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KS2 Maths Average

DfE Performance Tables

Last refreshed 30 January 2026 16:42
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KS2 Maths Average

DfE Performance Tables

Average scaled score in mathematics at Key Stage 2

Understanding KS2 Maths Average

The KS2 Maths Average shows the mean scaled score achieved by Year 6 pupils in the national mathematics assessment. This provides more nuance than pass rates, showing how well students perform overall in mathematical reasoning and problem-solving.

How Maths is Assessed

At the end of Year 6, pupils take three maths papers:

  • Paper 1: Arithmetic (30 minutes, 40 marks)
  • Paper 2: Mathematical reasoning (40 minutes, 35 marks)
  • Paper 3: Mathematical reasoning (40 minutes, 35 marks)

The combined raw score is converted to a scaled score.

Understanding Scaled Scores

The scaled score system works the same as reading:

  • 100 is the expected standard threshold
  • Scores of 100-109 indicate meeting expected standard
  • Scores of 110+ indicate working at greater depth
  • Scores below 100 indicate not meeting expected standard

Maximum possible scaled score is 120.

What the Average Tells You

  • School average of 105+: Strong maths outcomes
  • School average of 100-105: Meeting expectations
  • School average below 100: Below expected standard

Why Maths Performance Matters

Strong primary maths lays the foundation for:

  • Secondary school mathematics success
  • STEM subject access
  • Logical thinking and problem-solving
  • Many career pathways

Schools with high maths averages are developing numerical fluency and mathematical reasoning that students will build on throughout their education.

Technical Details

Column Name
mat_average
Data Source
DfE Performance Tables

Coverage by School Phase

How many schools have data available for this field.

Primary
82% 14834 / 17910
Secondary
0% 0 / 1263
Secondary with Sixth Form
0% 0 / 2033
Sixth Form Only
0% 0 / 289
All-through
88% 238 / 269
Special
8% 181 / 2059
Independent
0% 0 / 1724
Good (80%+)
Moderate (50-79%)
Poor (<50%)

This field does not contribute to the performance score calculation.

Distribution by School Phase

Statistical distribution of values across schools.

Min
81.0
Max
118.0
Mean
100.3
Median
100.0
Std Dev
4.04
Schools
15253
Primary (14834)
7
48
747
5022
5879
2928
199
4
81 85 88 92 96 100 103 107 111 114 118
All-through (238)
1
9
90
93
42
3
81 85 88 92 96 100 103 107 111 114 118
Special (181)
9
33
59
32
26
11
5
2
3
1
81 85 88 92 96 100 103 107 111 114 118

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