SATs Are Over – What Should We Do Now to Help Our Child Get Ready for Secondary School?
“SATs Are Over – What Should We Do Now to Help Our Child Get Ready for Secondary School?”
If your child has just finished their SATs, you’re probably breathing a sigh of relief — and so are they!
But once the dust settles, many parents start wondering:
“Should we just enjoy the summer… or is there something we should be doing to get them ready for Year 7?”
Here’s our honest advice from the team at Kip McGrath Darlington:
✅ Celebrate the End of SATs – Then Look Ahead
SATs are a big milestone. They mark the end of primary school, and it’s only right to celebrate that achievement.
But what often gets overlooked is the long gap between now and the start of secondary school — and how big the leap to Year 7 really is.
“Will My Child Be Tested Again in Secondary School?”
Yes — many secondary schools run baseline assessments early in the autumn term to gauge students’ true ability.
These are often used to:
Stream students into sets
Identify gaps that SATs might have missed
Predict GCSE target grades
Some parents are surprised to learn that these internal tests can carry more weight than SATs results when it comes to initial placement.
That’s why staying mentally active during the summer can make a real difference.
“What Happens in the Summer Term of Year 6?”
The truth?
The summer term after SATs is often light on structured learning. In some schools, lessons ease off, and children spend more time on creative projects, activities, or end-of-year trips. It’s a nice break — but also means they’re not always being stretched academically during this time.
Then comes the 6-week summer holiday, where routines go out the window and learning often stops completely.
“Is There a Way to Keep Them Learning Without Ruining the Summer?”
Absolutely — and it doesn’t need to be intense.
Many Year 6 parents opt for one session a week during summer with us at Kip. We focus on:
Maintaining core maths and English skills
Building secondary-ready study habits
Boosting confidence before the big move
Preparing gently for September testing
The aim isn’t to keep the pressure on — it’s to keep your child feeling capable, supported, and ready to hit the ground running.
“Do You Offer a Transition Programme?”
Yes. Our Year 6–7 transition sessions are specifically designed to:
Close any learning gaps after SATs
Introduce secondary-level skills (like independent working and comprehension strategies)
Help anxious students feel prepared for new expectations
We make it positive, personal, and purposeful — not more of the same schoolwork.
Want to Chat?
We offer a free, no-obligation assessment to help you understand where your child is now — and what support, if any, might be helpful this summer.
📅 Book a Free Assessment
Let’s get a clear picture now, so your child doesn’t start Year 7 on the back foot.