• Key Stage 1 • Optional Tests
Key Stage 1 SATs in Year 2 are no longer compulsory. Since 2023/24, schools have been able to choose whether to use the tests. This guide explains what changed, how schools get the papers now and which Year 1 and Year 2 assessments are still statutory.
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The Quick Answer
- KS1 SATs have been optional since 2023/24.
- Schools can still use tests in reading, maths and grammar, punctuation and spelling, ideally in May.
- Papers are no longer sent automatically. Schools download them from the National Curriculum Assessments Portal.
- The phonics screening check and the Year 2 annual report to parents are still statutory.
What Changed?
Until 2022/23, all Year 2 pupils sat statutory KS1 tests. Since 2023/24, the tests have been optional. The Department for Education does not collect data on the optional tests, so the results do not feed into national school performance data. Schools are not required to report them to parents either.
The tests are written to the same specification as before. They help schools measure pupils’ attainment and identify where pupils need more support as they move into Key Stage 2.
How Schools Get the Papers
| When | What schools can do |
|---|---|
| October to November | Order hard copies of modified versions, such as braille, for delivery in April |
| May | Access standard and modified large print papers and mark schemes securely on the NCA Portal |
| From June | Use the papers from the public collection of past test materials, also on our KS1 SATs papers page |
The recommended period for the optional tests in 2027 is during May.
What Is Still Statutory?
- the phonics screening check in Year 1, with a retake in Year 2 for pupils who do not meet the standard
- an annual report to parents about each pupil’s general progress in Year 2
- trialling of KS1 tests, for a small number of selected schools
Are Schools Still Using Them?
The Department for Education does not collect data on how many pupils take the optional tests. A 2024 Teacher Tapp survey quoted in the Curriculum and Assessment Review found that 60% of teachers surveyed said they would be using them.
The review supported keeping the optional tests and recommended finding ways to encourage more schools to use them. The government has said the Standards and Testing Agency will explore ways to improve participation.
What It Means for Schools
Schools can decide whether to use the optional tests and how to use the results. The tests are designed to help schools measure attainment and identify where pupils need extra support as they move into Key Stage 2. Results do not have to be reported to parents, but schools must still send an annual report on each Year 2 pupil’s general progress and report their phonics screening check result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there SATs in Year 2?
Not statutory ones. KS1 SATs have been optional since 2023/24, although many schools still use the tests.
Do schools have to report KS1 test results to parents?
No. Schools do not have to report optional KS1 test results, but they can choose to.
Does the government collect KS1 results?
No. The Department for Education does not collect data on the optional KS1 tests.
When are KS2 SATs?
KS2 SATs in Year 6 are still statutory. In 2027 they take place from Monday 10 May to Thursday 13 May. See KS2 SATs dates.
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Sources: Standards and Testing Agency, National curriculum assessments: optional KS1 tests and Primary assessments: future dates; Department for Education, Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report and government response.
