What are key stages?

In the final year of a key stage, exams test what’s been taught over the previous years between the last key stage (if applicable) and their current one. Students are expected to reach certain levels at each key stage test.

In the past, pupils were assigned national curriculum levels to show their academic progress, but levels were abolished in 2014 and replaced with a primary school grading system which can vary from school to school.

So, at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2), students are expected to be at level 2. At the end of Key Stage 2 (Year 6), students are expected to be at level 4.

Visit our super SATs area to find out more about the key stage tests, and to help your child practise for them. It’s packed with links to practice papers for both KS1 SATs and KS2 SATs, revision planners and techniques, and instructions on how to administer a SATs test at home so your child will know exactly what to expect.