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If you teach Year 6, you already know: SATs season doesn’t feel like any other part of the school year. These tests are part of the job, but the weight they carry can make the spring term feel uniquely intense.
This guide doesn’t explain what SATs are - you’re already living it. Instead it’s here to support you with practical, proven strategies to help your pupils thrive while keeping your own workload and wellbeing in balance.
Why does SATs season feel so different for Year 6 teachers?
The Year 6 teaching role shifts sharply after Christmas. What starts as delivering the curriculum becomes a balancing act of targeted revision, pastoral care, progress tracking and pressure management.
You might find yourself:
- Adjusting pace to fit everything in before May
- Analysing mock data more often than planning new content
- Coordinating interventions, readers, or extra time logistics
- Calming pupils while managing expectations from leadership and parents
SATs create a culture shift in the classroom - the rhythm of teaching changes, and the emotional load often increases.
In 2024–25, 62% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined — a slight rise from the previous year but still below pre-pandemic levels. (DfE Statistics)
How can I keep pupils calm without losing focus?
Keep routines predictable and build in small moments of calm throughout the day. Morning check-ins, visual timetables, and consistent transitions can help reduce anxiety.
Pupils pick up on adult stress, so try to model calm even when things feel pressured. Let them know nerves are normal and encourage them to talk about how they feel.
What’s the best way to plan SATs revision without burning out?
Less is more. Focus on high-impact areas: arithmetic fluency, grammar rules, and reading comprehension strategies.
Use short bursts of focused teaching with regular opportunities to revisit and practise. Avoid blanket cramming - it’s exhausting for everyone.
Plan in lighter lessons too. A creative writing session or a group investigation can reset energy while still building skills.
A 2024 survey found that 41% of teachers described their workload as “unmanageable” and another 37% said it was “just manageable”. (NEU Survey)
Can I still teach creatively during SATs prep?
Absolutely. In fact, creativity helps prevent burnout. Games, team challenges, storytelling and movement-based tasks can keep learning lively and reduce tension.
A drama activity for inference or a maths scavenger hunt still counts as revision and may stick better than worksheet drills.
How do I keep up with marking and still teach effectively?
Use whole-class feedback to save time. Focus on common misconceptions and reteach as needed. Quick quizzes or exit slips can flag gaps without a full set of books to mark.
Try peer and self-assessment where appropriate, it builds independence and reduces your load.
How much homework is enough during SATs prep?
Keep it manageable. One or two short, purposeful tasks per week is enough, especially if pupils are tired.
Make it clear why each task matters. Prioritise consolidation of arithmetic, grammar and reading stamina, rather than adding more of everything.
How should I involve parents without adding more stress?
Hold a short information session early in the spring term to explain what’s coming. Give practical advice on how to support at home: reading regularly, using free revision websites, and helping with routines.
Reassure parents that their support matters most when it’s calm, encouraging, and focused on effort.
How can I stop pupils and staff burning out before May?
Build in time to breathe. A quick brain break, outdoor moment, or relaxed afternoon task can help pupils reset. Don’t wait until they’re exhausted to change pace.
Staff wellbeing matters too. A 2024 NASUWT survey found that 86% of teachers said their job had negatively affected their mental health in the past year. (NASUWT Survey)
Lean on your team, protect non-contact time, and be honest if you’re struggling — you’re not alone.
How do I motivate pupils without making it all about scores?
Celebrate small wins. Show pupils how far they’ve come with old pieces of work or mock test comparisons. Let them feel proud of progress, not just numbers.
Use positive reinforcement and class goals. Remind them that SATs are important, but they don’t define who they are.
How can I keep perspective when the pressure rises?
Focus on what you can control: being present, preparing well, and keeping your pupils feeling safe and supported.
Plan something to look forward to after SATs - a class trip, a creative week, or just space to slow down. It helps you and your class push through the final stretch.
SATs will always be a challenge, but they don’t have to define your classroom culture. With the right blend of strategy, support and self-care, you can guide your class through this milestone with resilience and clarity.
You are more than a score, and so are your pupils. Let that belief lead the way.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How do I manage mixed-ability classes during revision?
Use flexible grouping, scaffold tasks, and offer entry points at different levels. Pair pupils for peer teaching and vary your questioning.
How can I keep SATs prep engaging?
Integrate games, low-stakes quizzes, group challenges, and creative hooks like roleplay or themed days — it boosts motivation and recall.
What do I do if pupils fall behind close to SATs?
Prioritise key concepts they still need, deliver short, focused interventions, and avoid overwhelming them with everything at once.
How do I support pupils who say they’re “bad at tests”?
Reframe the conversation around effort and growth. Use mock tests to build confidence and share examples of personal progress.
Should I adapt lessons based on mock SATs data?
Yes, use it diagnostically. Focus on gaps or trends rather than reteaching everything. It keeps your revision focused and responsive.
How do I manage my own stress as SATs get closer?
Set boundaries around marking, delegate where possible, and talk to colleagues. Short walks, humour, and planned downtime help more than you think.
