What is Key Stage 2?
4 min read · updated 2026-09-01
Key Stage 2 (KS2) is the UK primary phase covering Years 3 to 6, ending with the Year 6 SATs and the move to secondary school. It is also where 11+ preparation and secondary readiness begin, so parents hear the term constantly.
Which years it covers
KS2 spans Ages 7-11: Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. Before it come the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 (Years 1-2); after it, Key Stage 3 begins at secondary school.
KS2 SATs in Year 6
In May of Year 6, children sit national curriculum tests in reading, maths (three papers, arithmetic and reasoning) and grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS), plus teacher-assessed writing. Results are reported as scaled scores around 100, where 100 meets the expected standard. Secondary schools receive the results and often use them for early setting.
How KS2 connects to the 11+ and secondary
KS2 content is the foundation the 11+ assumes, and secondary schools use KS2 scaled scores to group Year 7 students. Solid KS2 numeracy and reading make the 11+, Year 7 setting and GCSE foundations easier in sequence. That is why our 11+ programme starts from KS2 fluency, and why primary support focuses on those same basics.
FAQs
Are KS2 SATs compulsory?＋
Yes for most Year 6 children in state schools in England. Independent schools set their own assessment, and some families use private exams instead.
What is a good KS2 scaled score?＋
100 is the expected standard at each test; 110+ signals working at greater depth. The scale runs roughly 80-120.
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