Waiting for SATs results can leave parents wondering what the scores mean, whether a result is โgoodโ, and what happens next. This guide brings the key points together clearly, so families can understand the 2026 results without extra confusion.
Current reporting indicates that 2026 KS2 SATs results are expected to reach schools on 16 July 2026. Schools usually share the results with parents through end-of-year reports or direct communication. Parents do not normally receive a national public release time in the same way as GCSE or A-level results.
Note: Results timing can change, so parents should always follow the latest communication from their childโs school.
Reports around the 2026 cycle say the usual results timetable moved back because of technical issues linked to the marking platform used to process KS2 scripts. For parents, the main takeaway is simple. The delay does not change what your child sat, and it does not mean there is a problem with your childโs performance.
| Quick facts | What parents need to know |
|---|---|
| Who gets results first? | Schools receive KS2 test outcomes first and then share them with parents. |
| What subjects are included? | Reading, mathematics, and English grammar, punctuation and spelling. |
| What score means expected standard? | A scaled score of 100 or more means the expected standard has been met. |
| What is the score range? | KS2 scaled scores run from 80 to 120. |
SATs results are not just a simple raw mark total. The marks your child gets on each test are converted into a scaled score, which helps make results more comparable from year to year even if one paper is slightly harder than another.
A scaled score of 100 means your child has met the expected standard in that test.
The lowest possible scaled score is 80 and the highest possible scaled score is 120.
The number of marks needed to reach 100 can change from year to year because papers vary slightly in difficulty.
Parents often want to know whether a score is โgoodโ. The most useful first check is whether your child reached the expected standard. After that, the score gives you a broad idea of how secure they are in the subject.
| Scaled score | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 80 to 99 | Expected standard not met in that test. |
| 100 | Expected standard achieved. |
| 101 to 109 | Secure performance above the expected standard. |
| 110 to 119 | Strong performance, well above the expected standard. |
| 120 | Highest possible scaled score. |
Look at each subject separately. One result does not define your child overall.
Use the scores to understand where your child feels secure and where they may need a little more support.
The most useful question is often not โWas this high enough?โ but โWhat will help my child feel ready for September?โ
Short, focused support can help children revisit reading, maths or grammar before the move into secondary school.
Schools are expected to receive the 2026 outcomes on 16 July 2026 and then share them with parents.
There is not usually a parent-facing national release time. Schools receive them and pass them on.
They may be one reference point, but transition information and school-based assessment still matter too.
Some children finish Year 6 feeling proud. Others feel unsure about reading, maths or grammar, especially if the result was lower than hoped. National Learning Group offers online tutoring that can help children strengthen core skills and return to school feeling more settled and more capable.
Continue exploring helpful parent guidance in the Knowledge Hub.
Current reporting says the 2026 delay is linked to technical issues with the marking platform. For families, it mainly means schools receive results later than expected.
Current reporting indicates that schools are expected to receive the 2026 KS2 results on 16 July 2026. Parents should still check updates from their own school.
A scaled score of 100 means the expected standard has been met. Scores above 100 show stronger performance, while scores below 100 mean the expected standard was not met in that test.
120 is the highest possible scaled score. There is no simple fixed figure that applies every year, and for most parents the most useful focus is understanding whether their child met the expected standard and what support they may need next.
Yes. A score of 110 is a strong result and sits comfortably above the expected standard of 100.
Parents do not usually receive a national public results time. The results are sent to schools, and schools then share them with families, often in end-of-year reports.
This guide has been written for parents using official GOV.UK information on KS2 scaled scores, expected standards and national curriculum assessments, with NLG guidance added to help families understand what the results may mean for confidence, transition and next steps.
If your child could use a little extra reassurance in reading, maths or English before September, start with a ยฃ1 first lesson and explore the right next step at their pace.
Understand scaled scores, the expected standard and what happens after results are shared.