examples by Subject:
- English: Complete one comprehension passage without help
- Maths: Master one times table per fortnight
- SPAG: Learn five new spelling patterns monthly
Track both accuracy and speed, since SATs preparation involves working within time limits.
Use practice papers to set baseline scores and measure improvement every two weeks.
Progress Tracking Methods:
- Tick charts for completed activities
- Score sheets for practice tests
Use error logs to spot recurring mistakes.
Rate confidence for each topic on a 1-5 scale.
Mixing Game-Based Learning With Practice Papers
Balance serious SATs practice with interactive games to keep revision engaging and prevent fatigue.
Educational games reinforce learning and feel like play time.
Alternate between formal practice papers and online SATs games in your revision timetable.
Using online resources for extra practice helps children stay motivated while covering the same curriculum.
Effective Mixing Strategy:
- Start sessions with 5 minutes of educational games
- Follow with 10-15 minutes of focused practice
End with quick-fire quiz questions or apps.
Use games as rewards for completing harder work.
Try times tables apps between arithmetic practice or spelling games before writing exercises.
This approach helps children connect learning with positive experiences.
Balance Guidelines:
- 70% formal practice papers and worksheets
- 30% interactive games and activities
Always connect games back to SATs question types.
Choose games that match current learning objectives.
Revision Strategies for KS2 SATs

Effective revision uses active learning and structured routines.
Research shows that testing yourself from memory works better than re-reading notes.
Short, regular sessions help more than cramming.
Active Revision Methods
Active revision makes your brain work harder than just reading notes.
Research-backed strategies show that self-testing builds memory better than passive review.
Practice Testing works best for SATs revision.
Use past SATs papers under timed conditions to get used to the format.
Try these active methods:
- Cover your notes and write key facts from memory
- Use flashcards with questions on one side, answers on the other
Take online quizzes with instant feedback.
Explain topics out loud to a parent or sibling.
Interleaving means mixing different subjects in one session.
Switch between grammar, reading comprehension, and maths problems to build problem-solving skills.
Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole, says, “Children who actively test themselves during revision perform significantly better than those who simply re-read their notes.”
Dual Coding combines visuals with written information.
Create mind maps for grammar rules or draw diagrams to explain maths concepts.
This helps your brain store information in different ways.
Daily and Weekly Revision Routines
Structure helps children prepare for SATs tests.
Creating a revision schedule makes sure you cover all topics without panic.
Spaced Repetition means reviewing topics at increasing intervals.
Study fractions on Day 1, revisit them on Day 3, then again on Day 7.
This helps move knowledge into long-term memory.
| Week | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maths: Fractions | English: Grammar | Maths: Geometry | English: Reading | Mixed practice |
| 2 | Review fractions | New grammar rules | Review geometry | Comprehension skills | SATs practice |
Keep revision sessions short and focused.
Aim for 20-25 minutes with 5-minute breaks.
Longer sessions make it harder to concentrate.
Daily Routine Structure:
- Warm-up with times tables or spellings (5 minutes)
- Main topic focus (20 minutes)
Quickly review yesterday’s work (5 minutes).
Take an active break with movement.
Chunk information into smaller sections.
Learn one spelling rule at a time instead of trying to memorise everything at once.
Managing Test Stress
SATs practice builds confidence, but managing nerves is important too.
Stress can affect memory and concentration, so staying calm helps you do your best.
Before the Test:
- Get plenty of sleep the week before SATs
- Eat a good breakfast on test days
Arrive early to settle in calmly.
Use positive self-talk: “I’ve prepared well for this.”
During the Test:
- Read questions twice before answering
- Start with easier questions to build confidence
Take deep breaths if you feel overwhelmed.
Move on if you’re stuck and come back later.
Breathing Technique: Breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 4, breathe out for 6.
This activates your calm response and reduces anxiety.
Set up a revision reward system.
After finishing each session, enjoy a small treat or favourite activity.
Stay active during revision breaks.
Short walks or stretching help your brain process information and keep you focused for the next session.
Types of SATs Papers and Practice Materials

SATs preparation uses different materials to target specific skills and knowledge areas.
These resources range from official past papers to interactive digital tools that make learning engaging.
Past SATs Papers
Past SATs papers provide the foundation for strong exam preparation.
These official documents give you and your child a clear preview of what to expect on test day.
Official SATs papers are available for free download from 1999 onwards.
You can access complete test papers for both KS1 and KS2 levels.
Key benefits of using past papers:
- Familiarise children with question formats
- Practice timing under exam conditions
Identify knowledge gaps early.
Build confidence through repeated exposure.
The papers cover all core subjects tested in SATs, including English reading, grammar and punctuation, spelling, and mathematics.
Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole, says, “Past papers are invaluable because they show children exactly what they’ll face. The question styles and difficulty levels remain consistent year on year.”
Complete papers under timed conditions to help children develop proper exam technique and pace themselves.
Sample Questions and Mark Schemes
Sample questions break down complex topics into manageable parts.
They allow focused practice on specific skills without the pressure of a full paper.
Mark schemes show exactly how answers are assessed.
Understanding the marking criteria helps children structure their responses correctly.
What mark schemes typically include:
- Acceptable answer variations
- Common mistakes to avoid
Marking allocation per question.
Guidance on partial credit.
Free SATs questions with answers are available online.
These resources often group questions by topic or difficulty level.
Practice with sample questions works well for maths.
Children can focus on specific areas like fractions or problem-solving.
For English, sample questions help with reading comprehension techniques.
Children learn to find key information and structure their written responses.
Interactive Quizzes
Interactive quizzes make SATs revision more engaging and give immediate feedback.
These digital tools often include games and visuals for different learning styles.
Many platforms offer interactive SATs revision games that adapt to your child’s ability level.
The difficulty changes based on their responses.
Advantages of interactive quizzes:
- Instant feedback on answers
- Progress tracking over time
Gamified learning experience.
Accessible on multiple devices.
BBC Bitesize provides interactive questions and educational games designed for SATs preparation.
These resources combine curriculum content with engaging gameplay.
Use interactive tools as supplements to traditional practice papers.
They’re ideal for quick revision sessions or for keeping motivation high.
Immediate feedback helps children understand mistakes quickly.
This stops incorrect methods from becoming habits.
One Page Revision Sheets
One page revision sheets condense key information into easy-to-read formats.
These summaries are perfect for last-minute revision or quick reference.
SATs revision materials often include concise fact sheets covering essential topics.
Each sheet usually focuses on one specific area.
Effective revision sheet elements:
- Key formulas and rules
- Worked examples
Reminders about common errors.
Quick self-test questions.
For maths, revision sheets might cover times tables, fraction rules, or geometry formulas.
English sheets often include spelling patterns, grammar rules, or punctuation guidance.
These materials help visual learners who like clear layouts.
The compact format makes them portable for revision anywhere.
You can create personalised revision sheets based on your child’s weaknesses.
Focus on areas where they make mistakes in practice papers.
Use revision sheets for final preparation before exams.
The concise format reinforces essential knowledge without overload.
Key Stage 2 SATs Breakdown
Year 6 pupils take formal KS2 SATs tests in English and maths during May.
The Department for Education sets the specific dates.
The tests follow a structured format with three papers for maths and two for English reading and grammar.
SATs Test Structure in Year 6
Your child completes four main test papers during their KS2 SATs week in Year 6.
Mathematics Papers:
- Paper 1: Arithmetic (30 minutes) – mental maths and calculations
- Paper 2: Reasoning (40 minutes) – problem-solving questions
- Paper 3: Reasoning (40 minutes) – additional reasoning tasks
English Papers:
- Reading Test: Single paper (60 minutes) with questions based on three different texts
- Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling: Two parts totalling 45 minutes
Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole with 16 years of classroom experience, explains, “The SATs test covers key objectives taught throughout Years 3, 4, 5 and 6.” She adds, “Children aren’t just tested on Year 6 content—it’s cumulative learning.”
External markers check each paper. Your child gets scaled scores from 80-120. A score of 100 shows the expected standard.
Important Dates and Deadlines
KS2 SATs Week 2026 usually takes place in mid-May. The government sends schools the exact dates by February each year.
The 2025 materials appeared as follows:
- May: Main test papers released
- June: Optional KS1 materials added
- July: Scaled score conversion tables published
Your preparation timeline:
- September-December: Baseline assessments and gap identification
- January-March: Intensive revision using past papers
- April: Final practice and confidence building
- May: Test week
Parents receive results by mid-July. Secondary schools get the data before September to help with setting arrangements.
Schools complete tests during the set week. If weather closures or other exceptional events occur, the local authority must approve any changes.
What to Expect on SATs Day
Your child takes tests in familiar school surroundings with their usual teacher supervising. Schools aim to create calm, focused environments to reduce anxiety.
Daily schedule usually includes:
- Morning test session (usually 9:00-10:30am)
- Extended break time
- Normal afternoon lessons
Test conditions are formal:
- Individual desks spaced apart
- Silence during papers
- No calculators for any maths papers
- Teachers read spelling tests aloud
Children may ask for help with instructions but not with test content. Schools provide spare pencils and rubbers.
Special arrangements like extra time, rest breaks, or modified papers support pupils with SEND. Schools apply for these in advance.
Schools often plan celebration activities for the afternoon to reward children’s efforts and mark the end of their primary school assessments.
KS2 Maths Revision Games

Games turn maths revision into an engaging challenge that children enjoy. Maths games reinforce arithmetic skills, strengthen reasoning, and build confidence through practice in a fun setting.
Popular Maths Games
Interactive online games help with KS2 maths revision. BBC Bitesize offers SATs revision games for Year 2 and Year 6 children preparing for their assessments.
Top Marks features arithmetic practice through game-based challenges. Children solve maths problems and progress through levels, turning practice into play.
Twinkl Study Squad offers interactive SATs games that match their printed workbooks. These games target curriculum areas and provide instant feedback.
Quick-fire mental maths games increase calculation speed and number confidence. Children race against the clock to solve problems, building fluency for SATs arithmetic papers.
Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole, says, “Games remove the pressure from maths practice whilst maintaining rigorous learning objectives.”
How Games Boost Understanding
Games give children a safe space to make mistakes and learn from them. Unlike tests, games encourage repeated attempts without fear.
Immediate feedback lets children spot errors quickly. When they enter wrong answers, games often show the correct method.
Competitive features motivate children to improve. Leaderboards and progress tracking encourage regular practice at home and school.
Visual representations help children understand abstract concepts. Fraction games use pizza slices or chocolate bars to make maths clearer.
Games also help children build stamina for longer problem-solving tasks. They work through harder challenges and build concentration skills.
Game Recommendations for Arithmetic and Reasoning
SATs-style board games offer offline alternatives for arithmetic, Roman numerals, and problem-solving questions. These games work well for booster sessions or independent revision.
Arithmetic Games:
- Times table race games for multiplication fluency
- Fraction matching games for equivalent fractions
- Place value games with digit cards
Reasoning Games:
- Logic puzzles similar to SATs questions
- Pattern recognition games for sequence problems
- Word problem adventures to build comprehension
Diagnostic question games spot knowledge gaps using multiple-choice formats. Children get explanations for both correct and incorrect answers.
Try class tournaments with different games each week. This keeps enthusiasm high and covers the KS2 maths curriculum through varied games.
KS2 English Revision Games

Games make English revision fun for Year 6 students preparing for SATs. The best learning games focus on reading skills and spelling, punctuation, and grammar (SPaG). Many games can be adapted for group play at home or in class.
Best English Learning Games
Interactive KS2 English games help students practise grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills while keeping them engaged. Crystal Explorers from BBC Bitesize challenges pupils to use English knowledge to unlock new levels.
Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole, says, “Games transform revision from a chore into an adventure. Children remember what they learn through play much better than traditional methods.”
Online quiz platforms create competitive revision sessions. KS2 English revision games give instant feedback on spelling rules, prefixes, suffixes, and punctuation.
Word games build vocabulary skills. Crosswords with SATs vocabulary help pupils learn tricky spellings. Anagram games improve letter recognition and spelling patterns.
Top game types for KS2 English:
- Grammar sorting games
- Punctuation placement challenges
- Spelling pattern puzzles
- Reading comprehension quizzes
Reading and SPAG Game Ideas
Reading games build comprehension skills tested in SATs. Create treasure hunts where pupils find metaphors, similes, and facts in texts. Comic strip games help children spot character emotions and story themes.
SPAG games target specific skills:
- Apostrophe races—pupils place apostrophes correctly
- Adverb detective—finding and sorting adverbs
- Sentence surgery—correcting grammar mistakes
- Punctuation bingo—matching punctuation marks to uses
Revision activities for Year 6 include games based on National Curriculum aims. These focus on spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills found in SATs papers.
Memory games help with spelling patterns. Make matching pairs with root words and their prefixes or suffixes. Board games with question cards test different English skills in one activity.
Playing Games With Friends or Family
Group games make revision social and enjoyable. 20 Questions with book characters builds inference skills. Teams can compete in spelling challenges or grammar quizzes.
Family game nights can include English learning. Scrabble builds vocabulary, and word association games improve quick thinking. Charades using book titles or characters makes reading fun.
Multiplayer game ideas:
- Grammar relay races
- Spelling bee competitions
- Reading comprehension team challenges
- Punctuation speed rounds
Free KS1 and KS2 SATs resources include games for group play. Many games can be adapted for different group sizes or skill levels.
Create your own family games using SATs past papers. Turn comprehension questions into quizzes. Make spelling tests competitive with points and prizes for correct answers.
Supporting Year 6 Pupils Through SATs
SATs preparation includes academic revision and emotional support. Building resilience helps young learners succeed.
Successful support happens when parents and carers work together while keeping motivation and confidence high.
Parent and Carer Guidance
Parents play a key role in creating a calm, supportive environment during Year 6 SATs preparation. Your guidance helps children balance encouragement and pressure.
Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole, says, “Working with parents for over 16 years, I’ve seen how the right home support can transform a child’s SATs experience. It’s about partnership, not pressure.”
Share clear expectations about homework routines and revision schedules. Encourage parents to set consistent study times that fit into family life.
Provide wellbeing guidance for SATs for both parents and pupils. These resources help families understand emotional challenges children may face.
Key messages for parents:
- Focus on effort, not just results
- Keep normal bedtimes and routines
- Avoid comparing their child to others
- Celebrate small improvements
Remind parents that SATs are only one measure of a child’s abilities. Secondary schools receive detailed information about each pupil.
Motivating Pupils for Revision
Year 6 revision needs a balance between preparation and enthusiasm. Use strategies that keep pupils engaged and prevent burnout.
Use SATs games and interactive activities to break up traditional revision. These resources add energy when pupils feel overwhelmed.
Create revision challenges with team elements. Pupils enjoy partner work and friendly competition during preparation.
Effective motivation strategies:
- Set weekly goals instead of daily targets
- Use visual progress trackers in classrooms
- Celebrate completed revision sections
- Rotate subjects to keep interest high
Let pupils choose some revision activities. Some prefer written practice, while others like verbal explanations or practical tasks.
Track progress and praise improvements. Even small gains in certain question types deserve recognition.
Building Confidence for SATs
Building confidence involves addressing both academic preparation and test anxiety. Focus on familiar routines and positive experiences.
Gradually introduce practice test conditions instead of starting with full timed sessions. Begin with shorter time limits and increase them step by step.
Acknowledge pupils’ feelings and offer coping strategies to support them through emotional challenges. Many children worry about disappointing their parents or teachers.
Confidence-building techniques:
- Teach question-answering strategies.
- Practise reading questions carefully.
- Show how to check work systematically.
- Demonstrate time management skills.
Use clear success criteria for each question type. When pupils know what makes a good answer, they feel more prepared.
Encourage pupils to explain their thinking to peers. This helps them build confidence in their knowledge and reasoning.
Plan calm and supportive SATs week activities that keep routines steady and recognise the importance of the tests.
Overview of Key Stage 2 Curriculum Areas

Key Stage 2 SATs focus on core mathematics and English skills developed from Years 3 to 6. The tests cover number work, problem-solving, reading comprehension, grammar, spelling, and essential thinking skills.
Mathematics Topics for SATs
Number and Place Value forms the foundation of KS2 maths assessments. Pupils work with numbers up to 10 million, understand place value, rounding, and negative numbers.
The Four Operations section tests addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Children solve multi-step problems using written and mental methods.
Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages appear often in SATs papers. Pupils convert between these forms, compare values, and solve problems involving proportions.
Measurement questions include length, mass, capacity, time, and money. Children calculate perimeters, areas, and volumes and convert between units.
Geometry covers shapes, angles, coordinates, and transformations. Pupils identify 2D and 3D shapes, measure angles, and work with reflection and translation.
Statistics involves reading charts, graphs, and tables. Children calculate averages, analyse data, and solve problems using statistics.
Michelle Connolly, an expert in educational technology, explains, “SATs maths questions often combine multiple topics, so pupils need to see connections between different areas rather than treating them as separate subjects.”
English Topics for SATs
Reading Comprehension tests understanding of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Children answer questions about meaning, inference, vocabulary, and author’s purpose.
The reading paper includes:
- Retrieval questions for specific information
- Inference tasks that require reading between the lines
- Vocabulary questions about word meanings
- Summary and sequencing activities
Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling form a separate test. Pupils identify word classes, sentence types, and punctuation rules through multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
Key grammar areas include:
- Word classes: nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs
- Sentence structure: clauses, phrases, conjunctions
- Punctuation: apostrophes, commas, speech marks
- Tenses and agreement: past, present, and future forms
Spelling patterns cover common rules, prefixes, suffixes, and tricky words found in KS2 English lessons.
Teachers assess writing skills through classroom work. Pupils need strong writing abilities to explain their mathematical reasoning clearly.
Cross-Curricular Skills
Problem-solving links mathematics to real-world situations. Pupils apply number skills to science, geography, or history.
Reading across subjects helps children understand maths word problems and interpret charts or diagrams. Strong comprehension supports learning in all areas.
Logical thinking develops as pupils sequence events, follow instructions, and make reasoned arguments. These skills help in both maths and literary analysis.
Communication skills help children explain their thinking in writing and speech. Key Stage 2 assessments value clear explanations as well as correct answers.
Comprehension texts often include technical vocabulary from science, history, and geography. Pupils use knowledge from across subjects to understand these texts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students and parents often want clear guidance on finding quality SAT practice materials. The following questions answer practical concerns about reliable practice tests, digital resources, and trusted preparation platforms.
What are the best websites to find free SAT practice tests?
You can find free SAT practice materials on several trusted educational platforms. Khan Academy offers comprehensive SAT preparation in partnership with College Board, providing personalised practice for your needs.
The College Board’s official website is a great starting point. You will find practice tests that match the real exam format.
BBC Bitesize provides interactive SAT resources with revision games and practice questions. These make revision enjoyable and help build confidence.
Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole, says, “Free resources work brilliantly when students use them consistently rather than cramming. Regular practice with quality materials beats expensive courses every time.”
How can I access a question bank for SAT preparation?
You can access large question banks on many online SAT preparation platforms. Khan Academy offers thousands of practice questions sorted by topic and difficulty.
Third Space Learning offers free SATs questions with detailed answers for Key Stage 2. These resources include explanations for each answer.
Many educational websites have searchable question databases. You can filter by subject to make your revision more focused.
Create your own question bank by saving challenging problems you find. This helps you focus on your weak areas.
Can I find SAT practice tests in PDF format with answers?
Yes, you can download SAT practice tests in PDF format with answer keys. Websites like SATs Papers Guide offer free downloadable materials without registration.
PDFs are useful for offline study. You can print out specific sections or full tests as needed.
Some publishers provide downloadable practice materials with their printed books. These often include marking schemes and examiner notes.
Check your local library’s digital resources too. Many libraries offer premium educational content online.
Where might one find an online digital SAT practice test?
You can use College Board’s official Bluebook application for digital SAT practice tests. This platform gives the most realistic digital testing experience.
The transition to digital SAT testing began internationally in 2023, so digital practice is now essential. The format includes adaptive questions that adjust to your performance.
Khan Academy has browser-based practice tests that simulate the digital format. These tests provide instant feedback and score analysis.
Several educational technology companies also offer online testing platforms. These resources often include progress tracking and performance analytics.
What resources does Khan Academy offer for SAT preparation?
Khan Academy provides SAT preparation resources in partnership with College Board. You get personalised practice based on your PSAT scores or diagnostic tests.
The platform includes video lessons for every SAT topic. These tutorials break down concepts into simple steps.
You can access thousands of practice questions by subject and skill level. The system tracks your progress and highlights areas to improve.
Khan Academy’s mobile app lets you practice anywhere. This flexibility helps you build consistent study habits even with a busy schedule.
How similar are the questions in the Bluebook SAT practice tests to the actual exam?
Bluebook practice tests closely match actual SAT questions. The College Board creates these materials using the same processes and standards as the official exam.
The question types and difficulty levels are the same as those on the real test. Bluebook practice tests also include adaptive features that reflect the real exam.
Students can take practice tests multiple times to improve their scores. This repeated practice builds familiarity with the testing interface.
The adaptive questions in Bluebook make your practice experience very similar to test day. This close match can help reduce anxiety and boost your confidence.



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