What do SATs grades actualy mean?

Sorry to butt in on your site, but a bit of guidance would be appriciated.

My eleven year old son's class (just started comprehensive school) was given a "suprise" maths test and the results were given in SATs at KS3.

Jake, my son, received a seven plus.

What does this actually mean? in my day (showing my age!) results were A, B, C, D etc...

I have tried looking on various web sites but cannot find any straight answers.

Any clarification would be most welcome.

Many thanks.

Reply 1

FrisbeeFan

10

It means your son is extremely talented!!! Many people don't get that level at the age of 14! The SATS taken at the age of 11 are KS2, at 14 KS3 - the average level at KS2 is 4, and at KS3 it is 5. I think a level 8 is about the equivalent of a B at GCSE, so a high 7 must be roughly a C.

Reply 2

yorkshirelass

14

confused Dad

Sorry to butt in on your site, but a bit of guidance would be appriciated.

My eleven year old son's class (just started comprehensive school) was given a "suprise" maths test and the results were given in SATs at KS3.

Jake, my son, received a seven plus.

What does this actually mean? in my day (showing my age!) results were A, B, C, D etc...

I have tried looking on various web sites but cannot find any straight answers.

Any clarification would be most welcome.

Many thanks.

A 7 at the end of KS3 (Year 9) would indicate above average ability. A 7 plus would be almost "exceptional" (level 8). Therefore, to achieve that at the beginning of year 7 indicates that he is well in the "exceptional" bracket and would be more than likely to achieve a level 8 or even E.P. (exceptional performance again - just a slightly higher type) in KS3 exams.

Reply 3

Tom

15

SATs are test one takes in Yr 2, 6, and 9. They are standardised tests that everyone on the national curriculum takes, and in my school, they affected a whole series of statistical stuff that was used as part of the process of determining which ability level classes i was placed in after yr 9, for my GCSEs. I believe that the average score at the yr 9 ks3 SATs level is 5. Normal ranges are from 3 to 7, and one can sit extension papers to get an 8 or EP (exceptional performance). So to get a 7, which means being in the top area of the standard paper at 11 is pretty good. After 3 more years (the whole of 7, 8, and 9 as they are sat at the end of Yr 9) your son can probably expect to get and 8 or more.
Congratulate him :smile:

Hope that helps

EDIT: in terms of grades, it's hard to say so many years in advance, but as someone said a 7 is already supposedly equivalent to a GCSE (O-level) grade C, so in 5 years time when you son actually sits them he should be looking at an A* really, based on that showing.

Reply 4

confused Dad

OP

Thank you all for your responses.

Yes, we are exceedingly proud of our son, both for his academic and more importantly his social abilities.

Five years ago, Jake was virtually written off by everyone as being disruptive and uncontollable, except by his family and one Paediatrician.

However, with the correct medical diagnosis (A.D.H.D), medication and family support Jake is now flourishing.

Again Many Thanks

Mike

Reply 5

viviki

14

I just moved this into the right area hopefully you can still find it ok.

What do SATs grades actualy mean?

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