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4 Ways to Support Your Child Through KS2 SATs Results

Posted on 7 July 2025 by Ashleigh Kent-Teach in Wellbeing


As Key Stage 2 SATs results are released, many parents and carers find themselves navigating a mix of emotions—not just their own, but their child’s too. Whether your child is celebrating success or feeling disappointed, your support plays a crucial role in shaping how they view their achievements and their future learning journey. 

Schools will manage informing children and parents of their results in different ways. If they are sent home to parents who then share them with the children, make sure when they are getting their results they are in a calm environment. Remind them that no matter what they achieve you are proud of them and are there to figure out the next steps whatever direction they take.
Here’s how you can help manage expectations, celebrate wins, and support your child if they’re feeling disheartened.

1) Managing Expectations: It’s Just One Part of the Picture

SATs are a snapshot of your child’s progress in English and Maths at the end of primary school. They are important, but they don’t define your child’s intelligence, potential, or worth.
  • Keep perspective: Remind your child (and yourself) that SATs don’t measure creativity, kindness, resilience, or talents in areas like art, music, or sport.
  • Focus on effort: Praise the hard work and dedication your child showed in preparing for the tests, regardless of the outcome.
  • Avoid comparison: Every child is unique. Comparing results with siblings or classmates can undermine confidence and motivation.

2) When Your Child Is Pleased With Their Results

If your child is happy with their results—fantastic! This is a great opportunity to reinforce positive learning habits and build confidence.
  • Celebrate together: Acknowledge their success with a treat, a fun day out, or simply some quality time together.
  • Reflect on what worked: Talk about the strategies they used to prepare and how those might help in future learning.
  • Encourage humility and kindness: Remind them to be considerate of classmates who may be feeling disappointed.

3) When Your Child Is Disappointed

Disappointment is tough, but it can also be a powerful learning moment. Here’s how to support your child if they didn’t get the results they hoped for:
  • Listen first: Give them space to express how they feel without rushing to fix it. Acknowledge their emotions—“It’s okay to feel upset.”
  • Reframe the experience: Help them see this as one step in a much bigger journey. Talk about how setbacks can lead to growth and resilience.
  • Highlight strengths: Remind them of their talents and achievements outside of SATs. Celebrate their progress, not just the final score.
  • Talk to their teacher: If you’re concerned about the results, arrange a meeting with their teacher to understand the context and discuss next steps.

3) Looking Ahead: Building Confidence for Secondary School

Whether your child is feeling proud or disappointed, the transition to secondary school is a fresh start.
  • Discuss their feelings: Talk to your children about how they are feeling. For many, this day will signify the nearing of leaving primary school and bring with it worries or concerns about starting secondary school.  
  • Set goals together: Talk about what they’re excited to learn and how they want to grow in Year 7.
  • Keep learning fun: Encourage reading, exploring new hobbies, and staying curious over the summer.
  • Stay positive: Your attitude towards learning and setbacks will shape how your child approaches challenges in the future.

SATs results are just one chapter in your child’s educational story. With your support, they can learn to celebrate their strengths, bounce back from setbacks, and approach the future with confidence.

If you have concerns or want to explore additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s school. Teachers are there to help every child thrive—academically and emotionally.

If you are looking for more support on managing your child's feelings around transition, read Alison Waterhouse's blog which has advice for supporting children. For teachers, Alison has a range of resources for supporting transition in the first few weeks of school.
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