Parents and carers of Year 2 children
KS1 SATs 2027: are the Year 2 tests optional?
KS1 SATs are optional in England in 2027. The government timetable recommends May for schools that choose to use them. Ask your child’s school whether it plans to use the papers.
End-of-KS1 tests and teacher assessments became optional from the 2023 to 2024 school year. The current guidance distinguishes them from the phonics screening check and annual reports, which remain statutory.
What still happens in Year 2
- Teachers continue to assess learning in class. The specific end-of-KS1 teacher assessment frameworks are optional; schools can choose to use them.
- The phonics screening check remains statutory. Ask the school whether your child needs to take it in Year 2; our phonics screening guide links to the dates and guidance.
- Schools must still provide an annual report on each pupil’s general progress. Optional test results can help inform teaching and support.
If the school uses the optional papers, ask how it will share the results and whether it recommends any practice. For help with reading, see reading support in Year 2 or the Year 2 English topics.
Could KS1 SATs come back?
The government timetable says assessment arrangements for 2026 to 2027 remain unchanged while future arrangements are under review. This page describes the published position; check the official guidance for changes.
The position for 2028
The current future-dates page also lists KS1 tests as optional for 2028, with May the recommended period. This is the published timetable, not a guarantee that future policy cannot change.
Sources, verification and updates
Sources: primary assessment dates, optional KS1 tests and optional teacher assessment guidance. Checked on 9 October 2026.
- Updated 9 October 2026: clarified that end-of-KS1 teacher assessment frameworks are optional too.
- Ask the school about its plans and check the linked guidance for later updates.
Frequently asked questions
Will my Year 2 child sit SATs in 2027?
The school chooses whether to use the optional papers. Ask your child’s teacher about the school’s plans and how any results will inform teaching.
When did KS1 SATs stop being compulsory?
The last statutory KS1 tests were in 2023. They became optional from the 2023 to 2024 school year; the published 2027 and 2028 timetables continue to list them as optional.
How can the optional results be used?
Schools can use the papers to assess learning and identify where pupils need support as they move into key stage 2. Ask the teacher how any result relates to your child’s classwork and next steps.
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