If your child scores 100 or above, they’re working at the expected standard. A score of 110 or above is considered “higher standard” (think of it as the academic equivalent of a VIP pass). Below 100? No need to panic—it simply means they’ll get extra support in Year 7.
Here’s a cultural reference for context: scoring in SATs is a bit like a Michelin star rating for a restaurant. A Michelin star is impressive, but plenty of amazing restaurants never get one—and they still serve incredible meals. Your child’s teacher already knows their strengths and weaknesses; the number just confirms what they’ve already seen.
Fun fact: the highest possible scaled score is 120, but only about 0.1% of children achieve it. That’s rarer than spotting a double rainbow during a heatwave. So if your child scores 118, they’re basically a tiny academic unicorn.
KS2 SATs 2026: The Results! | LbQ Primary
The Aftermath: What to Say and Do
On results day itself, keep your reaction low-key and supportive. Say something like, “Wow, look at those great scores! Or, Hey, we know what to work on next year.” The most important thing is the tone of your voice, not the number on the page.
If your child is disappointed, remind them that Year 6 is about more than test results—it’s about making memories, saying goodbye to primary school, and gearing up for the epic adventure that is secondary school. You can even use a pop-culture analogy: “This is just the trailer, not the whole movie.” Resist the urge to compare results with other parents in the WhatsApp group. That way lies madness and a very awkward school gate encounter.
Practical tip: once you have the results, forward them to your child’s secondary school via email if the primary school hasn’t already done so. This saves you a frantic phone call in September when the new form teacher asks for them.
