KS2 SATs and the Year 4 Times Tables Check: A Parent’s Guide
In England, Year 6 children sit Key Stage 2 national curriculum tests, often called SATs, in May. There are tests in maths (one arithmetic paper and two reasoning papers), English reading, and English grammar, punctuation and spelling. Writing is assessed by teachers instead of a test. In Year 4 there is also a short online multiplication tables check in June. The best preparation is regular, low-pressure practice of core skills, not cramming.
What is in the KS2 SATs?
| Test | What it covers | Useful practice |
|---|---|---|
| Maths: arithmetic | Written and mental calculation with all four operations, fractions and decimals | Speed Maths and the Daily Maths Challenge |
| Maths: reasoning (two papers) | Problem solving with number, measures, shape and statistics | Fractions, decimals and percentages |
| English reading | Retrieval, inference and vocabulary from a set of texts | Reading Comprehension game |
| Grammar, punctuation and spelling | Word classes, sentence structure, punctuation marks and a spelling test | Parts of Speech and Punctuation |
The official timetable is published each year by the Standards and Testing Agency, and GOV.UK has official practice materials. Your child’s school will also tell you the test week.
How are results reported?
Results for the tests are given as scaled scores. A scaled score of 100 or more means your child has met the expected standard. You will receive the results through your child’s school at the end of the year, along with the teacher assessment for writing. SATs measure how well children have learnt the curriculum and how schools are doing.
The Year 4 multiplication tables check
The multiplication tables check (MTC) is a short online check of times tables up to 12 × 12. Children answer around 25 questions on a screen, with only a few seconds for each, so it is all about instant recall rather than working out. There is no pass mark, and results are not published for individual schools.
The best way to prepare is steady practice of every table from Year 3 onwards:
- Learn tables in a sensible order: 10, 2 and 5 first, then 4, 8 and 3, then 11, 9 and 6, and finally 7 and 12.
- Do two or three minutes most days with the Times Tables Challenge. Switch to typing mode once multiple choice feels easy.
- Once facts are secure, build speed with Speed Maths.
Our guide on how to learn times tables fast has more tips and tricks.
A sample weekly plan for Year 6
| Day | About 15–20 minutes |
|---|---|
| Monday | Arithmetic: Daily Maths Challenge and a times tables round |
| Tuesday | Grammar: Parts of Speech game, then spot word classes in a book |
| Wednesday | Reading: a short text and the Reading Comprehension game |
| Thursday | Maths reasoning: fractions, decimals and percentages |
| Friday | Punctuation game and ten spelling words |
| Weekend | Reading for pleasure and maths in daily life |
Practising test conditions
Nearer the time, it helps for children to practise working steadily against the clock. Many of our games have a Timed test button: 15 questions in 10 minutes, with answers revealed at the end. It gives a feel for test pace without a full paper. Use it occasionally, once your child is accurate, and talk through any mistakes afterwards. For full-length practice, the official materials on GOV.UK are the best source.
Grammar terms worth knowing
The grammar, punctuation and spelling test uses terms such as noun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, determiner, subordinate clause and passive voice. Children find these easier when they learn each term with examples and spot them in real books, rather than memorising definitions. Make it a game: find three adverbs on a page, or turn an active sentence into a passive one.
Keep SATs in perspective
SATs are a check on learning, not a measure of a child’s worth. Keep the tone positive, make sure your child sleeps well and has breakfast during test week, and avoid extra pressure at home. Most children benefit more from reading every day than from extra revision. If your child is also sitting the 11+, see our 11+ guide. The SATs practice page groups our games by test.
Success Tutoring is not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by the Standards and Testing Agency or the Department for Education. Test names are used only to describe what our original practice covers. Always check GOV.UK and your child’s school for the latest details.
Frequently asked questions
What is in the KS2 SATs?
Tests in English grammar, punctuation and spelling, English reading, and maths (one arithmetic paper and two reasoning papers). Writing is assessed by teachers.
What does a scaled score of 100 mean?
A scaled score of 100 or more means your child has met the expected standard in that test.
What is the Year 4 multiplication tables check?
A short online check in June of Year 4 of times tables up to 12 × 12. Children have only a few seconds per question, so quick recall is what counts.
How can I help my child prepare for SATs?
Short, regular practice of times tables, arithmetic, grammar and reading works best, with plenty of reading for pleasure. Keep the mood calm and positive.