SATs can feel like a big deal for Year 6 pupils in Exeter — and their parents. While they're not the be-all and end-all, strong results set children up well for secondary school. Our experienced educators help with the specific content and question types that SATs test, making sure children aren't caught out by unfamiliar formats or topics they haven't covered fully in class.
When to Start
Starting in Year 5 gives the most time to fill gaps — particularly in maths, where foundational weaknesses can be hard to fix quickly. Year 6 preparation then focuses on applying those skills under test conditions. For Exeter families who come to us in Year 6, we can still make a significant difference by targeting the topics most likely to appear and building exam readiness rapidly. But earlier is always better, especially for children who find reading or maths genuinely difficult.
GPS Paper
The GPS paper tests grammar terminology (subordinate clauses, modal verbs, relative pronouns) alongside spelling and punctuation. It's often the paper that children in Exeter find most unfamiliar, because the metalanguage can be confusing. Our experienced educators teach this vocabulary explicitly, using examples and practice questions to make abstract concepts concrete. Spelling lists are practised regularly, and common patterns are taught systematically.
Number Skills
The arithmetic paper tests calculation skills: long multiplication, long division, fractions, decimals, and percentages. There's no room for reasoning here — it's about speed and accuracy. Our experienced educators in Exeter build these skills through regular practice, focusing on the methods children are expected to use and the common errors that cost marks. Fluent arithmetic is also the foundation for the two reasoning papers, so time spent here pays off twice.
Building Good Study Habits
Effective studying is a skill that many pupils were never explicitly taught. A good tutor does not just explain the subject — they model how to approach unfamiliar material, how to self-test, and how to manage time during revision. For Exeter learners, these habits compound over time, meaning the benefit of focused teaching extends well beyond the immediate grades.
Working Around Your Schedule
Scheduling needs to work for the whole family. In Exeter, we offer morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend availability to fit around school, sport, and family commitments. Whether the preference is a fixed weekly slot or a more adaptable arrangement, we accommodate it. During busier periods — mock exam season, for instance — many families increase frequency before scaling back again.
Getting Started
If your young learner in Exeter is approaching SATs, we can help them feel ready. Let us know to discuss where they are now and what support would make the most difference.