England • Key Stage 2 national curriculum tests
KS2 SATs Exam Timetable 2027
The confirmed KS2 SATs test week runs from Monday 10 May to Thursday 13 May 2027. Check every statutory test day, the current six-paper structure, latest timing references and official publication status in one place.
Official KS2 SATs dates for 2027
These four dates are confirmed statutory KS2 test days. The exact paper or papers assigned to each date remain unpublished in the source workbook.
Start times: schools choose their start time within the statutory administration rules.
| Date | Day | Official status | Confirmed activity | Paper allocation | School start time | Notes | Official source |
|---|
Current KS2 SATs test and paper structure
All six current papers are included. Durations and format notes come from the latest published 2026 guidance and are reference information until the 2027 guidance is issued.
Important: “2027 daily date confirmed?” is No for every paper in the supplied workbook.
| Test | Current paper | 2026 duration / timing reference | 2027 daily date confirmed? | Notes | Official source |
|---|
2026 paper pattern — reference only
This complete historical table helps explain the current paper sequence and durations. It must not be treated as the confirmed 2027 daily allocation.
6 paper rows retained exactly from the workbook.
| 2026 date | Day | Test | Paper | Duration | Important | Official source |
|---|
2027 timetable publication status
This table separates confirmed test-week information from guidance and paper allocations that had not yet been published on 18 August 2026.
4 status records reproduced from the workbook.
| Item | Status as of 18 Aug 2026 | Available? | Notes | Official source |
|---|
How to use the KS2 SATs timetable
A calm plan is more useful than overloading the final weeks. Use confirmed dates for logistics and wait for the official 2027 guidance before assigning papers to individual days.
For parents and carers
Keep 10–13 May free, check the school’s reporting instructions, support sleep and breakfast, and avoid presenting SATs as a pass-or-fail event.
For pupils
Practise short reading, spelling, grammar and maths sessions. Review mistakes, learn a reliable method, and take regular breaks.
For schools
Use the latest STA assessment and reporting arrangements, administration guidance and any approved timetable-variation process.
- Save the confirmed four-day test week.
- Do not assign 2027 papers from the 2026 pattern.
- Check the official source after publication updates.
- Use school-issued arrival and room instructions.
- Flag absences or access arrangements early.
- Keep revision regular, focused and age-appropriate.
KS2 SATs exam timetable FAQs
18 practical answers about dates, papers, timings, participation, absences, subjects, preparation and official updates.
When are the KS2 SATs in 2027?
The confirmed statutory KS2 test week in England runs from Monday 10 May to Thursday 13 May 2027.
Is the detailed 2027 KS2 SATs timetable available?
Not yet in the workbook snapshot dated 18 August 2026. GOV.UK confirms the four statutory test days, but the Standards and Testing Agency has not yet published the paper-by-day allocation.
Which pupils take KS2 SATs?
KS2 national curriculum tests are normally taken by eligible Year 6 pupils in state-funded schools in England. Schools apply the current statutory guidance when deciding pupil participation.
How many KS2 SATs papers are there?
The current structure contains six papers: two grammar, punctuation and spelling papers, one reading test, one arithmetic paper and two mathematics reasoning papers.
Which subjects are tested in KS2 SATs?
The nationally timed written tests cover English grammar, punctuation and spelling, English reading and mathematics. Writing and science are teacher-assessed rather than separate nationally timed written SATs papers.
Are the 2026 paper dates the same as the 2027 dates?
Do not assume so. The 2026 paper order on this page is historical reference only and is not confirmation of the 2027 paper-by-day allocation.
How long is the KS2 English reading test?
The latest published 2026 administration guidance gives one hour. The 2027 administration guidance was not yet published at the workbook report date.
How long is the grammar, punctuation and spelling test?
The latest reference gives 45 minutes for Paper 1. Paper 2 spelling takes approximately 15 minutes and is not strictly timed.
How long are the KS2 maths papers?
The latest reference gives 30 minutes for Paper 1 arithmetic and 40 minutes each for Papers 2 and 3 reasoning. Check the 2027 guidance once published.
What time do KS2 SATs start?
Schools choose their start time within the statutory test-administration rules. Families should use the reporting time supplied by their child’s school.
Can a school move a KS2 SATs paper to another day?
Schools must follow the statutory timetable and any permitted timetable-variation rules issued by the Standards and Testing Agency. Parents should contact the school about an individual circumstance.
What happens if a child is absent during SATs week?
The school decides the next step under the current test-administration guidance, including whether a permitted timetable variation applies. Contact the school as soon as possible.
Are KS2 SATs compulsory?
The tests are statutory for maintained schools and academies in England, subject to eligibility and participation rules. The school applies the current assessment and reporting arrangements.
Do KS2 SATs include a writing paper?
No separate nationally timed writing paper is listed in the current KS2 test structure. English writing is assessed by the teacher.
Is there a KS2 science SATs paper?
Science is teacher-assessed at KS2; it is not part of the routine nationally timed written test week shown here. Separate science sampling arrangements may apply in selected years or schools.
When will schools receive the detailed 2027 paper timetable?
The workbook does not provide a publication date. Schools and families should monitor the official GOV.UK KS2 assessment and test-administration pages.
How should pupils prepare for KS2 SATs week?
Use short, regular practice; revise key reading, spelling, punctuation, grammar and maths skills; practise timed papers calmly; and prioritise sleep, breakfast and normal routines.
Where can I verify the KS2 SATs dates?
Use the official GOV.UK primary assessment future-dates page and the latest KS2 assessment and reporting arrangements or test-administration guidance. Direct official links are included in the tables below.
