Who marks KS2 SATs?
Every KS2 paper is marked externally, by markers appointed and trained by the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) — never by a child's own school or teacher. Papers are collected shortly after the May test week, scanned, and marked digitally on screen, then converted into scaled scores that schools receive around six to eight weeks later. See the full results guide for how scaled scores work.
How the marking scheme works
Markers work from a detailed published mark scheme for every paper, and are trained and checked against sample scripts before live marking begins — a process called standardisation — so that marking is consistent regardless of which marker sees a script.
MathsMethod marks are available on multi-step questions — a child can score marks for correct working even if the final answer is wrong. Showing working genuinely matters.
ReadingMarkers work from a defined list of accepted answers and acceptable wordings for each question, not a single exact phrase — but answers still need to demonstrate the specific skill the question is testing.
GPSSpelling and grammar questions are marked against precise accepted answers, since there's usually one grammatically correct response.
If a school has concerns about how a particular paper was marked, they can request a review of marking through the STA's post-results process — this is initiated by the school, not by parents directly.
Marking a past paper yourself? Our guide to marking a SATs paper at home explains the rules markers apply, question by question type.
Access arrangements: readers, scribes and more
Access arrangements exist to remove a barrier that isn't what the test is trying to measure — they must reflect how a child normally works in class, and they're never meant to give an advantage over other children. Decisions are made by the school under STA guidance, not requested directly by parents to an exam board.
ReaderAn adult reads text aloud for a child with a genuine reading difficulty, for the Maths and GPS papers. A reader cannot be used in the Reading test itself, since reading the text independently is exactly what that paper assesses.
ScribeAn adult writes down a child's answers exactly as dictated, for a child with a genuine physical or motor difficulty that prevents independent writing.
Other arrangementsDepending on the child, schools can also arrange a separate room or small group, rest breaks, a prompter, modified or enlarged papers, or a clean transcript of illegible handwriting made after the test without correcting anything.
If you think your child may need an access arrangement, speak to their teacher or the school's SENCO well before the May test week — schools need time to document that an arrangement reflects the child's normal way of working. The school's SENCO and the STA's published access arrangements guidance are the definitive source for your child's specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
Who marks KS2 SATs?
All KS2 papers are marked externally by markers appointed and trained by the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) — never by the child's own school or teacher. Papers are collected shortly after the test week, scanned, and marked digitally on screen.
How does SATs marking work?
Every marker works from a detailed published mark scheme and is trained and checked against sample scripts before live marking begins, so marking is consistent across the country. In Maths, method marks can be awarded for correct working even when the final answer is wrong — showing working matters. In Reading and GPS, markers work from a defined list of accepted answers and wordings, not just one exact phrase.
Can a child have a reader in KS2 SATs?
Yes, for the Maths and GPS papers, if having text read aloud is part of the child's normal way of working because of a genuine reading difficulty. A reader cannot be used in the Reading test itself, because reading the text independently is exactly what that paper is assessing. The decision is made by the school, not requested directly by parents to the exam board.
What is a scribe, and can my child have one in SATs?
A scribe is an adult who writes down a child's answers exactly as dictated, used when a genuine physical or motor difficulty means a child can't write independently, even with a keyboard. Like a reader, it's only used where it reflects how the child normally works in class, and it's arranged by the school.
What other access arrangements are available at KS2?
Depending on a child's normal way of working, schools can also arrange things like a separate room or small group setting, rest breaks, a prompter to help a child refocus, modified or enlarged papers, or a clean transcript made of illegible handwriting after the test (without correcting anything). None of these are meant to give an advantage — they exist to remove a barrier that isn't what the test is trying to measure.
How do I ask about access arrangements for my child?
Speak to your child's teacher or the school's SENCO, ideally well before the test week in May — schools need to document that an arrangement reflects the child's normal way of working, which takes time to put in place. Access arrangements are decided and administered by the school under STA guidance; they aren't something a parent applies for directly.
Can a school ask for SATs marking to be reviewed?
Yes. If a school has concerns about how a particular paper was marked, they can request a review of marking through the STA's post-results process. This is initiated by the school, not by parents directly.