KS2 SATs Timetable 2027
The confirmed 2027 test week for Key Stage 2 national curriculum tests, official paper durations from the Standards and Testing Agency, and how timing works on the day.
- Test week starts
- Mon 10 May 2027
- Test week ends
- Thu 13 May 2027
- Papers
- 6
- Source
- GOV.UK / Standards and Testing Agency
The six KS2 SATs papers
Official durations from the Standards and Testing Agency's Test Administration Guidance. The spelling paper is the one exception - it is not strictly timed, so schools should not run it as a hard countdown.
| Subject | Paper | Duration | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| English grammar, punctuation and spelling | Paper 1: questions | 45 min | Strictly timed |
| English grammar, punctuation and spelling | Paper 2: spelling | 15 min | Not strictly timed |
| English reading | Reading booklet and answer booklet | 1h | Strictly timed |
| Mathematics | Paper 1: arithmetic | 30 min | Strictly timed |
| Mathematics | Paper 2: reasoning | 40 min | Strictly timed |
| Mathematics | Paper 3: reasoning | 40 min | Strictly timed |
Spelling paper - official wording
"Pupils will have approximately 15 minutes to complete the test, but it is not strictly timed."
Expected pattern - not yet confirmed for 2027
The official day-by-day timetable for 2027 has not been published yet. This reflects the 2026 timetable (GPS Monday, Reading Tuesday, Maths Wednesday and Thursday). We will update this page when the Standards and Testing Agency confirms the 2027 order.
Expected day-by-day order
| Day | Expected papers |
|---|---|
| Monday |
|
| Tuesday |
|
| Wednesday |
|
| Thursday |
|
How timing works on the day
Additional time is available
Some pupils with specific needs may need additional arrangements so they can take part in KS2 tests, under STA's access arrangements guidance - additional time among them.
Up to 5 school days, with approval
Schools can apply for a timetable variation on the NCA Portal for permission to move a test up to 5 school days after the date specified in the statutory timetable.
Spelling is not strictly timed
Unlike the other five papers, the GPS spelling test has no hard cut-off - it should be run to a guide time rather than an expiring countdown.
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Timers that respect the spelling paper's guide time, automatic extra time for access arrangements, and real-time sync across every classroom. Free to start - no credit card required.
KS2 SATs 2027 FAQ
When are SATs 2027?
Key Stage 2 SATs are timetabled for Monday 10 May to Thursday 13 May 2027, confirmed by GOV.UK and the Standards and Testing Agency. The day-by-day order for which paper is sat on which day has not been published yet for 2027.
Is the spelling paper timed?
Not strictly. The official guidance states pupils will have approximately 15 minutes to complete the test, but it is not strictly timed - unlike the other five papers, which do have a fixed duration.
Are KS1 SATs still happening in 2027?
Key Stage 1 tests are non-statutory (optional) and have been since the 2023 to 2024 academic year, so this page covers Key Stage 2 only, which remains statutory.
What order are the SATs papers in?
The test week is confirmed, but the exact day-by-day order for 2027 is not yet published. Based on the 2026 timetable, the expected pattern is GPS on Monday, Reading on Tuesday, and Maths on Wednesday and Thursday - shown on this page as an expectation, not a confirmed fact, until the Standards and Testing Agency releases the 2027 guidance.
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