Free Year 6 SATs Practice Papers For 2025 [Includes Downloads]

Preparing pupils for Year 6 SATs can feel like a race against time, especially with large classes and limited resources. Having the right SATs practice papers makes revision structured, efficient and stress-free.

At Third Space Learning, our maths specialists and former teachers have written thousands of SATs-style questions and one-to-one lessons to help schools prepare for KS2 SATs. Every paper in this collection reflects the latest SATs test format and mark scheme expectations.

Here you’ll find everything needed for effective SATs preparation, from free KS2 maths SATs papers and past DfE tests to expert advice on how to use them. Download and print the resources you need to help pupils practise confidently ahead of the 2025 SATs.

KS2 SATs papers takeaways:

• Download free Year 6 SATs practice papers for 2025–2026 to prepare pupils for the upcoming KS2 maths SATs.
• Includes arithmetic and reasoning papers, answer booklets, and mark schemes written by maths experts.
• Access past SATs papers from the DfE alongside Third Space Learning’s original SATs-style practice papers.
• Use these papers to build confidence, track progress against level thresholds, and identify key gaps.
• Ideal for teachers looking for unbeatable practice without extra workload — all free to download and print.

About these Year 6 SATs practice papers

While the national Key Stage 2 SATs papers test pupils’ knowledge in English reading, spelling, punctuation and grammar, and maths, this article focuses on the maths SATs practice papers.

As online tutoring maths specialists, Third Space Learning has created a collection of free SATs practice papers designed to mirror the latest SATs tests. Every paper is written and reviewed by experienced maths teachers who understand what’s needed for success in the real exam.

Each set includes:

• One arithmetic paper and two reasoning papers following KS2 SATs test structure
• An answer booklet and mark schemes for easy assessment
• Guidance on scaled scores and level thresholds
• Clear layout and working space for pupils

These practice papers are perfect for classroom assessments, SATs revision sessions, or targeted interventions. They’re also an ideal way to prepare your Year 6 pupils under authentic test conditions, helping them build speed, confidence and exam stamina.

What makes a good KS2 SATs paper? 

High-quality SATs papers don’t just test knowledge; they help pupils develop exam techniques and identify gaps in understanding.

The best KS2 SATs practice papers replicate every element of the real assessment while giving teachers clear insight into progress.

A good Year 6 SATs practice paper should include:

• Visible marks per question to help pupils pace themselves
• Detailed mark schemes for quick, consistent teacher feedback
• A realistic test duration with clear instructions
• Space for pupils’ working and reasoning
• Arithmetic and reasoning questions written in an authentic SATs format
• Layouts and question styles matching the latest SATs tests
• Answer booklets for easy review and moderation

These features ensure pupils experience the SATs as they’ll appear on test day, reducing anxiety and surprises, and helping teachers plan revision around the areas that matter most.

When used regularly, they provide the perfect way to practise under realistic conditions and prepare confidently for the KS2 maths SATs.

The best free KS2 SATs practice papers 

Third Space Learning’s Year 6 SATs practice papers

When it comes to KS2 SATs practice papers, schools need resources that save time, support revision and mirror the KS2 SATs tests as closely as possible. That’s exactly what the free Third Space Learning SATs papers provide.

Our academic team of former teachers and maths assessment experts has written thousands of SATs-style questions designed to reflect the latest SATs tests and mark scheme requirements. Each paper follows the DfE’s National Curriculum content domains and the National Assessment Framework, so pupils experience the same level of challenge and familiarity they’ll face in May.

SATs papers you can download for free

You can access six free KS2 SATs maths papers immediately, including:

• 2 arithmetic papers focusing on calculation fluency
• 4 reasoning papers to strengthen problem-solving and application skills

Together, these free SATs papers form two complete practice paper packs, each containing:

• One arithmetic paper and two reasoning papers
• Corresponding answer booklets and mark schemes
• Notes on level thresholds to gauge pupil progress

Download free now:

• Year 6 SATs Practice Papers Pack 1 – KS2 Maths
• Year 6 SATs Practice Papers Pack 2 – KS2 Maths

Premium SATs papers and extra support

If you’re looking for even more practice material, additional SATs papers, packs 3–6, are available exclusively to premium Maths Hub members.

These premium packs follow the same structure, offering more variation across question styles and topics to help pupils consolidate their learning.

Premium packs include:

• KS2 Maths SATs Practice Papers Pack 3
• KS2 Maths SATs Practice Papers Pack 4
• KS2 Maths SATs Practice Papers Pack 5
• KS2 Maths SATs Practice Papers Pack 6

Find out how to become a premium member of the Third Space Learning Maths Hub.

Past Year 6 SATs practice papers: standardised tests from the DfE  

The official past papers and high-quality simulated papers from reputable publishers are the most valuable resources for Key Stage 2 SATs practice. For the most authentic KS2 SATs practice, it’s essential to use the official DfE past SATs papers as part of your revision plan. These papers are the benchmark for all Year 6 SATs practice papers, reflecting the format, language and question difficulty of the latest SATs tests.

Since the new National Curriculum assessments were introduced in 2016, schools have had access to eight complete sets of official SATs papers. These National curriculum tests are freely available to download, giving teachers and pupils the best possible insight into the real exam expectations.

The GOV.UK National curriculum assessments: past test material page is the official source for all Key Stage 2 SATs papers.

The 2020 and 2021 SATs were cancelled due to the pandemic, but the remaining years offer a comprehensive bank of 27 free practice papers (including 2016 sample materials). Starting with the most recent past papers from 2016 onwards is recommended as they reflect the new national curriculum introduced in 2014.

These official papers are a perfect way to check test readiness and familiarise pupils with the real exam format. When combined with Third Space Learning’s free SATs papers, schools can ensure pupils experience the full range of arithmetic and reasoning question types from quick calculations to multi-step problem solving.

Paid Year 6 SATs practice papers

If you’re still seeking additional KS2 SATs papers, here are the resources teachers use most often to compliment Third Space Learning’s free SATs papers.

While these are reputable KS2 SATs resources, they require paid subscriptions.

• Testbase (Paid for only)
• Twinkl (Paid for only)
• MME Revise (Paid for only) 
• CGP Books provides practice papers and revision books for Year 6 SATs that are widely used by schools and parents.
• Collins offers comprehensive KS2 SATs practice paper packs covering Maths, English, and Science, available through major retailers.
• Scholastic produces high-quality, focused practice papers for Year 6 Maths, Reading, and SPaG.

How to use your Year 6 SATs practice papers

The best way to prepare pupils for the KS2 maths SATs is through regular, structured practice using high-quality Year 6 SATs papers.

These practice papers help pupils become confident with the test format, question styles and timing, while giving teachers valuable assessment data.

Here’s how to use them most effectively in the classroom.

1. Practise the papers under exam conditions

Set aside time for pupils to complete the papers as they would in the real SATs tests, no calculators, minimal assistance, and strict timing.

Practising with timed conditions can help students manage their time and reduce anxiety. Aim for a target of finishing with 10 minutes to spare.

2. Focus on one concept at a time

Rather than always completing full papers, use individual SATs questions to focus on specific topics such as fractions, percentages or algebra. Breaking down the questions helps pupils apply knowledge and develop problem-solving confidence step by step.

3. Use mark schemes and scaled scores

Always mark SATs papers using the official mark schemes to ensure accuracy and consistency. Discuss where marks are gained or lost so pupils understand how their answers are judged. Convert raw scores to scaled scores using level thresholds to track progress towards the expected standard.

4. Identify misconceptions

Review results to identify patterns in errors or gaps in understanding. Use this data to adapt your next lesson or plan targeted revision sessions. Whole-class feedback and reteaching of common misconceptions ensure all pupils can correct mistakes before the next test.

5. Make it interactive: spot the mistake

Turn assessment into a learning opportunity. Complete a sample SATs paper yourself with a few deliberate mistakes and ask pupils to mark it using the mark scheme. This helps them understand examiner expectations and strengthens metacognitive skills as they justify each correction.

6. Guided one-to-one practice

For pupils who need extra support, guided SATs-style sessions can make a big difference. Use maths interventions or online tools like Skye, to deliver one-to-one reasoning and arithmetic practice. Scaffolding and adaptive questioning build understanding and confidence.

7. Build a revision routine

Use one SATs paper a week across the spring term to create consistent practice habits. Rotate between arithmetic and reasoning papers to balance speed and problem-solving skills. By the time test week arrives, pupils will feel confident, calm and well-prepared.How to use Year 6 SATs practice papers

Helping every pupil feel confident for SATs

Supporting pupils through SATs doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools: high-quality Year 6 SATs practice papers, clear mark schemes, and regular opportunities for feedback, you can help every child feel prepared, confident and capable on test day.

The free KS2 SATs papers available here have been written by experienced teachers to provide the most realistic and effective practice papers possible. Combined with official DfE past SATs papers, they give you everything you need to identify learning gaps, target revision, and celebrate progress.

More Year 6 SATs practice:

To ensure children are as confident and familiar with the SATs paper structure as possible, a large part of your SATs revision will focus on practice questions and papers. 

Here’s a host of free resources to get you started: 

• Year 6 Maths Test
• 35 Year 6 Maths Questions
• Year 6 Diagnostic Quizzes
• Year 6 SATs Questions By Topic 
• Year 6 Arithmetic Questions
• Year 6 Reasoning Questions
• SATs Reasoning Paper
• SATs Arithmetic Paper
• Hundreds of SATs Questions [with answers]
• Year 6 Fractions Questions
• Year 6 Algebra Questions
• Year 6 Ratio Questions
• Year 6 Arithmetic Questions

Even more maths resources, such as arithmetic tests, reasoning tests, worksheets and worked examples are available to premium users in the Third Space Learning online maths hub. 

Year 6 SATs practice papers FAQs