KS2 SATs Results Explained
How primary school performance is measured through reading, writing, maths, and combined scores.
What KS2 SATs measure
Key Stage 2 SATs are national tests taken by pupils at the end of Year 6 (age 10-11) in reading and maths. Writing is assessed by teachers rather than an external test. Results show the percentage of pupils meeting the 'expected standard' in each subject and in the combined measure (reading, writing, and maths together).
The expected standard
The expected standard is a scaled score of 100 or above in reading and maths tests. For writing, it is a teacher assessment judgement. The combined measure shows the percentage of pupils meeting the expected standard in all three subjects. Nationally, around 60% of pupils meet the combined expected standard, though this varies year to year.
How to read KS2 data on MATpulse
MATpulse shows KS2 results on the Performance tab of primary school profiles. Four columns are displayed: Reading %, Writing %, Maths %, and Combined %. Each represents the percentage of pupils meeting the expected standard. On trust profiles, KS2 combined is averaged across primary schools in the trust.
Limitations
KS2 data is reported at school level, not pupil level. Schools with very small Year 6 cohorts can see large swings year to year. Teacher-assessed writing has been criticised for inconsistency between schools. KS2 SATs were cancelled in 2019/20 and 2020/21 due to COVID-19, creating data gaps. The 2024/25 KS4 Progress 8 measure is suppressed because this COVID-affected cohort is now the KS4 baseline.