• Year 6 • Mock SATs
Mock SATs give Year 6 pupils the chance to experience the real test format and timings before May. They also give teachers the evidence they need to target support. This guide for Year 6 teachers and leaders covers when to run mocks, the official timings, access arrangements and how to turn the results into a plan.
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The Quick Answer
- Use past KS2 papers and the official mark schemes, which are free from the Standards and Testing Agency.
- Match the real timings and order: GPS papers, then reading, then the three maths papers.
- Use mocks to trial access arrangements, which must reflect normal classroom practice.
- Convert raw marks with the conversion table for that paper’s year, then analyse results by question to plan support.
Why Run Mock SATs?
A well-run mock does three jobs. It helps pupils get used to the format, timings and conditions of the real tests, so May feels familiar. It shows teachers which pupils are secure, which are close to the expected standard and which need more help. It also gives you evidence that any access arrangements a pupil will use in May are part of their normal way of working.
When to Hold Mocks
In 2027 the KS2 tests run from Monday 10 May to Thursday 13 May. A common approach is to spread practice across the year, for example:
| Timing | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Autumn term | A baseline to show where each pupil is starting from |
| Spring term | A full mock under test conditions to plan interventions |
| After Easter | A final practice to check progress and build confidence |
Leave enough time after each mock to act on the results. A spring mock is most useful when there are still several weeks of teaching before the tests.
Official Test Timings
Run each paper with the same time limit pupils will have in May:
| Paper | Time | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| GPS Paper 1: questions | 45 minutes | 50 |
| GPS Paper 2: spelling | About 15 minutes (not strictly timed) | 20 |
| Reading | 1 hour for 3 texts | 50 |
| Maths Paper 1: arithmetic | 30 minutes | 40 |
| Maths Paper 2: reasoning | 40 minutes | 35 |
| Maths Paper 3: reasoning | 40 minutes | 35 |
In the real tests the papers must be taken in this order across the four days. Running your mock in the same order helps pupils practise the rhythm of the week.
Which Papers to Use
Past KS2 test papers and mark schemes are available free in the Standards and Testing Agency’s collection of past test materials. Using papers from different years lets you run several mocks without repeating questions.
Onscreen practice papers can save time on marking and analysis. Monster Learning includes 44 SATs-style practice papers across English and maths, with an optional 25% extra-time setting for pupils who need it.
Setting Up Test Conditions
- Use a quiet room and seat pupils as you would in May.
- Read the instructions as they will be read in the real tests.
- Give time reminders, such as halfway and 5 minutes left. These are allowed in the real tests too.
- Seat pupils with access arrangements that might distract others in a separate room.
- Give pupils the reading booklet and answer booklet separately, as in the real test.
Access Arrangements
Mocks are the right time to check that access arrangements work for each pupil. Arrangements in May must reflect a pupil’s normal classroom practice, so pupils need to have used them before.
- Pupils with an EHC plan can have up to 25% additional time without an application.
- Other pupils who need additional time require an application to STA. In 2027 the form is open from Monday 8 February to Thursday 20 May.
- Supervised rest breaks may suit pupils who find it hard to concentrate or tire easily, sometimes instead of extra time.
Remember: record how each pupil uses their arrangements during mocks. This evidence supports any application and helps if your school receives a monitoring visit.
Marking and Converting Scores
Mark each paper with the matching mark scheme, then convert the raw score into a scaled score using the conversion table for the year that paper was used. Raw marks needed for 100 change every year: in 2026 reading needed 25 out of 50, but in 2025 it needed 28. See understanding scaled scores at KS2 for more detail.
Using the Results
The real value of a mock is in what you do next. A simple approach is to sort pupils into three groups for each subject:
| Group | Typical next step |
|---|---|
| Secure (scaled score of 100 or more) | Keep practising and stretch towards 110 |
| Close (a few marks below 100) | Short, targeted work on the specific gaps |
| Further away | Small group or one-to-one support linked to class teaching |
Then look at question-level results. Patterns across the class, such as fractions or inference questions, point to whole-class teaching. Gaps for individual pupils point to targeted support. Our guide to planning Year 6 interventions after mock SATs explains how to build this into a plan.
Keeping It Low Stress
Frame mocks as practice, not judgement. Share scores with pupils carefully, focus on what they can improve and celebrate progress between mocks. Pupils who feel familiar with the format are often calmer in May.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get past KS2 SATs papers?
Past papers and mark schemes are free in the Standards and Testing Agency’s collection of past test materials on GOV.UK.
How many mock SATs should Year 6 do?
There is no set number. A baseline, a full spring mock and a final practice works well, as long as there is enough time between each to act on the results.
Should pupils use access arrangements in mocks?
Yes. Arrangements in May must reflect normal classroom practice, so pupils should use them in mocks and regular lessons.
How do I convert mock scores into scaled scores?
Use the conversion table published for the year of the paper you used, not the current year.
Related Guides
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Sources: Standards and Testing Agency, KS2 test administration guidance, 2027 KS2 access arrangements guidance, 2027 KS2 assessment and reporting arrangements, Past test materials and KS2 scaled score conversion tables.
