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Original poster

KS1 SATs 2025

9 replies

Beautyathome1234 · 16/02/2024 14:00

Hello all,
in need of some information/advice.
we have a very special anniversary next year in May and wanted to book a once in a lifetime trip to the Maldives. The only problem my son will be in year 2 and sats will take place some time in May. We were looking to take him out 5 days before half term due to the cost being considerably cheaper! I have never taken him out of school for holidays and don’t plan to after this trip as education is important to us so always go away in half term and not before/after.

I am planning to speak to the school regarding when in May they could be or if he could sit his before we go.
Would this be an issue? Not sure what to say to them really.
Any advise would be appreciated really don’t know what to do as we are planning on booking very soon. So confused 😕

thank you

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TheCheeseAlarm · 16/02/2024 14:09

There are no longer any statutory assessments (SATs) at Key Stage 1. This year is the first without them. Schools are being encouraged to do assessments optionally in May but this is not compulsory and results do not have to be submitted.

So SATs shouldn't be an issue.

Original poster
Beautyathome1234 · 16/02/2024 14:11

Hello, thank you so much for your reply very much appreciated. I thought perhaps we could get into some grief with the school which we definitely don’t want.

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MumOfStarWars · 16/02/2024 14:13

Pretty sure KS1 SATs have become optional so I’d check if your school is planning on administering them in 2025. I stand to corrected though!

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/primary-assessments-future-dates

Primary assessments: future dates

This page summarises future assessment dates in primary schools, to assist schools with their forward planning.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/primary-assessments-future-dates

ijustneedtokeepbreathing · 16/02/2024 14:17

KS1 SATs are optional from this year!

Original poster
Beautyathome1234 · 16/02/2024 14:21

Thank you! So perhaps it would be ok to go ahead and book?

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Thisismynewusernamedoyoulikeit · 16/02/2024 23:23

In terms of SATs, yes.

Unless you get permission from the headteacher (usually difficult to get as they are encouraged not to grant it), you will likely be referred to the council to pay a fine. It is typically £60. Sometimes charged to each parent separately, so £120.

The school wouldn't judge you for it but have so many targets with attendance that they have to refer families taking term time holidays.

Original poster
Beautyathome1234 · 17/02/2024 08:33

Thisismynewusernamedoyoulikeit · 16/02/2024 23:23

In terms of SATs, yes.

Unless you get permission from the headteacher (usually difficult to get as they are encouraged not to grant it), you will likely be referred to the council to pay a fine. It is typically £60. Sometimes charged to each parent separately, so £120.

The school wouldn't judge you for it but have so many targets with attendance that they have to refer families taking term time holidays.

Thank you for taking the time to answer, much appreciated.

I would like to be completely honest with the school and understand we could be fined Smile

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OldBeyondMyYears · 17/02/2024 08:43

Year 2 teacher here...definitely no longer any KS1 SATS 🙌🏼 We did the last ones in Year 2 last year (so the current Y3 cohort were the last cohort to take KS1 SATS).

There will still be assessment week at about the same time for Year 6 SATS - the rest of the school will also probably be doing some form of assessment such as NFER or whatever the school has chosen. However, as these are not statutory, so your school will administer them when you get back from your holiday (or before).

Go, have a wonderful time, and don't worry about tests! They tell us nothing that we don't already know anyway!

Original poster
Beautyathome1234 · 17/02/2024 11:46

OldBeyondMyYears · 17/02/2024 08:43

Year 2 teacher here...definitely no longer any KS1 SATS 🙌🏼 We did the last ones in Year 2 last year (so the current Y3 cohort were the last cohort to take KS1 SATS).

There will still be assessment week at about the same time for Year 6 SATS - the rest of the school will also probably be doing some form of assessment such as NFER or whatever the school has chosen. However, as these are not statutory, so your school will administer them when you get back from your holiday (or before).

Go, have a wonderful time, and don't worry about tests! They tell us nothing that we don't already know anyway!

Hi, thank you for your message, I definitely feel much better about now ☺️ I feel the trip alone will be an amazing experience for our boy. Thanks again.

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