Your child is in Year 5 or 6. You keep hearing about SATs and the 11+. Both seem to involve tests. Both happen around the same time. Are they the same thing? Do you need to prepare for both? Which one actually matters? This guide clears up the confusion once and for all.
The Short Answer
| Primary SATs | 11+ Exam | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Measure school performance and inform secondary schools about student abilities | Select students for grammar schools |
| Affects secondary school admission? | NO | YES (for grammar schools only) |
| Who takes it? | All Year 6 students in state schools | Only students applying to grammar schools (optional) |
| When? | May Year 6 (12-15 May 2025) | September/October Year 6 (before SATs) |
| What’s tested? | Reading, Maths, Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling (National Curriculum) | English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| Compulsory? | Yes (for state schools) | No (only if applying to grammar schools) |
| Preparation needed? | Moderate (familiarization with format) | Significant (especially for reasoning sections) |
Bottom line: If you’re not applying to grammar schools, you only need to worry about SATs. If you ARE applying to grammar schools, the 11+ is far more important than SATs for getting your child into their school.
Part 1: Understanding Primary SATs
What Are SATs?
Full name: Standard Assessment Tests (or Statutory Assessment Tests)
Official purpose:
- Measure how well primary schools are teaching the National Curriculum
- Hold schools accountable for student progress
- Inform secondary schools about incoming students’ abilities
- Provide parents with information about their child’s attainment
What SATs do NOT do:
- Determine which secondary school your child gets into (places decided in March, SATs happen in May)
- Affect grammar school admission (grammar schools use the 11+)
- Follow your child beyond Year 7 (no employer or university ever asks about Year 6 SATs)
SATs: The Details
When Do They Happen?
- Dates: Second week of May (12-15 May 2025)
- Where: In your child’s primary school
- Results: Sent to schools in early July, shared with parents mid-July
What’s Tested?
| Test | Duration | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 60 minutes | Comprehension of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry texts Questions on vocabulary, retrieval, inference, prediction, summarizing |
| Maths Paper 1: Arithmetic | 30 minutes | Straightforward calculations (four operations, fractions, decimals, percentages) |
| Maths Paper 2: Reasoning | 40 minutes | Problem-solving, word problems, applying mathematical knowledge |
| Maths Paper 3: Reasoning | 40 minutes | More problem-solving and reasoning |
| Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling Paper 1 | 45 minutes | Grammar knowledge, sentence structure, punctuation rules |
| Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling Paper 2 | 20 minutes | Spelling test (20 words dictated in sentences) |
Total testing time: Approximately 4 hours spread over 4 days
How Are They Marked?
- Papers sent away for external marking
- Raw scores converted to scaled scores
- 100 = expected standard for end of Year 6
- Below 100 = below expected; Above 100 = above expected
- Range: 80-120
- 110+ = high score
What Happens to the Results?
- Parents receive their child’s scores
- Secondary schools receive scores (use for setting/support needs)
- School’s overall results published in league tables
- Used by Ofsted to assess school performance
- Used as baseline for Progress 8 calculations (measuring secondary school performance)
Who Takes SATs?
- Compulsory: All Year 6 students in state primary schools in England
- Exempt: Students with significant special educational needs (at school’s discretion)
- Optional: Most private/independent schools don’t do SATs
- Cannot withdraw: Parents cannot withdraw children from SATs (unlike some other tests)
Part 2: Understanding the 11+
What Is the 11+?
Full name: Eleven Plus examination (also called Transfer Test in some areas)
Purpose:
- Select academically able students for grammar schools
- Sometimes used by highly selective independent schools
- Determines admission to selective state secondary schools
Critical difference from SATs: The 11+ DOES affect which school your child gets into (if you’re applying to grammar schools).
11+: The Details
When Does It Happen?
- Registration: April/May to September/October (Year 5 into Year 6)
- Test dates: September/October Year 6 (early in autumn term)
- Results: Usually October/November (before secondary school application deadline of 31 October)
- Timing: Happens BEFORE SATs (in the school year, but several months earlier)
What’s Tested?
Typical 11+ content (varies by area):
| Subject | Duration | Content |
|---|---|---|
| English | 45-60 minutes | Reading comprehension, creative writing, grammar, vocabulary More demanding than SATs reading |
| Maths | 45-60 minutes | Problem-solving, reasoning, arithmetic Often includes topics beyond Year 6 curriculum |
| Verbal Reasoning | 45-60 minutes | Word puzzles, analogies, code-breaking, patterns NOT taught in schools—needs specific practice |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | 36-50 minutes | Shape patterns, sequences, spatial reasoning NOT taught in schools—needs specific practice |
Important notes:
- Not all areas test all four subjects (some only test 2-3)
- Different test providers (GL Assessment, CEM) have different formats
- Some schools set their own tests
- Must check specific requirements for YOUR local grammar schools
How Is It Marked?
- Usually standardized scores or raw scores
- Each area/school sets own pass mark (e.g., Buckinghamshire requires 121+)
- Some areas take top 25-30% of test-takers; others have fixed pass marks
- Pass mark = “qualified for grammar school”
- BUT passing doesn’t guarantee a place (depends on other admissions criteria too)
What Happens to the Results?
- Parents notified whether child passed/qualified
- If qualified: eligible to apply to grammar schools
- If not qualified: apply to non-selective schools only
- Grammar schools use results (plus distance, siblings, etc.) to allocate places
Who Takes the 11+?
- Optional: Only children whose parents register them
- Why take it: If you want your child to attend a grammar school
- Geographic: Only relevant in areas with grammar schools (not all of England has them)
- Who shouldn’t take it: Children not applying to grammar schools (no point adding stress)
Where Do Grammar Schools Exist?
Areas with grammar schools (164 in England):
- Many grammar schools: Kent, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Slough, Reading, Medway
- Some grammar schools: Birmingham, London boroughs (e.g., Kingston, Sutton, Bexley), Devon, Essex, Gloucestershire, Lancashire, Trafford, Wirral, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Yorkshire
- No grammar schools: Most of England (if you don’t live near one, 11+ is irrelevant)
Check: Does your area have grammar schools? Search “[your area] grammar schools” to find out.
Part 3: The Key Differences (Side by Side)
Content Comparison
| Aspect | SATs | 11+ |
|---|---|---|
| What’s tested | National Curriculum knowledge Reading, Maths, GPS |
Academic potential English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning |
| Difficulty level | Aligned to Year 6 curriculum (with some challenging questions) |
Significantly harder than Year 6 work Designed to identify top 25-30% |
| Content taught in school | Yes—all SATs content is part of curriculum | Partially—reasoning sections NOT taught in most schools |
| Reading | Comprehension of age-appropriate texts | Often more complex texts, trickier questions |
| Maths | Curriculum-based arithmetic and problem-solving | Often includes extension topics, more complex problem-solving |
| Verbal Reasoning | Not tested in SATs | Major component (word puzzles, analogies, patterns) |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | Not tested in SATs | Major component (shape patterns, spatial reasoning) |
| Time pressure | Reasonable—most children can finish | Intense—designed so many don’t finish |
Timing Comparison
| Timeframe | 11+ Process | SATs Process |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Year 5 | Research grammar schools, attend open days | Nothing yet |
| Summer Year 5 | Begin 11+ preparation if planning to apply | Nothing yet |
| Summer Year 5 into Autumn Year 6 | Register for 11+ (deadlines June-October depending on area) | Nothing yet |
| September/October Year 6 | 11+ EXAMS HAPPEN | Nothing yet (start familiarization) |
| October/November Year 6 | 11+ results released | Nothing yet |
| 31 October Year 6 | Submit Common Application Form (including grammar schools if qualified) | Nothing yet |
| January-April Year 6 | 11+ done and dusted | Main SATs preparation period |
| 1 March Year 6 | Secondary school offers made (including grammar schools) | SATs haven’t happened yet |
| 12-15 May Year 6 | 11+ long finished | SATs HAPPEN |
| July Year 6 | N/A | SATs results released |
Impact Comparison
| Impact | SATs | 11+ |
|---|---|---|
| Affects secondary school admission? | NO Places decided in March before SATs happen |
YES Must pass to be eligible for grammar schools |
| Affects which set/stream in Year 7? | Sometimes Schools may use SATs for initial setting |
No Once in grammar school, 11+ score doesn’t matter |
| Affects school league tables? | Yes Primary schools judged on SATs results |
No |
| Matters beyond Year 7? | No Never mentioned again |
No Once you’re in grammar school, forgotten |
| Affects future opportunities? | No Employers/universities don’t ask |
Indirectly Grammar schools may provide better GCSE results/opportunities |
Part 4: Which Should We Focus On?
Scenario 1: Not Applying to Grammar Schools
If you’re NOT applying to grammar schools:
- Focus on SATs only
- Do NOT take the 11+ (no point adding stress)
- Do NOT prepare for verbal/non-verbal reasoning (not tested in SATs)
Your preparation:
- Good general learning throughout primary (reading, maths fundamentals)
- Familiarization with SATs format (January-April Year 6)
- Moderate practice (2-3 times/week)
- Focus on confidence and reducing anxiety
Remember: SATs don’t affect which comprehensive school your child gets into, so keep pressure reasonable.
Scenario 2: Definitely Applying to Grammar Schools
If you ARE applying to grammar schools:
- 11+ is your priority (this is the test that matters for admission)
- SATs still happen but are secondary concern
- Prepare for 11+ from late Year 5 onwards
Your preparation timeline:
| When | Focus |
|---|---|
| Year 5 and earlier | Strong reading, solid maths, good vocabulary These benefit BOTH tests |
| Summer Year 5 – Summer holidays before Year 6 | Begin 11+ preparation Introduce verbal and non-verbal reasoning Practice English and maths at extension level |
| September-October Year 6 | INTENSIVE 11+ PREP 3-4 times per week Practice papers under timed conditions This is your priority |
| November-December Year 6 | 11+ done—take a break! Light SATs familiarization can begin |
| January-April Year 6 | SATs preparation Should be easier if you did 11+—English and maths already strong |
| May Year 6 | SATs happen By now, relatively straightforward after 11+ |
Time investment:
- 11+ preparation: 6-12 months, 3-4 hours/week = significant commitment
- SATs preparation: 3-4 months, 2-3 hours/week = moderate commitment
- Good news: Skills from 11+ prep help with SATs
Scenario 3: Considering Grammar Schools But Not Sure
If you’re undecided about grammar schools:
Questions to ask yourself:
- Is there a grammar school within reasonable distance?
- If not, decision made—focus on SATs only
- Is your child academically strong?
- Working above year level in most subjects?
- Finds schoolwork relatively easy?
- Curious and enjoys learning?
- If yes: grammar school might suit them
- If struggling or average: probably not worth the stress
- Does your child respond well to academic pressure?
- Enjoys challenge?
- Doesn’t crumble under pressure?
- Motivated by competition?
- If no: grammar school environment may not suit
- Can your family commit to significant preparation?
- Time for practice (3-4 hours/week for 6-12 months)
- Money for resources/tutoring (£500-2000 for many families)
- Emotional energy for a competitive process
- What are the alternative schools?
- Good local comprehensives? → Less pressure to get into grammar
- Poor alternatives? → Grammar school more important
Decision framework:
- Try for grammar school if: Child is academically strong, grammar school nearby, family can commit to preparation, child is up for the challenge
- Don’t try for grammar school if: No grammar school nearby, child struggles academically, too much stress for family, excellent comprehensive alternatives available
Remember: Grammar schools aren’t objectively “better” than good comprehensives. They’re selective and academic. That suits some children; for others, a comprehensive where they’re a big fish in a smaller pond is better.
Scenario 4: Already Committed to Both
If your child is definitely taking both 11+ and SATs:
Good news: Preparing for 11+ actually helps with SATs
- 11+ English and Maths are harder → SATs feel easier by comparison
- Verbal reasoning builds vocabulary → helps SATs reading
- Problem-solving skills transfer
- Test-taking confidence improves
Managing both:
- Prioritize 11+ (June-October):
- This affects admissions; SATs don’t
- Happens first
- More preparation needed
- Don’t start SATs prep until January:
- Too much at once creates burnout
- 11+ prep already builds relevant skills
- 3-4 months for SATs is plenty
- Avoid burnout:
- Not every evening = test practice
- Maintain hobbies and social life
- Watch for stress signs
- Take breaks between 11+ and SATs prep
Part 5: Preparation Comparison
Can You Prepare for Both at the Same Time?
Short answer: Not really, and you shouldn’t try.
Why not:
- 11+ is September/October; SATs are May
- Different content (especially reasoning vs GPS)
- Overwhelming to prepare for both simultaneously
- Risk of burnout
Better approach: Sequential preparation
- Focus on 11+ first (it’s earlier and more important for grammar admission)
- Take a break after 11+
- Start SATs prep in January
What Type of Preparation Does Each Need?
SATs Preparation
Essential:
- Reading daily (20-30 minutes—most important)
- Times tables fluency (instant recall to 12×12)
- Familiarization with test format (10-15 practice papers over 3-4 months)
- Basic spelling and grammar practice
Helpful:
- CGP SATs practice books (£6-8 each, total ~£30)
- Past papers (free from gov.uk)
- 2-3 practice sessions per week (30-45 mins each)
Probably not needed:
- Extensive tutoring (unless child has significant gaps)
- Intensive bootcamps
- More than 4 months focused preparation
Total time investment: ~30-40 hours over 3-4 months
11+ Preparation
Essential:
- Wide reading (still the most important foundation)
- Strong maths fundamentals
- Verbal reasoning practice (NOT taught in school—needs specific preparation)
- Non-verbal reasoning practice (NOT taught in school—needs specific preparation)
- Extensive practice papers under timed conditions
- Understanding of test format and strategy
Helpful:
- 11+ practice books (Bond, CGP, GL Assessment) (£30-60)
- Online practice platforms (11+ specific) (£10-30/month)
- 3-4 practice sessions per week (45-60 mins each)
- Tutoring is common (especially for reasoning sections)
Often needed:
- Tutoring (£25-50/hour, weekly for 6-12 months = £600-2400)
- Summer preparation courses (optional, £200-500)
- Significant parental time investment
Total time investment: ~150-250 hours over 6-12 months
Cost Comparison
| Expense | SATs | 11+ |
|---|---|---|
| Practice books | £30-50 | £60-100 |
| Online resources | £0-20 | £50-150 |
| Tutoring | £0-600 (optional for most) |
£600-2400 (common/often needed) |
| Test fees | £0 (included in school) |
£0-50 (varies by area) |
| Total typical cost | £30-200 | £700-2500 |
Part 6: Common Misconceptions
Myth 1: “SATs and 11+ are basically the same thing”
FALSE.
They’re completely different tests with different purposes, content, timing, and impact. The only similarity is that both happen to Year 6 students.
Myth 2: “If we prepare for 11+, we don’t need to prepare for SATs”
MOSTLY TRUE.
11+ preparation does help significantly with SATs. The reading, maths, and problem-solving skills transfer. However, SATs have specific format and some content (like GPS) that 11+ doesn’t cover, so some familiarization is still helpful.
Myth 3: “Good SATs results will help if 11+ doesn’t go well”
FALSE.
SATs results come out in July, long after grammar school places are decided (March). Grammar schools don’t use SATs results for admission—only the 11+ matters.
Myth 4: “My child needs to pass SATs to go to grammar school”
FALSE.
Grammar schools don’t look at SATs. They use the 11+. You could theoretically “fail” SATs (score below expected standard) and still get into grammar school if you passed the 11+. (Though in practice, children who do well on 11+ usually do well on SATs too.)
Myth 5: “We should take the 11+ just in case, even if not sure about grammar school”
QUESTIONABLE.
Consider the costs:
- Time: 6-12 months of significant preparation
- Money: Potentially £1000+ for tutoring/resources
- Stress: Competitive, pressured process
- Opportunity cost: Time not spent on other activities
If you’re not seriously considering grammar schools, adding 11+ to your child’s Year 5/6 creates unnecessary stress. Only pursue it if genuinely interested.
Myth 6: “Grammar schools are always better than comprehensives”
FALSE.
Grammar schools suit some children; comprehensives suit others. Consider:
- Grammar schools: Highly academic, competitive, fast-paced, lots of homework
- Some children thrive; others feel out of their depth or stressed
- Many excellent comprehensive schools exist
- A child who’s a confident, happy learner at a comprehensive may do better than a stressed, struggling student at a grammar school
- Grammar school → Oxbridge is not automatic; plenty reach Oxbridge from comprehensives
Part 7: Making Your Decision
Decision Tree: Should We Take the 11+?
Start here:
1. Is there a grammar school within 45 minutes travel?
- No → Focus on SATs only. Decision made.
- Yes → Continue to question 2
2. Is your child working at or above year level in English and Maths?
- No (struggling or below average) → Focus on SATs only. 11+ unlikely to succeed and would add stress.
- Yes → Continue to question 3
3. Can your family commit to 6-12 months of preparation (time, money, energy)?
- No → Focus on SATs only. 11+ success requires significant preparation.
- Yes → Continue to question 4
4. Does your child handle academic pressure reasonably well?
- No (anxious, finds tests very stressful) → Consider carefully. Grammar school environment is pressured; 11+ process is stressful. May not be right fit.
- Yes → Continue to question 5
5. Are the alternative local schools acceptable?
- Yes (good comprehensives nearby) → 11+ is optional. Lower pressure. Either choice fine.
- No (poor local schools) → 11+ becomes more important if you want better school option.
6. Does your child actually want to go to grammar school?
- No → Don’t force it. They need to be on board.
- Yes or neutral → Proceed if all above factors positive.
Action Plan Based on Your Decision
If Focusing ONLY on SATs:
Timeline:
- Year 5 and earlier: Good general learning, lots of reading, strong maths
- Autumn Year 6: Light familiarization with SATs format (optional)
- January-April Year 6: Regular SATs practice (2-3 times/week, 30-45 mins)
- May Year 6: SATs tests
Resources needed:
- CGP SATs books (£30-50)
- Past papers (free online)
- Tutoring only if struggling (£200-600)
Stress level: Low to moderate
If Focusing on 11+ (and therefore SATs too):
Timeline:
- Spring/Summer Year 5: Research grammar schools, attend open days, register for 11+
- Summer Year 5: Begin 11+ preparation (introduce verbal/non-verbal reasoning)
- Autumn Year 6: Intensive 11+ prep (3-4 times/week)
- September/October Year 6: 11+ tests
- October/November Year 6: Results, apply to schools
- November-December Year 6: Break from test prep
- January-April Year 6: SATs preparation (easier after 11+)
- May Year 6: SATs tests
Resources needed:
- 11+ books and practice papers (£60-150)
- Likely tutoring for 11+ (£600-2400)
- SATs books (£30-50)
Stress level: Moderate to high (manage carefully)
Part 8: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can my child take the 11+ even if they’re not great at school?
A: Technically yes, but realistically it’s unlikely to succeed and will add stress. 11+ is designed to identify top 25-30% academically. If your child is struggling or average, focus on helping them succeed where they are rather than adding pressure of a test they’re unlikely to pass.
Q: What happens if we take 11+ and don’t pass?
A: You apply to non-selective schools through the normal process. Your child still gets a secondary school place—just not a grammar school. The 11+ failure doesn’t affect comprehensive school admissions (they don’t even know you took it).
Q: Should we tell our child if they don’t pass 11+?
A: Be honest but frame positively: “The test showed you’d be happiest at [comprehensive school name] where you’ll do brilliantly.” Don’t frame as failure. Many successful adults didn’t go to grammar schools.
Q: Do all grammar schools use the same 11+ test?
A: No. Some areas have consortia (shared test), but different regions use different tests. Check YOUR local grammar schools’ specific requirements.
Q: If we pass 11+ but child doesn’t get grammar school place, what happens?
A: Passing 11+ makes you eligible, but doesn’t guarantee a place (depends on other criteria like distance). You still apply to comprehensives as backup. If grammar school doesn’t work out, you attend your comprehensive choice.
Q: Should we hire a tutor for SATs?
A: Usually not necessary. Most children can prepare adequately with practice books and parental support. Consider tutoring if significant gaps or child very anxious.
Q: Should we hire a tutor for 11+?
A: Common and often helpful. Reasoning sections aren’t taught in school; tutors can teach strategies efficiently. However, some children succeed without tutoring. Depends on child’s baseline ability and parental capacity to help.
Q: Can we appeal if child doesn’t pass 11+?
A: Very difficult. Appeals for grammar school admission are rarely successful unless there were test administration errors. If you think there were extenuating circumstances (e.g., child very ill on test day), you can try, but don’t count on it.
The Bottom Line
Key Takeaways
1. SATs and 11+ Are Completely Different
- Different tests, different purposes, different timing
- Don’t confuse them
2. Which Matters Depends on Your Goals
- Not applying to grammar schools? → SATs only
- Applying to grammar schools? → 11+ is critical, SATs secondary
3. 11+ Affects Admissions; SATs Don’t
- 11+ pass = eligible for grammar school
- SATs results don’t affect any secondary school admission
4. Prepare for 11+ First (If Relevant)
- 11+ is September/October
- SATs are May
- Prepare sequentially, not simultaneously
5. Not Everyone Should Take 11+
- Only if: grammar school nearby, child academically strong, family can commit, worth the stress
- Don’t add pressure unnecessarily
6. Grammar School Isn’t Automatically “Better”
- Right fit matters more than selectivity
- Excellent comprehensives exist
- Consider your individual child’s needs
Final Advice
Research YOUR situation:
- Are there grammar schools near you?
- What are the local comprehensive schools like?
- What does your child need?
Be realistic about your child:
- Academic ability (genuinely—not wishful thinking)
- Personality (will they thrive in competitive environment?)
- Stress tolerance
Make a deliberate decision:
- Don’t drift into 11+ because “everyone else is doing it”
- Don’t avoid it out of fear if it’s genuinely right option
- Choose based on what’s best for YOUR child and family
Whatever you decide: Your child will be fine.
Success in life comes from many factors: effort, resilience, kindness, curiosity, good teaching, supportive parents. Whether your child takes SATs only, 11+ only, or both—they can have an excellent education and a successful, happy life.
The school matters less than you think. The learning matters more.
Need Support Preparing for SATs or 11+?
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