Preparing for the Year 6 SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) can feel like a daunting task for both children and their parents. These tests play a vital role in assessing a child’s academic progress in primary school and are often used by secondary schools to gauge a student's capabilities. As the pressure mounts in the months leading up to the exams, many families seek additional academic support, whether that’s through personal guidance at home or structured tuition from experienced KS2 tutors.
At Merit Tutors, we understand how significant this phase is in a child’s educational journey. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to help parents better support their children during this crucial stage. Whether you're based in Ilford, Plaistow, Forest Gate or anywhere in East London, these tips are designed to provide clarity, structure, and practical advice to help your child succeed.
SATs help identify the progress children have made throughout their primary years, particularly in core subjects such as English and Maths. The results are used not only by primary schools to measure performance but also by secondary schools to plan effective support and class placements. Although SATs are not high-stakes exams in the way that GCSEs or A-levels are, they set the tone for a child’s confidence and attitude toward future assessments.
For many children, the SATs will be their first experience with formal exam conditions. This makes it all the more important to ensure they are not only academically prepared but also emotionally equipped to handle the experience with resilience and calm.
The journey to SATs success starts with understanding your child’s current strengths and weaknesses. This often begins with a baseline assessment. At Merit Tutors, we offer every student a free assessment to help parents understand where their child stands and what kind of support is needed. Once gaps in learning are identified, parents and tutors can begin to tailor revision plans that address these specific areas.
For example, if a child is struggling with long division or understanding figurative language in reading comprehension, those can become immediate focus areas. By tackling these challenges early, students are less likely to become overwhelmed as the exams approach.
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is waiting until a few weeks before the SATs to begin preparation. SATs preparation should be gradual, consistent, and realistic. Aim for short but focused revision sessions spread across several months. Children retain more information when they are not stressed or overburdened.
For instance, you might dedicate Mondays and Wednesdays to Maths and Tuesdays and Thursdays to English. Weekend mornings can be used for review and practice papers. Incorporating timed exercises also helps build exam stamina.
At home, create a quiet and distraction-free study space. Limit screen time during revision hours and use timers to keep children on task. Consistency is key—establishing a routine will help children see learning as a natural part of their daily lives.
Year 6 SATs assess children in three core areas: Mathematics, Reading, and SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar). Each of these requires its own set of strategies.
In Maths, students need to master both arithmetic and reasoning. Ensure your child practices mental maths, long multiplication, and division, as well as how to interpret word problems. With English, comprehension skills are vital. Encourage your child to read a variety of texts—fiction, non-fiction, poetry—and ask questions to help them think critically.
SPaG is often overlooked, but it's one of the areas where children can quickly gain marks with proper technique. Focus on grammar rules, punctuation use, and spelling practice. Flashcards, spelling games, and grammar quizzes are useful tools that make learning interactive.
Working through past SATs papers is essential. These papers help children become familiar with the test format and question styles. They also highlight areas where additional support is needed. Start with untimed practice, and gradually introduce timed conditions to build confidence.
At Merit Tutors, we conduct regular mock exams for our Year 6 students. These simulate real test environments and help reduce anxiety by making the process more familiar. Reviewing these papers with a tutor ensures that mistakes are corrected and understood, rather than repeated.
Children perform best when they believe in themselves. SATs preparation shouldn’t be a source of fear or pressure. As a parent, your role is to motivate, encourage, and reassure. Celebrate small achievements, praise effort over perfection, and maintain a positive tone about the exams.
Avoid comparison with other students—each child has a unique learning path. Instead, focus on individual progress and keep communication open. Ask how they’re feeling about the preparation and the subjects they’re working on. Active listening goes a long way in reducing stress.
While parental support is invaluable, professional tutoring can provide an extra layer of structure and expertise. Tutors are trained to recognise learning gaps, explain concepts clearly, and adapt lessons to suit individual learning styles. This is especially helpful in group settings where some children might hesitate to ask questions.
Merit Tutors specialises in KS2 tutoring and SATs preparation. Our small group and one-on-one sessions are designed to boost confidence and academic ability. With centres in Ilford and Plaistow, our team of qualified tutors helps students master key topics and exam techniques while making learning engaging and accessible.
As exams draw near, emotional support becomes just as important as academic preparation. Make sure your child gets enough sleep, eats healthily, and has time to relax. Discuss their feelings about the SATs openly. If they're nervous, help them break down what exactly is worrying them, and offer reassurance.
Keeping a balanced lifestyle is crucial. SATs are just one part of a child's education—not the entirety of it. Framing the tests in a positive light, as a chance to "show what you know," helps reduce performance anxiety.
At Merit Tutors, we combine expert tuition with personal attention to ensure every child is ready for their SATs. Our services include:
Free academic assessments
Regular progress tracking
Interactive lessons tailored to the KS2 curriculum
Access to a wide range of learning materials
We also work closely with parents to provide regular feedback and ensure alignment between home and tuition support. Our mission is to make SATs preparation effective, enjoyable, and confidence-building.
Whether you're searching for a trusted KS2 tutor or looking for structured SATs preparation in Year 6, Merit Tutors has a solution to fit your needs.
Helping your child prepare for SATs is a team effort. With the right strategy, consistent support, and a nurturing environment, your child can walk into their SATs with confidence and come out with results they’re proud of.
If you’re based in London and looking for reliable, effective support, Merit Tutors is here to guide you through every step. Contact us today to schedule a free assessment and learn more about our KS2 programmes.
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Updated 08-July-2025
