Brainhub guide
SATs week and the first GCSEs: getting through the week
Year 6 SATs and the first GCSE and A-level papers start on the same Monday. What the 2026 results show, the week day by day, and how to keep home calm.
Key takeaways
- In 2026, 63% of Year 6 pupils in England met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, up from 62% in 2025.
- The 2027 SATs run from Monday 10 to Thursday 13 May. The first GCSE and A-level papers are on Monday 10 May too.
- SATs scores run from 80 to 120. A score of 100 or more means the expected standard was met. Schools see results from 6 July.
- Whatever their age, early nights, a proper breakfast and one test at a time help most.
1. Why this week
Monday 10 May 2027 is a big day in many homes. Year 6 children start their SATs, and older brothers and sisters may sit their first GCSE or A-level paper the same morning.[1]
Both are worth taking seriously, but neither needs to take over family life. A calm, ordinary week is the best preparation.
2. What the 2026 results show
The Department for Education published the 2026 key stage 2 results in September 2026. 63% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths together, up from 62% in 2025.[1]
Most children meet each standard: Three in four pupils met the standard in reading and in maths. The combined figure is lower because a child has to meet all three.
3. SATs week, day by day
The 2027 key stage 2 tests run over four days. Children take each test on its set day, in order.[2]
Monday 10 May
Grammar, punctuation and spelling: a questions paper and a spelling paper.
Tuesday 11 May
English reading.
Wednesday 12 May
Maths paper 1 (arithmetic) and paper 2 (reasoning).
Thursday 13 May
Maths paper 3 (reasoning).
4. What the scores mean
Each test gives a scaled score from 80 to 120. A score of 100 or more means your child met the expected standard. Schools can see results online from Tuesday 6 July 2027, and parents usually hear before the end of the summer term.[3]
Our longer guide to the Year 6 SATs covers missed tests, marking reviews and how results are reported.
Two exam seasons. One calm house.
5. A calm house in a busy week
Keep bedtimes steady and breakfasts early for everyone sitting a test. Pin both timetables somewhere visible so nobody has to ask. Celebrate the effort at the end of each day, not the result, and keep weekends for rest.
Help through the season: Our qualified teachers support primary, GCSE and A-level students with calm, focused practice, online or in person. Book a free call.
Try it now
Test yourself on this page
Answer in your head first, then check.
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1. What share of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2026?
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2. Which days are the 2027 SATs?
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3. What scaled score means the expected standard was met?
Your next steps
- Pin the SATs and GCSE timetables on the fridge.
- Agree bedtimes for the week.
- Plan something relaxing for Friday 14 May.
Sources
- Department for Education. Key stage 2 attainment: national headlines, academic year 2025/26 (published 10 September 2026). explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/key-stage-2-attainment-national-headlines/2025-26
- GOV.UK. 2027 key stage 2 national curriculum tests: information for parents. gov.uk/government/publications/key-stage-2-national-curriculum-tests-and-results-information-for-parents/2027-key-stage-2-national-curriculum-tests-information-for-parents
- GOV.UK. Understanding scaled scores at key stage 2. gov.uk/guidance/understanding-scaled-scores-at-key-stage-2
- JCQ. Key dates in the examination cycle, June 2027 (final). jcq.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/Key_Dates_June2027_FINAL.pdf
This guide is general study advice. Every student is different. A teacher can help you work out what fits.