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Are there still Year 2 SATs?

Quick answer

Year 2 SATs (the key stage 1 tests) have been optional since the 2023 to 2024 school year. Some schools still use them, usually in May, to see how children are getting on before Year 3; others don't. The one check that is still required in Year 2 is the phonics check, for children who didn't meet the standard in Year 1 or didn't take it then.

By the TapLearn team · Updated 30 October 2026 · Facts checked 30 October 2026 · For England

What changed

Year 2 children in England used to take the key stage 1 tests, often called KS1 SATs, in reading and maths, and schools reported the results nationally. From the 2023 to 2024 school year the tests became optional. Schools can still use them, and the Standards and Testing Agency still publishes them, but there are no national results for Year 2 any more.

From 2028, progress through primary school will be measured from the Reception baseline assessment, a short check in the first six weeks of Reception, to the Year 6 SATs.

If your child's school uses the tests

  • Subjects: reading (two papers), maths (arithmetic and reasoning) and, optionally, grammar, punctuation and spelling.
  • When: the recommended time is May, but the school chooses the dates.
  • How: in the classroom, usually in small groups. The tests aren't strictly timed, and many children don't realise they're doing a test.
  • Results: the school decides whether to share them. Some put them in the end-of-year report. Your child's teacher will still tell you how they are getting on against what's expected for Year 2.

What is still required in Year 2

Children who didn't meet the standard in the Year 1 phonics screening check, or didn't take it in Year 1, take it in June of Year 2. Our guide to the Year 2 phonics retake explains what happens.

What Year 2 children learn

Whether or not there are tests, Year 2 is a busy year: place value to 100, the 2, 5 and 10 times tables, fractions such as a half and a quarter, telling the time to five minutes, and in English, longer sentences, apostrophes, commas in lists and the Year 2 common exception words. Our guide to what children learn in Year 2 has the full picture.

How you can help at home

  • Hear your child read most days, and talk about the story.
  • Practise counting in 2s, 5s and 10s on walks or stairs.
  • Keep it calm. Whether or not the school uses the tests, there's nothing to revise for.

Questions parents ask

Are KS1 SATs compulsory in 2027?

No. Key stage 1 tests have been optional since 2023 to 2024. Some schools choose to use them, usually in May.

Will my child's KS1 results go to secondary school?

There are no national KS1 results any more. Schools use any tests they give to plan teaching in Year 3.

Is there any test my child must take in Year 2?

Only the phonics check, for children who didn't meet the standard in Year 1 or didn't take it then. It takes place in June.

Should I buy KS1 practice papers?

There's no need. Regular reading together and a little number practice help more than test papers at this age.

Sources

Related guides

Written by the TapLearn team for parents and carers in England. Schools teach in different orders and ways, so your child's teacher is always the best person to ask about your child. Spotted something out of date? Please email us at [email protected].