KS2 SATs Maths Papers

Download Maths SATs papers for free.

Download Maths SATs Papers

Maths SATs Papers

YearPaper 1 Paper 2 Paper 3 Administrator's Guide Modified Materials Pack Marking Scheme (Answers) Scaled Scores / Levels
2023
2022
2019
2018
2017
2016
2016 (Sample)
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000

Download these Maths SATs papers to help prepare your child for their KS2 SATs. Ensure you download both the arithmetic paper and both reasoning papers.

Each KS2 Maths paper contains numerous Year 6 SAT Maths questions. No one paper will cover all the Year 6 Maths topics but with practice, children will gain plenty of valuable experience.

To help children, parents and teachers better understand how to answer KS2 Maths papers, Exam Ninja has provided full worked solutions. We exclusively host full worked solutions for every Maths KS2 SATs paper from 2016 onwards.

Table of Contents

About KS2 SATs Maths Tests

KS2 Maths SATs papers are part of KS2 SATs, the formal national assessment tests that children take in Year 6, the final year of Key Stage 2.

KS2 Maths SATs papers are part of the Year 6 assessment program
KS2 Maths SATs papers are part of the Year 6 assessment program

The KS2 Maths SATs tests are written by the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) and form a major part of the KS2 SATs papers in schools.

Maths KS2 SATs tests are split into three separate papers.

These three papers are:

  • Paper 1 (Arithmetic)

  • Paper 2 (Reasoning)

  • Paper 3 (Reasoning)

The raw scores for the arithmetic and reasoning papers are added together and reported as a scaled score.

Unlike the KS2 English SATs, the KS2 Maths papers are all taken under exam conditions with no teacher assessments.

About KS2 Maths SATs Paper 1 (Arithmetic)

Paper 1 of the KS2 Maths SATs tests is a formal arithmetic test, i.e. every question expects children to perform a mathematical calculation.

Key details for KS2 Maths SATs Paper 1:

  • The test lasts 30 minutes.

  • Children are asked a total of 36 questions.

  • The test is out of a total of 40 marks - 32 questions are worth 1 mark and 4 questions are worth 2 marks.

  • Each arithmetic question expects children to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication or division with whole numbers, fractions, decimals or percentages.

  • Questions involving long multiplication or long division are worth 2 marks and children are expected to show their working.

  • There are no illustrations, charts or sentences describing the questions.

  • The 2023 KS2 Maths Paper 1 test is scheduled to take place in school on Thursday 11th May 2023.

What does the KS2 Maths Paper 1 look like?

Key stage 2 Maths paper 1 looks like a typical exam booklet and is 20 pages long.

Paper 1 always contains 36 questions, 32 being worth 1 mark and 4 worth two marks.

A typical Paper 1 (Arithmetic) question
A typical Paper 1 (Arithmetic) question

Each question offers pupils a grid area for them to perform a written calculation and a blank area in which for students to write their answer.

Questions worth 2 marks have a slightly larger grid area with a prompt to remind pupils to 'Show your method'.

How can I prepare my child for the Arithmetic Paper?

Paper 1 is a true test of children's mathematical arithmetic skills. Children need to be able to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication or division with whole numbers, fractions, decimals or percentages.

The best way to improve these skills is to practice with plenty of practice questions.

Rather than require students sit endless practice papers, targeted practice questions will help improve children's methods, boosting their confidence over time.

Once they're confident in their arithmetic, use past SATs papers.

Use plenty of past papers to help with SATs preparation
Use plenty of past papers to help with SATs preparation

By using several past SATs papers your child will be able to familiarise themselves with what the papers look and feel like. They will also gain valuable experience in the timings required to finish the paper and the mathematical working they're expected to record.

Download past key stage 2 SATs papers from 2016 onwards as those before 2016 relate to the previous national curriculum. The sample papers made in preparation for 2016 are also suitable.

About KS2 Maths SATs Paper 2 (Reasoning)

Paper 2 of the KS2 Maths SATs tests is a mathematical reasoning paper, i.e. the test will contain plenty of problem solving questions requiring interpretation and calculation.

Key details for KS2 Maths SATs Paper 2:

  • The test lasts 40 minutes.

  • Pupils are asked between 20 and 25 questions.

  • The test is out of a total of 35 marks.

  • Approximately 12-15 questions are worth 1 mark and 8-12 questions are worth 2 marks or more.

  • Each question will involve a degree of mathematical reasoning and may also contain illustrations, tables, charts or graphs.

  • Mathematical topics included within Paper 2 include all those covered throughout key stage 2 including algebra, roman numerals, ratios and more.

  • The questions will typically get harder and/or longer as children progress through the paper.

  • The 2023 KS2 Maths Paper 2 test is scheduled to take place on Thursday 11th May 2023.

What does KS2 Maths Paper 2 look like?

The KS2 SATs Maths test looks like a typical exam booklet and is 24 pages long.

Paper 2 contains approximately 20-25 questions, 12-15 being worth 1 mark and 8-12 worth two marks or more.

A typical Paper 2 (Reasoning) question
A typical Paper 2 (Reasoning) question

Each question may contain one or more illustrations, tables, charts or graphs.

How can I prepare for the KS2 Maths Paper 2? Free SATs Papers!

The best way to prepare children for this paper is with plenty of homework from past Maths SATs papers!

By using several past SATs papers your child will be able to familiarise themselves with what the papers look and feel like.

Each past SATs paper they work through will earn them valuable experience in the timings required to complete the SATs paper and the mathematical working they're expected to show.

There are plenty of past SATs papers available - use them!
There are plenty of past SATs papers available - use them!

Download past key stage 2 SATs papers from 2016 onwards as those before 2016 relate to the previous national curriculum. The sample papers made in preparation for 2016 are also suitable.

About KS2 Maths SATs Paper 3 (Reasoning)

Paper 3 of the key stage 2 Maths SATs tests is much like paper 2 (i.e. mathematical reasoning) but is considered slightly harder to genuinely challenge children.

Key details for KS2 Maths SATs Paper 3:

  • The test lasts 40 minutes.

  • The test is out of a total of 35 marks.

  • Pupils are asked between 20 and 25 questions.

  • Approximately 6-8 questions are worth 1 mark and 12-14 questions are worth 2 marks or more. I.e. there are more long-form, 2-mark questions than paper 2.

  • Paper 3 will include numerous questions related to illustrations, tables, charts or graphs.

  • As with paper 2, the questions will typically get harder and/or longer as children progress through the paper.

  • The 2023 KS2 Maths Paper 3 test is scheduled to take place on Friday 11th May 2023.

What does the KS2 Maths Paper 3 look like?

KS2 Maths paper 3 looks like a typical exam booklet and is 24 pages long.

Paper 3 contains approximately 6-8 questions, 12-15 being worth 1 mark and 12-14 worth two marks or more.

A typical question found within Paper 3 (Reasoning)
A typical question found within Paper 3 (Reasoning)

Each question may contain one or more illustrations, tables, charts or graphs.

The logic-based questions are particularly challenging, and paper 3 tends to feature several word problems for children to solve.

How can I prepare for the KS2 Maths Paper 3? Free SATs Papers!

As with paper 2, The best way to prepare children for paper 3 is by using plenty of Maths SATs papers.

By using several past SATs papers your child will be able to familiarise themselves with what type of questions arise. They will also gain valuable experience in the timings required to finish the SATs paper and practise the mathematical working they're expected to show.

Download past key stage 2 SATs papers from 2016 onwards as those before 2016 relate to the previous national curriculum. The sample papers made in preparation for 2016 are also suitable.

Where can I find the answers for Maths SATs papers?

The answers for all key stage 2 SATs Maths papers can be found in each year's mark schemes.

The mark schemes are detailed and very helpful
The mark schemes are detailed and very helpful

As well as the answers, the marking scheme contains notes to help parents and teachers mark children's work correctly.

This is particularly relevant for KS2 Maths as it involves potential 'method marks'. This is where pupils can potentially gain a mark for correct working even if they have not calculated the final answer correctly.

What's the pass mark for KS2 Maths Papers?

To reach the expected standard in the 2022 Key Stage 2 Maths tests, children needed to achieve a combined raw score of 58 out of 110.

Between 2016 and 2022, the average raw score required to achieve the expected standard in Maths is 59 out of 110.

About Mental Maths Tests for Year 6

Until 2015, the Mental Maths KS2 Test was a KS2 SATs paper.

These tests were a unique and popular SATs paper. Children would listen to an audio recording of a teacher asking questions. They would calculate their answer and write it down on a separate answer sheet.

Created in 1999, the Mental Maths Test sought to assess a child's mental arithmetic skills. Back then, children were allowed a calculator in their tests and hence a separate Mental Maths Test was required. However, in 2014 calculators were banned in all KS2 Maths tests. Thus the original purpose of the Year 6 Mental Maths test was largely undermined.

The Mental Maths Test was challenging and forced children to keep to a set timescale. As well as calculations it also tested weights, ratios, comparisons and more - it touched on almost every part of the curriculum.

Unfortunately, the Mental Maths KS2 Test was phased out in 2015. This was as a result of the new national curriculum assessments.

As a result of a review carried out in 2012, it was decided that mental arithmetic should carry greater weight. Now the national curriculum has a far deeper focus on Mental Maths. Indeed, it has been spread across all three KS2 SATs papers.

It's widely thought of as a great shame that the Mental Maths Tests stopped. They were a unique assessment that genuinely engaged children.

We encourage you to continue to use the Mental Maths Tests as they remain challenging and valuable. They're a great Maths workout for children for 15 minutes of intense practise.

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