Free SATs papers are a wonderful way of helping Year 6 pupils prepare for their KS2 SATs. When it comes to revision, we know it’s difficult figuring out where to begin. Past papers are one of the most valuable resources for revision. Your child can apply their knowledge to SATs style questions. They can also familiarise themselves with both the Reasoning papers and the Arithmetic paper. This can help them have a better understanding of what to expect. It also helps them to practise under timed conditions.

That’s why Think Academy UK has created this free KS2 SATs revision pack. We’ve included 12 free SATs papers from the last four years to help prepare for the 2026 KS2 SATs.

Start with structured guidance to keep KS2 SATs preparation calm and manageable. A free maths trial lesson can help your child build confidence, understand SATs-style questions, and develop the right pace without unnecessary pressure.

When are the Year 6 SATs 2026?

The Year 6 KS2 SATs are scheduled for May 2026, starting from Monday May 10^th until Thursday May 13^th. While they are still 8 months away, it’s never too early to get prepared!

Primary school teachers are doing their best to help their students catch up after months of lost learning. As parents, it’s important that you don’t put too much pressure on your children. That’s why these free SATs papers are a great place to start.

How can you use free SATs papers to revise for Year 6 SATs?

Using past KS2 SATs papers are a good way to quickly determine which areas of maths your child already understands, and which areas require further revision. You can use the mark scheme included to help.

Once your child has completed a paper, review the mark scheme together to identify which questions require further practice. You can help by preparing similar questions for them to practice. If they are still struggling to get to grips with a particular topic, take the practice papers to school and speak to their Year 6 teacher. This will help the teacher quickly identify how best to help.

 

Free SATs papers to download (year 6 ks2 Maths)

Below are the links you need to all the KS2 maths SATs papers from the last four years.

Year 6 KS2 SATs:  free SATs papers 2019

1. Free SATs paper – KS2 maths – Paper 1 (Arithmetic)

2. Free SATs paper – KS2 maths – Paper 2 (Reasoning)

3. Free SATs paper – KS2 maths – Paper 3 (Reasoning)

Year 6 KS2 SATs:  free SATs papers 2018

4. Free SATs paper – KS2 maths – Paper 1 (Arithmetic)

5. Free SATs paper – KS2 maths – Paper 2 (Reasoning)

6. Free SATs paper – KS2 maths – Paper 3 (Reasoning)

Year 6 KS2 SATs:  free SATs papers 2017

7. Free SATs paper – KS2 maths – Paper 1 (Arithmetic)

8. Free SATs paper – KS2 maths – Paper 2 (Reasoning)

9. Free SATs paper – KS2 maths – Paper 3 (Reasoning)

Year 6 KS2 SATs:  free SATs papers 2016

10. Free SATs paper – KS2 maths – Paper 1 (Arithmetic)

11. Free SATs paper – KS2 maths – Paper 2 (Reasoning)

12. Free SATs paper – KS2 maths – Paper 3 (Reasoning)

How to use the mark scheme – Year 6 KS2 maths free SATs paper:

This gives you a great insight into understanding how each question is marked and how examiners expect your child to display their workings out. Remember that the examiner wants to award you child as many marks as possible! Therefore, using the mark scheme during revision is a gold mine in teaching your child how to present their answers.

Links to the KS2 maths SATs paper mark schemes:

– 2019 KS2 maths SATs paper mark scheme

– 2018 KS2 maths SATs paper mark scheme

– 2017 KS2 maths SATs paper mark scheme

– 2016 KS2 maths SATs paper mark scheme

Free SATs papers: Year 6 maths revision – what else can you do?

While using free SATs papers are a great place to start, you will no doubt soon be looking for additional resources. Some parents choose to purchase KS2 SATs practice books. However, these can be expensive. Unfortunately, they cannot address your child’s specific learning needs as they do not offer further explanation.

So how can you help your child revise if they are already finding Year 6 maths challenging?

Use a Year 6 online tutor for KS2 maths!

Rather than pay out all that money for boring old textbooks, why not invest in an online tutor? Think Academy UK offers affordable online maths tuition for Year 5 and Year 6 pupils preparing for their KS2 SATs.

Each class takes place in a fun and interactive virtual classroom where maths is brought to life! Our dedicated tutors, some of them real-life primary school teachers, introduce new approaches to maths not taught at school. Helping kids to learn in new ways ensures that all our lessons are tailored to the student’s needs.

Moreover, with specialised homework, your child can recap what they have learnt with their tutor and review any areas they still find confusing. This makes for a far more productive and engaging learning experience.

Free maths resources KS2:

There are tons of free resources online to help your child start revising for the KS2 Year 6 SATs.

BBC Bitesize

BBC Bitesize has launched a series of catch up lessons for Year 6 primary school students, in the aim of helping them to get back on track. This is an excellent supplement to Year 6 SATs revision, covering topics such as:

• Addition and Subtraction
• Fractions
• Geometry
• Multiplication and Division
• Number and Place value

As a free resource, this could prove amazingly effective alongside using the free SATs papers in revising for the KS2 SATs.

Start with structured guidance to keep KS2 SATs preparation calm and manageable. A free maths trial lesson can help your child build confidence, understand SATs-style questions, and develop the right pace without unnecessary pressure.

How to Use Year 6 SATs Practice Papers Effectively

Use Year 6 SATs practice papers by timing each test, marking answers with the mark scheme, identifying weak areas, and repeating targeted practice. Focus on one paper at a time and review mistakes carefully to improve confidence and accuracy.

Start by creating a calm test environment. Set a timer and ask your child to complete the paper without help. This helps them become familiar with real SATs conditions and improves time management.

Once finished, mark the paper together using the official mark scheme. Go through incorrect answers and identify patterns, such as difficulties with fractions, reasoning, or multi-step problems. This helps focus revision on areas that need improvement.

Next, practise similar questions. Instead of repeating the entire paper, work on targeted topics your child found challenging. Short, focused practice sessions are more effective than long revision blocks.

Finally, repeat the process regularly. Completing one or two Year 6 SATs practice papers each week can build confidence, improve speed, and reduce test anxiety before the KS2 SATs.

Year 6 SATs Practice Papers Free Online Maths

Year 6 SATs practice papers free online maths help children prepare for the three KS2 maths tests: one arithmetic paper and two reasoning papers. Using online practice papers regularly improves speed, accuracy, and confidence before SATs week.

The Year 6 maths SATs consist of three papers:

• Paper 1: Arithmetic (calculation skills)
• Paper 2: Maths reasoning
• Paper 3: Maths reasoning

These papers assess number skills, fractions, decimals, percentages, geometry, and problem solving.

Arithmetic questions usually focus on calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions, while reasoning papers include multi-step problems that test understanding in context.

Using Year 6 SATs practice papers free online maths allows students to:

• practise timed exam conditions
• improve arithmetic speed
• develop reasoning strategies
• identify weak topics
• build confidence before the real test

Start with one paper at a time and review answers carefully. Focus on common topics like fractions, percentages, ratio, and multi-step word problems. Regular practice using free online SATs maths papers helps children become familiar with the format and reduces test anxiety.

Free KS2 SATs Papers With Answers

Free KS2 SATs papers with answers help students practise exam-style questions, check mistakes, and improve quickly. Use papers with mark schemes to identify weak topics, review working out, and track progress across arithmetic and reasoning.

Using KS2 SATs papers with answers allows parents and students to understand how marks are awarded. After completing a paper, compare answers with the mark scheme and focus on incorrect questions. This helps identify gaps in topics such as fractions, percentages, and multi-step reasoning.

Start by completing one paper under timed conditions. Then review answers carefully and note any repeated mistakes. Practising similar questions afterwards helps reinforce learning and improve accuracy.

Free KS2 SATs papers with answers are most effective when used regularly. Completing one paper each week can improve confidence, familiarise students with the exam format, and reduce stress before Year 6 SATs.

More Free SATs Papers for KS2 Revision

More free SATs papers for KS2 revision help students practise different question types, improve confidence, and prepare for exam conditions. Using a range of papers across arithmetic and reasoning builds accuracy and strengthens weaker topics.

In addition to Year 6 maths papers, students can also use reading and grammar SATs papers for broader KS2 revision. Mixing subjects keeps practice varied and helps children stay engaged while preparing for SATs.

It’s helpful to rotate between arithmetic papers and reasoning papers. Arithmetic improves calculation speed, while reasoning develops problem-solving skills. Using both ensures balanced preparation across the KS2 maths SATs.

You can also revisit older SATs papers. Completing multiple years helps children become familiar with question styles and increases confidence. Regular practice using free SATs papers for KS2 revision supports steady progress before test week.

Success isn’t luck—it’s a strategy. Unlock your child’s full potential with a Free Academic Assessment. We’ll identify hidden gaps and provide a data-driven performance plan designed to turn weaknesses into strengths before exam season hits.

Claim Your Free Assessment — Build the blueprint for peak performance.

KS2 SATs FAQs

The post 12 FREE KS2 SATs Papers: Everything you Need for Year 6 Maths Revision in 2026 appeared first on Think Academy Blog.

Mastering core maths concepts is the secret to moving from “getting by” to achieving top marks in the UK education system. Whether you are navigating the jump from Year 6 SATs to the 11+, or aiming for a Grade 9 at GCSE, a deep understanding of the fundamentals is what separates successful students from the rest.

This guide breaks down the essential pillars of mathematics, offering clear explanations and high-level strategies to help students build unwavering exam confidence. By focusing on core maths concepts such as algebraic fluency, ratio, and geometric reasoning, students can tackle even the most challenging multi-step problems with ease. From the building blocks of number sense to complex algebraic expansions, this article explores the vital core maths concepts every student needs to excel.

Understanding what GCSEs stand for and why these results matter for your future career is the first step toward exam motivation

Why Mastering Core Maths Concepts is Crucial for Exam Success

Bridging the Gap Between KS2 SATs and 11 Plus Maths

Here is a dep dive of the best Grammar School near you

Bridging the Gap Between KS2 SATs and 11+ Maths

While KS2 SATs maths and the 11+ maths exam both assess core mathematical knowledge, the 11+ typically requires greater speed, deeper reasoning, and more challenging problem-solving. Understanding this difference can help students transition more smoothly.

Key Differences

KS2 SATs focus on the national curriculum, testing whether pupils understand key topics such as fractions, percentages, and basic geometry. The 11+, used for grammar school admissions, often includes more complex word problems, multi-step calculations, and less predictable question styles.

Skills Students Need to Develop

To bridge the gap, students should focus on three main areas:

• Mathematical reasoning: explaining and understanding how answers are reached
• Speed and accuracy: completing questions quickly without mistakes
• Multi-step problem solving: breaking down longer, more complex questions

Topics That Need Stronger Mastery

Although most content comes from KS2, the 11+ often goes further in areas such as:

• Fractions, percentages, and ratios
• Multi-step word problems
• Simple algebra and number patterns
• Geometry and angle rules

Helpful Preparation Strategies

Students can strengthen their skills by:

• Practising mental maths and times tables daily
• Working through challenging reasoning problems
• Completing timed practice papers to build speed and confidence
• Final Thought

KS2 SATs confirm a student’s understanding of the curriculum, while the 11+ tests how flexibly and quickly they can apply that knowledge. Developing reasoning skills and practising unfamiliar problem types is key to closing the gap.

Is your child ready for the 11+ challenge? Book a free 11+ Trial class with us 

Quadratic Equations: Solving for X in AQA and Edexcel Papers

Quadratic equations are a key topic in GCSE maths and frequently appear in both AQA and Edexcel exam papers. A quadratic equation is an equation where the highest power of the variable (usually x) is 2.

A typical quadratic equation looks like:
ax² + bx + c = 0

Common Methods for Solving Quadratics

Students are usually expected to solve quadratic equations using one of three main methods.

1. Factorising

Factorising is often the quickest method when the quadratic can be easily broken down.

Example:
x² + 5x + 6 = 0

(x + 2)(x + 3) = 0

So, x = −2 or x = −3.

2. Using the Quadratic Formula

When factorising is difficult, the quadratic formula can be used:

x = (-b ± √(b² − 4ac)) / 2a

This method works for all quadratic equations.

3. Completing the Square

Completing the square rewrites the equation in a form that makes it easier to solve. This method is also useful when working with graphs of quadratic functions.

What Exam Boards Expect

In AQA and Edexcel GCSE papers, students may be asked to:

• Solve quadratic equations using different methods
• Check solutions by substitution
• Apply quadratics in problem-solving questions
• Link equations to quadratic graphs
• Final Tip

Students aiming for higher grades should practise choosing the most efficient method for each question and ensure they show clear working, as examiners award marks for the correct mathematical process as well as the final answer.

Think Academy to help students test their knowledge, practise exam-style questions, and prepare with confidence. Get Free GCSE Practice Papers

Binomial Expansion: A Guide for Higher Tier Students

Binomial expansion is an algebraic method used to expand expressions with two terms, such as (x + 3) or (2x − 5). It is an important topic for Higher Tier GCSE maths, where students are expected to expand powers of binomials and simplify the results.

Expanding Binomials

To expand a binomial, multiply the expression by itself the required number of times.

Example:

(x+3)2(x + 3)^2(x+3)2

This means:

$$(x+3)(x+3)$$

Expanding gives:

x2+6x+9x^2 + 6x + 9x2+6x+9

Expanding a Cube

Example:

(x+2)3(x + 2)^3(x+2)3

This means:

$$(x+2)(x+2)(x+2)$$

Which expands to:

x3+6×2+12x+8x^3 + 6x^2 + 12x + 8x3+6x2+12x+8

Binomial Expansion in GCSE Exams

In Higher Tier GCSE papers, students are typically asked to:

• Expand expressions such as (x + a)²

• Expand expressions like (x + a)³

• Simplify the resulting algebraic expressions

More advanced binomial expansion methods involving combinations are usually studied at A-Level maths.

Helpful Patterns to Remember

Students can use common expansion patterns to work more quickly:

• (a + b)² = a² + 2ab + b²

• (a − b)² = a² − 2ab + b²

Recognising these patterns helps students expand binomials efficiently and avoid mistakes in exams

Don’t let complex equations stand between you and a Grade 9. Let our expert tutors break it down for you Try a Free GCSE Higher Class

Diagnostic Tools: Are Your Child's Core Maths Concepts Secure?

Identifying Learning Gaps with a Free Maths Assessment

Understanding a student’s strengths and weaknesses is the first step toward improving their maths skills. A free maths assessment can help identify learning gaps and highlight the areas where additional support may be needed.

Why Learning Gaps Matter

Maths is a subject where topics build on each other. If a student struggles with earlier concepts—such as fractions, ratios, or basic algebra—it can make more advanced topics much harder to understand.

Identifying these gaps early allows students to focus on the areas that need the most improvement.

What a Maths Assessment Can Reveal

A well-designed assessment can help determine:

• Which topics a student understands well
• Areas where mistakes frequently occur
• Whether foundational skills need strengthening
• The student’s current working level

This information provides a clearer picture of what the student needs to work on next.

Benefits of Early Identification

When learning gaps are identified early, students can receive targeted practice and guidance before small issues turn into bigger difficulties. This approach helps build confidence and supports steady progress.

Moving Forward

A free maths assessment is a useful starting point for creating a more focused learning plan. By understanding where the challenges lie, students can spend their time practising the topics that will make the biggest difference to their progress.

Moving from Concept Mastery to Exam Confidence

Understanding mathematical concepts is an important first step, but success in exams requires more than just knowing the material. Students must also develop the confidence and skills needed to apply their knowledge under exam conditions.

From Understanding to Application

Concept mastery means a student understands how a method works. Exam success, however, depends on the ability to apply that method to unfamiliar problems. This is why practising a variety of question types is essential.

Practising Under Exam Conditions

Timed practice helps students become comfortable working within the constraints of an exam. Completing past papers and exam-style questions allows students to recognise common question patterns and manage their time more effectively.

Learning from Mistakes

Reviewing mistakes is a key part of building exam confidence. When students understand why an error occurred and how to correct it, they are less likely to repeat the same mistake in future questions.

Building Confidence Through Practice

Regular practice, targeted revision, and exposure to exam-style questions help students move from simply understanding concepts to confidently solving problems in real exam situations.

Expert Support for Core Maths Concepts

Book Your Free Trial Maths Lesson Today

If your child needs extra support in maths or wants to build confidence before upcoming exams, a free trial maths lesson is a great place to start.

• What to Expect from the Trial Lesson During the session, students will:
• Work through targeted maths questions suited to their level
• Receive clear explanations and guidance from an experienced tutor
• Identify key areas for improvement
• Learn strategies to approach challenging problems with confidence

The lesson also gives parents the opportunity to see how the teaching approach works and how it can support their child’s progress.

Who the Lesson Is For

Free trial lessons are ideal for students preparing for:

• KS2 SATs
• 11+ entrance exams
• GCSE Maths

Whether a student needs help strengthening foundations or tackling more advanced topics, personalised support can make a significant difference.

Get Started

Booking a free trial maths lesson is a simple way to explore how structured support and expert guidance can help students improve their understanding and achieve their academic goals.

Think academy Year 6 Term A Admissions Now Open! (2026 entry)

5 May 2026 | by Think Academy Team

Think Academy UK | 2025–2026 Academic Year SEO Keywords: 11+ preparation UK, grammar school exam, independent school exam, Year 6...

Read More →

Think Academy Year 4 Maths Programme | 11+ Preparation UK

5 May 2026 | by Think Academy Team

The Think Academy Year 4 maths programme 11 plus preparation UK is designed to support students at a crucial stage...

Read More →

Think Academy Year 5 Maths Programme | 11+ Preparation UK

5 May 2026 | by Think Academy Team

The Think Academy Year 5 maths programme 11 plus preparation UK is designed for students entering the most critical stage...

Read More →

Think Academy G2 (Y8/9) Entry 2026 Term A | Maths Programme UK

5 May 2026 | by Think Academy Team

The Think Academy Y8 Y9 Entry 2026 Term A G2 programme is now open, offering students a clear and structured...

Read More →

Think Academy G4 (Year 10/11 UK) GCSE Exam Preparation Course

5 May 2026 | by Think Academy Team

The Think Academy G4 Year 10 Year 11 UK GCSE exam preparation course is now open, offering students a focused...

Read More →

Think Academy G3 (Year 9/10 UK) Summer & Autumn Courses

5 May 2026 | by Think Academy Team

The Think Academy G3 Year 9 Year 10 UK Summer Autumn Courses are now open, providing students with a structured...

Read More →

The post Core Maths Concepts: The Ultimate Guide for UK Students (KS2 to GCSE) 2026 appeared first on Think Academy Blog.

The post St Paul’s Girls’ School 11 Plus Exam Guide for 2026 appeared first on Think Academy Blog.

Helping Kids 'do' Mental Maths

Courses are running from June 1st – June 5th, 2021.

In just two classes, our tutors can help your child develop fast calculation skills, applying them to all types of maths problems!

Sign up

“Homework should be banned!” – The call to action

Our children are too tired!

Is it the case that we put too much pressure on children these days? At the age of 7, UK primary school pupils are expected to sit their Key Stage 1 SATs test. This continues in primary school up until Year 6 when they are expected to prepare for and sit their Key Stage 2 SATs test.

Some parents argue that this leaves little time for kids to wind down at home. When can they find the time to indulge in sports, hobbies, and creative interests if their time is consumed by homework? Let’s not forget the added stress caused by the UK Coronavirus lockdown.

Primary school homework does more harm than good:

A BBC Newsround report from 2018 consulted education experts on their views of the homework debate. Nansi Ellis, Assistant General Secretary at the Association of Teachers and Lecturers argued that homework gets in the way of all the good things kids enjoy. It does not always boost performance in class.

She also highlighted that it demands a lot of parents, not only their time but also of their own educational understanding. This sometimes backfires as the methods of learning in school twenty or thirty years ago are likely not the same as those taught nowadays. This can risk causing further confusion.

BBC Newsround’s own survey of the homework debate and how much homework primary school pupils receive found that parents thought:

Where is the proof?

The same BBC report saw Ellis claim that while teachers setting homework is in theory supposed to better results, there is no proof of this being the case. Rosamund McNeil from the teacher’s organisation NUT highlighted that cases abroad support this. In Finland, pupils are set minimal homework but it remains one of the most educationally successful countries in the world.

The homework debate is not just about students – it’s about teachers too!

Homework is time-consuming. Teachers must plan it and mark it, in addition to preparing their classroom lessons and reporting on pupils’ progress. Time constraints can force teachers to work late into the night at home which opens an entirely new can of worms. Overworked teachers are less effective in class. Perhaps it would be more efficient for schools to ban homework altogether.

The other side of the homework debate: Why our kids need homework

It has long been the view that homework acts as a supplement to what has been taught in class. It is an opportunity for pupils to review areas of work they might not understand, focusing their learning.

Homework for primary school students is a good thing!

Homework can be fun and imaginative, an opportunity for parents to bond with their children over education. Take the classic example of counting peas on the dinner plate to learn multiplication tables. Homework does not always have to be completed in a book or on a worksheet. It can often reflect the creativity of the teacher who can inspire children to take their learnings and apply them to the real world. Pricing a shopping list is an awesome way to practise maths while acquiring life skills!

In May 2021 we asked our social media community for their thoughts on this debate. More than two-thirds agreed that homework should not be banned. 

Free Maths Worksheets for Years 1 - 6

Download and print our teacher-approved study packs, for free!

Download now

The post The Homework Debate 2021: Do Primary Schoolers Really Need Homework? appeared first on Think Academy Blog.

The post Making Sense of Your Child’s End of Year School Report appeared first on Think Academy Blog.

Online Maths Courses for Primary Schoolers

Live-streaming now! Courses are running from April 19th – July 17th, 2021.

Learn more

Free Maths Worksheets for Years 1 - 6

Download and print our teacher-approved study packs, for free!

Download now

The post What is Progress 8, and how are Teachers Measuring Progress in 2021? appeared first on Think Academy Blog.

Online Maths Courses for Primary Schoolers

Register today! Courses are running from April 19th – July 17th, 2021.

Learn more

Whether you’re on the lookout for something to keep the kids occupied during the school holidays, or are trying out a more unconventional approach when it comes to learning maths, this page has it all. The teachers at Think Academy have diligently created some new, interactive KS2 maths games for your child to enjoy!

Below you’ll discover two virtual maths escape rooms. The first is spaceship-themed and has been designed for children in Years 3 and 4. The second is set in what we’ve decided to call a maths dungeon and has been designed with children in Years 5 and 6 in mind.

Each of the escape rooms has a degree of interactivity to help keep children engaged. We’ve included some video and audio clips to help your child follow the storyline as they put their maths knowledge to practice and complete the escape room. Most importantly, these KS2 maths games are free to enjoy, and so if your child has fun, you can easily share this page with your friends.

Years 3 and 4, prepare to blast off into outer space!

We’re ready to welcome you on-board our alien spaceship-themed virtual escape room this half-term. You’ll be completing brain teasers and maths challenges to unlock new clues that’ll help you escape, all while learning about Fractions, Area, Time, and more.

This escape room, including all content and materials, is designed for 8-9-year-olds for some fun maths practice. So, if you’re ready to go intergalactic and use the power of maths to fight extraterrestrials, tap the button below!

Click the button below to get access for free!

Blast Off to Space

Years 5 and 6, will you brave the maths dungeon?

This is the ultimate maths test. Guided only by your knowledge of maths, you need to escape the maths dungeon and flee the evil teacher’s wrath! Your storyline will involve watching video clips from Think Academy tutors as they give you clues to progress to the next level.

This escape room will test your knowledge on more complex areas of maths such as Geometry, Calculations, Fractions, Sequences and Sudoku-style problems!

This escape room is designed for 10-11-year-olds, for some fun but challenging maths practice.

Click the button below to get access for free!

Enter the Maths Dungeon

More KS2 maths games & online learning resources.

In this section, you’ll find links to websites with free online maths games, in addition to our own KS2 maths worksheets to help your child progress in maths. Our team are continually developing new resources. Therefore, we encourage you to follow our resources pages for new updates.

While many of the resources below are for children, we have helpful articles for parents too!

Free KS2 maths worksheets:

Below you can find links to helpful pages that contain a number of free, printable maths worksheets to support pupils in Years 3-6.

Year 3 maths worksheets

Year 4 maths worksheets

Year 5 maths worksheets

Year 6 maths worksheets

Listen to our free maths podcast for kids.

Learning maths isn’t all about memorising calculations and times tables; it’s so much more than that! Discover Think Academy’s maths podcast for children, Perfect Numbers. Click here to listen for free.

Created by our Year 3 teacher Ross, Perfect Numbers will spark your child’s imagination, encouraging them to see mathematics in a new and exciting way. Each episode is full of incredible facts and stories that are bound to inspire your child to love maths as much as we do!

Free Maths Worksheets for Years 1 - 6

Download and print our teacher-approved study packs, for free!

Download now

The post KS2 Maths Games: Think Academy UK’s Free Virtual Escape Rooms appeared first on Think Academy Blog.

Many children are supported at school with extra teachings if they are struggling with a specific subject. For obvious reasons, this is no longer available when all learning is remote due to social distancing measures and the current lockdown.

The lockdown has left many parents wondering how they can best support their child’s learning? This is quite common in maths as parents and carers struggle to keep up with the current teaching methods. Additionally, many parents find maths difficult, suffering from maths anxiety themselves, which can then have a negative impact on their own children.

What is low maths attainment?

Low attainment refers to the achievement of a pupil in primary school. It is often used when a pupil is falling behind the expected level of an average student. Low attainment in maths is a persistent problem in the UK’s education system.

Unfortunately, experts have concluded that this may become worse with the existing lockdown measures that are in place.

There are concerns that low attainment in maths may increase as the help available can be difficult to access remotely. Research has shown that pupils who are from medium-wage income families are spending longer on home-schooling and are able to access more resources than others, which as a result will create educational inequalities.

How do schools support their lowest attainers in maths?

There are several effective techniques that schools use to support their pupils. Here are the most effective.

The concentration of resources:

Creating a lower attainment group in small numbers allows support and attention to the pupil. The pupil can access qualified bodies including teaching assistants, learning mentors and sometimes more senior pupils to help with their learning support. Technology is also available at school to access curriculum materials.

Customisation to specific learning needs:

Pupils can access materials to support their specific educational requirements. This includes effective school monitoring systems and curriculum programs. Additionally, schools will implement in-class groups. This is to promote engagement within the pupil’s learning.

Creation of a positive learning environment:

Creating a positive learning environment has proven to strengthen communication between teachers and their students. This encourages the pupil to participate and engage in learning. A more relaxed classroom atmosphere is recommended to promote teamwork, and positive affirmation to encourage the pupil.

How are schools supporting their lowest attainers in maths during a lockdown?

This is a challenge that many schools are confronting. Implementing these techniques can be difficult with existing social distancing measures. Schools are reporting that pupils are falling behind due to school closures. This is highlighted in this report.

The report also found that 98% of teachers stated that their pupils are falling behind and are not at the expected level. Additionally, the teachers estimated that 44% of pupils need intensive catch-up support.

This is why the government has proposed that schools invite 20% of low attainment pupils in each year group for one day a week.

According to the government report sent out, children will receive intensive tutoring that is designed to prevent them from falling behind. This scheme is yet to be put into place but the proposal states that this will not have compulsory attendance. Two weeks into lockdown nothing has been implemented yet.

What can I do to support my child if they struggle with maths?

As a parent, you are not responsible for solving this issue. The school will have a procedure in place. If you do have a concern that your child is falling behind, we suggest you contact the school or your child’s teacher. Various schools are working around low attainment students, it is always helpful to ask.

There are several maths online resources, you can access to help support your child. We have previously created these to help assist parents. You may want to try 81 free White Rose Maths worksheets for primary schoolers. Simply print these out at home.

If you’re concerned that getting your child excited about maths is a problem, why not try our very own podcast for kids? Created by Think Academy UK, discover Perfect Numbers, a selection of short, fascinating stories about the history of maths! – perfect for Key Stage 2 pupils.

Want more resources like these? Enter your email and we’ll send them directly to your inbox, for free! 

Can online maths tuition support pupils with low attainment in maths?

All of Think Academy UK’s maths learning resources are free. We also provide online maths tuition to support with low attainment in maths. We invite you to learn more about our courses here.

Our courses are taught by verified tutors and are delivered using our parent-approved online learning platform. Of course, parents are rightly concerned about their child’s use of screen time. However, our tutors actively encourage participation in class. This means that every child enjoys learning, ultimately making progress in maths.

At Think Academy UK, we believe that technology is a universal language, empowering children’s education through the wonders of EdTech.

The post Low Attainment in Maths: How Should I Support my Child in Lockdown? appeared first on Think Academy Blog.

However, regardless of the Department for Education’s (DfE) decision to cancel all primary school SATs tests, when your child is in Year 6 you should be making full preparations for their transition to secondary school later in the year.

Think Academy UK has consulted with Miss Boyle, a Year 6 primary school teacher from Essex. With her advice, we have covered everything parents should know to fully support their child with the transition to Key Stage 3.

Getting started: The Year 6 transition to secondary school

In July, Year 6 children will say goodbye to primary school, marking the end of an era in their educational journey. This will likely be the most significant change in your child’s life so far. Therefore, it is important not to underestimate the effect it will have on them. They might be excited or experience some anxiety. Every child reacts differently, but together with their Year 6 teacher, you can help to ensure they are fully prepared.

Year 6 children are usually confident, they feel grown-up as the oldest students in primary school. Most will be at a stage where they have accomplished a scaled score of 100-120 in mathematics, English, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

In addition to these core subjects, they will have also studied a wider curriculum that includes subjects such as science, computing, design and technology, history, geography, art, PE, and in some cases modern foreign languages and religious studies.

Come September, they will transition into Year 7. Your child will continue to study the same subjects. Some topics will be at the same level as Year 6 to serve as a refresher, others are designed to be more challenging. Nevertheless, when the time comes, they will have all the support they need to make a successful transition.

What most parents want to know is, what happens throughout each stage of the process leading up to this?

Starting the Year 6 transition, when should you apply for secondary school?

Your primary school will provide you with guidance on this, but the Good Schools Guide suggests no later than the end of October. To find out when applications open, you should visit the website of your local authority. This is also where you will find the application form for each school.

It is important that you remember that not all schools accept admissions applications at the same time. This is most often the case with grammar schools. They will require applications to be submitted when you register your child for the 11+ entrance exam towards the end of Year 5.

It is always a good idea to keep a record of key dates, as missing the deadline could mean that you need to apply elsewhere. If this should happen, do contact the school directly to see if they can make an exception for your child.

Starting the Year 6 transition, how to choose the right secondary school for your child?

For many parents this is a simple decision, for example, your child may be attending the same school as their siblings. If it is the first time you are choosing a secondary school, it can be overwhelming. To help you get started you may wish to refer to the Good Schools Guide and use their ‘Find the best school for your child’ tool.

This is a great tool enabling you to view all the schools in your local area. Simply type in your postcode or town name for a full list of schools. Choose to narrow your search by age range, school type and other variables to make the search personalised to you.

View any of the schools in the list to learn more about them. You can see their Ofsted ratings and reports, the size of the school, entry requirements, and their contact details.

Update: January 15^th, 2021 – a statement from Gov.uk:

The Government has announced that it will not publish any school or college level educational performance data based on tests, assessments, or exams for 2020, and has outlined accountability arrangements for 2020/21. Further information on what this means for the way school and college accountability will operate for 2019/20 and for 2020/21 can be found here.

You can use the contact details to visit their website or give them a call to learn more about their open days or evenings. Download the prospectus for a comprehensive overview of the school.

Consider more than one secondary school!

Remember that it is always a good idea to select more than one school, so do not hesitate to broaden your search. Sometimes schools are particularly selective, especially grammar or independent schools.

For example, if you have selected a grammar school then it is sensible to have a second choice in the event your child’s 11+ exam results are not as expected. Hopefully, your child will have achieved the grades that you had hoped for, but if they do not then you will have identified schools with a Grammar Stream. In a nutshell, this is where a mainstream secondary school educates its highest performing students following a grammar school-based curriculum.

Understanding the different types of secondary school before making the Year 6 transition to Year 7

There are several types of secondary school parents need to be aware of before making the choice of where to send their child. No doubt you have heard of mainstream, grammar, faith, and special. However, there are many more.

Year 6 transition to fee-paying schools

Public schools

Do not be confused by the name, as these are not state schools. Public schools are the UK’s most elite schools. These are fee-paying schools and are highly selective, with top-level facilities and a high educational standard. The top ten include:

Benenden

Charterhouse

Eton College

Gordonstoun

Harrow School

The King’s School, Canterbury

Westminster School

Wycombe Abbey

St Paul’s School

Independent schools

Commonly referred to as private schools, these are also fee-paying schools. They differ from mainstream state schools in that they follow their own curriculum and receive no funding from the government. While these schools are inspected regularly, it is not always carried out by Ofsted. Parents should also know that entry requirements differ between each school, with some referring to entrance exam results.

Year 6 transition to non-fee-paying schools

Grammar schools

These are non-fee-paying state schools that are particularly selective in terms of student admissions. Grammar schools seek England’s highest academic performers. This why students must sit the 11+ entry exam, a series of tests including English, maths, verbal, and non-verbal reasoning, to apply.

Some grammar schools will also assess other attributes, for example, an aptitude for sport, music, or specialist subjects such as modern languages. Parents should be aware that some schools are more selective than others.

Due to the talent of their students, grammar schools are better performing at GCSE and A-Level. Moreover, grammar schools often have connections to prestigious universities. This can increase your child’s likelihood of attending one of Britain’s top universities.

State schools

These are free schools funded by the government for children aged 11-16. These schools follow the national curriculum (England), the curriculum for Wales (Wales), the Northern Ireland curriculum (NI), and the curriculum for excellence (Scotland).

Faith schools

Faith schools are affiliated with a particular religion and often receive additional funding. They will follow the national curriculum unless they hold academy status. They accept admissions from students of all backgrounds; however, priority is given to children who share the same faith of the school.

Community schools

Controlled by the local authority, community schools must follow the national curriculum and are subject to regular Ofsted inspections.

Academy schools

State schools that are run by an independent trust that has greater influence over how each school is run and what the curriculum should include. However, they are still funded by the government and subject to Ofsted inspections. Academies enjoy flexibility over school holidays.

Entry requirements: Understanding how your child’s academic ability can affect the Year 6 transition to secondary school

Understanding the entry requirements for secondary school can be confusing for parents. Entry requirements can significantly differ depending on the type of school you are applying to on behalf of your child. Therefore, in addition to the advice below, you must always contact each school directly.

Regardless of the type of school you are applying to, it is advisable to always consider the catchment area. This is the geographic area around the school for which students are eligible to apply. There is sometimes an exception for private schools, but all state schools consider catchment areas, and many parents make the choice to relocate to live within a school’s catchment area.

11 Plus exam

If you plan on sending your child to a grammar school, then you will need to apply for them to sit the 11+ Plus exam. Parents make their application to sit the exam in Year 5, and the exam is usually taken at the very beginning of Year 6. Grammar schools will consider the overall result of the exam before offering admission; however, this can change each year. Generally, the pass mark is around 80%.

Some grammar schools will accept a lower pass mark, while others expect higher. Super-selective grammar schools can set the pass rate as high as 98%. Additionally, some grammar schools hold interviews with prospective students.

All of this is in addition to other criteria such as catchment area and reports from your child’s primary school regarding their performance.

As part of an independent school’s entry assessment process, children must sit a common entrance exam. Set by the Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB), the 11+ common entrance exam is taken in Year 6. However, the 13+ is taken in Year 8. You can find more information about these exams here.

Secondary school open evenings and their importance to the Year 6 transition in 2021

Under normal circumstances, primary school parents are invited to visit several secondary schools for a tour. Known as open evenings, parents attend a formal talk with the school’s headteacher, who will provide more information about the school and what your child can expect when making the Year 6 transition to Year 7.

This is a good opportunity for you and your child to visit the school, learning more about the school’s subject departments, and a wonderful chance to meet teachers and current pupils. This can prove valuable in helping you better understand if the school is a good ‘fit’ for your child.

This year, it is likely that this will be impossible due to coronavirus restrictions. In 2020, many schools held virtual tours for prospective pupils and their parents.

Waiting for the Year 6 transition to secondary school and what to do once you have made your choice?

Usually, you can make up to three or four applications, but some local authorities will allow you to make up to six. Applications need to be made by the end of October to receive an offer by March the following year. Most local authorities will accept late applications, but this could mean that you will receive an offer from the secondary school later.

Once the offer has been accepted, your child can expect to move on to the chosen secondary school the following September. Schools will often invite your child to an open day, normally before the end of the current school year. This day serves as a taster-day for your child, they will get to experience a normal day at the school as a way of breaking them in and relieving anxiety over the summer holidays. Your primary school will liaise with the secondary school to facilitate this.

The Year 6 transition: who is the Year 7 liaison officer?

Once you have accepted an offer from a secondary school, you may mistakenly believe it is simply a waiting game for you and your child. Under normal circumstances, all that would be left is the KS2 SATs, but apart from that, you may only think about secondary school transportation and uniforms.

However, more is happening behind the scenes. Your child’s primary school and future secondary school will be in communication with one another.

Your child’s Year 6 teacher will likely receive a visit from the Year 7 liaison officer. Schools have different names for this role, but the purpose of the role is the same. The Year 7 liaison officer will collect information prepared by your child’s primary school and the Year 6 teacher.

This information covers your child’s entire history at the school. Records on their academic performance, school attendance, behaviour and social issues are just some of the areas examined. Students are none the wiser, nor are their parents.

Secondary schools will use the information on your child’s academic record to check for consistency. For example, if your child were to perform well in their 11+ exam but not in their SATs or teacher moderated assessment, this can impact the SET (class ability level) that they are placed in once they begin secondary school. With that in mind, it is a good idea to strive for academic consistency across all areas of your child’s studies.

How to prepare your child for the Year 6 transition to secondary school over the summer holidays?

Many parents choose to let their child relax and enjoy themselves after a particularly challenging year of education. In comparison to other countries that enjoy longer summer holidays, children in the UK only have six weeks of ‘down-time’ before beginning secondary school in September.

Some parents view this as a useful time to prepare their child for the challenges of secondary school, especially if they are transitioning to a grammar school where the workload and difficulty of study is higher than that of mainstream state schools. At Think Academy UK, our intensive Year 6 online maths course is designed to prepare students for the challenges of secondary school, using a fun and intuitive online learning platform. Easy-to-use, your child will learn alongside like-minded peers and highly educated tutors, providing a boost to their maths proficiency.

Our Years 4 and 5 advanced online maths courses are teacher-approved, specifically designed to challenge pupils by helping to prepare them for the 11+ and common entrance exams.

Additional online learning resources to support your child with the Year 6 transition to secondary school

We appreciate that it can often be challenging to find quality online learning resources. Our expert team have prepared comprehensive online study packs to support primary school students of all levels.

We provide this for free, to support families with the difficulties of learning at home, empowering children to boost their proficiency in maths and ensuring that they do not fall behind. You can discover our unique home learning study packs below.

To learn more about the 11 Plus exam, please see the following articles written by schoolteacher Kristina Murkett:

11 Plus Exam Preparation: A Guide to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning Tests

11+ Maths Exam: Helping Your Child to Prepare and Pass in 2021

Do I Need a Tutor to Help my Child Pass the 11+ Exam? Meet the Online Tutors Delivering Results

Want more resources like these? Enter your email and we’ll send them directly to your inbox, for free! 

The post Year 6 Transition to Secondary School: Getting Prepared and the Assessment That Schools do not Tell You About appeared first on Think Academy Blog.

This has left many parents feeling overwhelmed and concerned. With so many unanswered questions, parents across Britain are now wondering how their child’s education will be affected. In response to this, the entire team at Think Academy UK has been working tirelessly to create free home learning study packs for primary school children. We’ve made packs available for each year group, and we invite you to download them using the links below.

Why are the KS2 Year 6 SATs cancelled?

It is now the opinion of the Government that if schools were to hold exams this summer, students would be underprepared. A consequence of school closures due to repeated national lockdowns, students sitting exams in 2021 would experience an unfair disadvantage. Put simply, their results would likely not reflect their true ability.

While there are some advantages to online learning, the academic year 2020-2021 has already seen multiple periods of students forced to make the transition to full-time remote learning. This is not an adequate substitute for the learning that takes place in the classroom. It has likely been a significant mitigating factor in the decision to cancel the KS2 SATs for 2021.

Are the KS2 Year 6 SATs important?

Students usually sit the KS2 SATs in Year 6, with the tests held by primary schools around May. The tests are important in allowing schools to benchmark a student’s progress. The KS2 SATs are used to analyse whether a student is at the expected level of education when compared to the national average of their peers. Likewise, it is a good indicator as to whether students are underperforming.

Ofsted also refers to a school’s KS2 SATs results in their reports when conducting an Ofsted inspection.

How will your child’s education be affected by the cancellation of the KS2 Year 6 SATs?

Measuring a child’s progress in core subjects such as English and maths will now become more challenging. The Department for Education has suggested that individual teacher assessments will suffice in place of the KS2 SATs tests.

This is unlikely to reassure parents who are all too aware that repeated school closures will increase the likelihood of their child falling behind, especially if they struggle in subjects such as maths.

That’s why an increasing number of parents have taken the decision to further invest in their child’s education.

Online Tuition

Using online tuition is an effective way to ensure that children can catch up and progress in core subjects such as English and maths. Remote though it is, it remains accessible for many children; allowing them to continue learning in a safe environment, albeit remotely. At Think Academy UK, we’ve extended enrolment to our online maths courses for children in Years 1 – 6, offering affordable group tuition at £6.00 per class for KS1 and £8.00 per class for KS2. Moreover, as learning takes place within a group setting, children will learn alongside other students to provide the peer-learning environment that they have been deprived of due to school closures. You can learn more about our courses here.

Home Learning Study Packs
Our team have been busy preparing study packs to support your child’s home learning routine. We’ve put together our very own maths booklets, and we are offering a free study pack for each Year group. As well as questions, we have also included answers so that you can check your child’s work.

Simply click the links below to access each pack. We invite you to download and print them out so that your child can do them at home:

Year 1 Study Pack

Year 2 Study Pack

Year 3 Study Pack

Year 4 Study Pack

Year 5 Study Pack

Year 6 Study Pack

CBBC Primary School Programming

The BBC has also announced that from January 11th it will broadcast 3 hours of primary school programming per day starting at 9am, in an effort to make digital learning available to everybody. Viewers will be able to watch this on CBBC.

How will your child be assessed if the KS2 Year 6 SATs are cancelled?

As explained, schools are putting procedures in place to carry out teacher-led assessments. Not much is known about how these will assess pupils and when they will take place. Please be sure to check this article for regular updates.

It is also not known how this will affect Year 6 pupils’ transition to secondary schools, however it likely that the Department for Education will clarify this in the coming weeks.

Use CODE:  247HYP7In5 to redeem £12.00 off Think Academy’s January 2021 maths courses! Enter your code at the checkout here! Give your child a confidence boost in maths and help them to prepare for the 11+ exam or simply catch up and make progress in maths!

Read more: 

Key Stage 1 SATs – Cancelled 

Help with Maths – Top 5 Reasons to Choose Group Tuition in 2021

Year 6 Maths – Resources to Help Your Child in 2021

The post 2021 KS2 SATs Cancelled – Primary School Closures appeared first on Think Academy Blog.