May is approaching, and with it comes a word that might sound serious for families who are new to the British system: SATs. But what exactly are they? Do you need to worry? And more importantly, how can you help your child without adding pressure?
At Numont, we’d like to explain what SATs are all about—and share some practical, gentle ways you can support your child with calm and confidence.
đź“Ą Download Your Quick Guide for Parents about SATs
We know that hearing about SATs for the first time can raise many questions. That’s why we’ve prepared a practical and visual guide to help you understand, at a glance, what these assessments are and how to support your child without stress.
👉 Click on the image to download the guide and keep it handy at all times
 
And now, if you want to dive deeper, we explain everything in detail below…
🧠What are SATs in the British system?
SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are national assessments taken by students in British schools at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2) and Key Stage 2 (Year 6)—typically around ages 7 and 11.
They focus mainly on three areas:
   📖 Reading comprehension
   ✍️ Writing and grammar
   ➕ Mathematics
Their purpose is not to assign a final grade, but to give teachers and schools insight into each child’s progress—what they’ve learned and where they might need a little more support.
âť“Should parents be concerned?
In short: no.
SATs are not pass-or-fail exams, and they are not a measure of a child’s intelligence or value. They’re simply one more tool to guide learning.
At many British schools—including Numont—they are approached in a natural, pressure-free way. There are no surprises or abrupt changes to the daily routine.
đź’› How to support your child at home
Here are some easy, reassuring ways to be present and supportive without creating stress:
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Keep routines calm and consistent
Good sleep, nourishing meals, time to play, time to read—these simple things make a big difference. -
Make learning playful
No need for flashcards or drills. Word games, puzzles, mental maths, or reading together can be just as effective—and far more enjoyable. -
Use encouraging language
Avoid phrases like “You have to get a good result” or “This is an important test.” Instead, try:-
“You’re just going to show what you already know.”
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“I’m proud of everything you’ve learned.”
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Acknowledge their emotions
If your child feels nervous or tired, listen without judgment. Sometimes, they simply need to know they’re not alone.
đź“ť Examples of Everyday Activities That Help Without Feeling Like “Studying”
| Area | At-Home Activity |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Â Read a story together and ask fun questions about the plot |
| Writing | Â Write a letter or a note to a family member |
| Mathematics | Â Make a shopping list and calculate prices, or play board games with dice |
| Grammar | Â Play a game spotting mistakes in made-up sentences |
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions About SATs in the British System
đź’¬ Do SATs determine my child’s academic future?
No. SATs are an internal assessment tool to understand each student’s progress. They do not impact access to higher educational stages and are not recorded as an official grade.
đź’¬ What if my child gets a low score in the SATs?
Nothing serious happens. The results help the school identify areas where extra support might be needed. There are no passes or fails, and one bad day won’t affect their academic journey.
đź’¬ Should I prepare my child at home with extra materials?
It’s not necessary. The best preparation is keeping their regular routine of learning, rest, and play. At Numont, students are naturally prepared through daily classroom activities.
💬 How will I receive my child’s SATs results?
The school will communicate results clearly and simply, always within a personalized follow-up context. At Numont, we also offer meetings to address any questions you may have.
đź’¬ Do SATs cause stress for children?
At Numont, we work to ensure they don’t. By integrating SATs naturally into daily routines and avoiding pressure, children usually experience them as just another activity. A calm attitude from both parents and teachers is key to making them feel at ease.
đź’¬ In which years are SATs taken?
SATs are taken at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2) and Key Stage 2 (Year 6), which is around ages 7 and 11.
👩‍🏫 How we approach SATs at Numont
At Numont, SATs are a natural part of school life. There’s no added pressure. Thanks to our small class sizes, teachers know each child well and can:
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Identify areas where extra support may be needed
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Provide emotional reassurance when doubts or insecurities arise
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Tailor activities and materials to match each child’s learning style
We also keep close communication with families so that everyone feels supported throughout the process.
🫶 Calm, love and trust
Your child is not alone—they have their teachers, you, and a caring environment behind them. SATs are just one small step in a much bigger learning journey.
The most important thing is that they continue to enjoy discovering the world.
đź“© Want to know more about how we support children at Numont?
👉 Contact us or request a private visit here
đź“– You may also enjoy reading:
Equivalences between the British and Spanish systems
Prepare SATs Year 6: How do SATs work?
What is Keys Stage 3 in the UK system?
All about British education
