Key Stage 2 SATs: which pupils shouldn't take them?

Last reviewed on 11 November 2021
School types: All · School phases: Primary
Ref: 12876

Be clear on who should and shouldn't sit the Key Stage (KS) 2 SATs. If you withdraw pupils, download and adapt our template to help you meet your requirements around informing parents of your decision.

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Contents

  1. Do all pupils have to take the KS2 tests?
  2. If you follow the ARA, you must register all pupils
  3. Headteachers decide which pupils take the tests 
  4. Pupils that should take the tests 
  5. Pupils that shouldn't take the tests
  6. Pupils don't have to sit all the tests
  7. Withdrawing pupils: use our template to meet your requirements
  8. Parents can appeal your decision 

Do all pupils have to take the KS2 tests?

Maintained schools 

The Key Stage (KS) 2 assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA) are statutory for maintained schools, including maintained special schools, with pupils in KS2. 

Your pupils must take the KS2 tests unless certain conditions apply (see the sections below).

Academies (including AP academies and free schools)

If your funding agreement says you will comply with guidance issued by the secretary of state in relation to the assessment of pupils' performance, then your pupils must take the KS2 tests and you must follow the the statutory requirements sets out in the ARA (linked above).

PRUs

Pupils who aren't registered at a maintained

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