KS1 Sats: everything you need to know

The key stage 1 Sats tests are no longer statutory – so why would schools want to take them? And how do they get hold of them? We have all the information you need in this guide

17th October 2024, 2:00pm

New optional KS1 tests - everything you need to know

In May 2023 the final cohort of pupils took statutory key stage 1 Sats tests. From the 2023-24 academic year, all key stage 1 Sats tests have become optional.

But why has this change been introduced? Can schools still sit KS1 Sats if they want to? And how will they be marked if they do? We explain everything you need to know.

Why has the government switched to optional tests?

The key stage 1 tests have been replaced by the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA). The RBA is taken by all pupils when they first start school in Reception class.

Previously, the KS1 Sats have been used to judge schools by measuring the progress made by children between KS1 and KS2. Since September 2021, the RBA has been a statutory requirement; therefore, the tests have become optional.

The method that will be used to measure progress between the RBA and the KS2 Sats has not yet been shared by the Department for Education with schools.

More on primary assessment:

Do schools need to request KS1 Sats papers?

Yes. For the 2024-25 academic year, schools need to actively order hard copies of the test papers from the primary assessment gateway (PAG) by Friday 15 November. The government will distribute them to schools in spring 2025.

This means there is no longer a requirement for schools to decline optional KS1 test papers - last year, schools had to opt out if they did not want to receive the papers.

Even if you don’t request a physical copy, schools can access and download standard versions of the optional KS1 test papers from the PAG from Thursday 1 May.

More information is available here.

Will the new optional tests be the same as the old KS1 tests?

The optional tests will be exactly the same as previous versions of the tests. For more information read our guide on key Sats dates and details on what each paper includes.

On what dates should schools give the optional tests to pupils?

The DfE recommends schools set the tests during the month of May. However, these optional tests can be used at any time.

Should children take the optional tests in test conditions?

As these tests are optional tests and the results will not be reported, it is up to the school to decide how the tests should be taken.

However, there is DfE guidance available on how to administer the tests. There is also this Tes article on different approaches to taking the KS1 Sats tests.

When will the mark schemes and scaled score conversion tables be released?

All of the mark schemes to accompany the papers will be released on Thursday 1 May on the primary assessment gateway. The scaled score conversion tables will be available to download on the PAG on Thursday 15 May.

Why would a school choose to use the optional tests?

Although schools won’t have to report the results of their assessments, the guidance from the DfE says that the tests are being provided as “support in the measurement of pupil achievement” and to “help identify where their pupils need additional support”.