Key Stage 2 SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are national tests taken by all Year 6 pupils in England during May. For parents in Hounslow, Feltham, and West London, understanding what SATs involve and how to support your child can reduce stress and improve outcomes.
When Do SATs Take Place?
SATs are held during a single week in May, typically the second week. In 2026, tests run from Monday 11th May to Thursday 14th May. Your child's school will confirm exact dates, but preparation should begin well in advance — ideally from the start of Year 6 or even the summer of Year 5.
What Subjects Are Tested?
KS2 SATs assess three core areas:
- English Reading: A single paper with questions based on three texts of increasing difficulty, testing comprehension, inference, and vocabulary.
- English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS): Two papers covering grammatical knowledge, punctuation rules, and a spelling test of 20 words.
- Maths: Three papers — an arithmetic paper and two reasoning papers that test problem-solving, data handling, fractions, geometry, and algebra.
How to Support Your Child at Home
Create a consistent revision routine rather than long, intense sessions. Short daily practice of 20 to 30 minutes is more effective than weekend cramming. Use past papers to familiarise your child with the format and timing of each test.
Reading regularly is one of the most powerful things your child can do. Encourage them to read a variety of texts — fiction, non-fiction, newspapers, and poetry. Discuss what they read to develop inference and deduction skills naturally.
For Maths, focus on arithmetic fluency first. If your child can quickly and accurately handle addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, they will have more time and confidence for the reasoning papers.
When to Consider a Tutor
If your child is consistently struggling with a particular area, or if their confidence is low, professional support can help. A tutor can identify specific gaps and address them efficiently, which is difficult to do in a busy classroom of 30 pupils.
How LittleTutorHouse Can Help
Our tutors in Hounslow and Isleworth provide focused SATs preparation tailored to your child's needs. We use diagnostic assessments to pinpoint weak areas and build a targeted revision plan. Whether your child needs help with reading comprehension, GPS rules, or Maths reasoning, our first-class university student tutors deliver clear, patient, and effective support that builds real understanding.