KS2 PTRWM Expected

Understanding KS2 Expected Standard (Reading, Writing, Maths)

This metric shows the percentage of Year 6 pupils who achieved the expected standard in all three core subjects — reading, writing, and mathematics — at the end of Key Stage 2. It’s the headline measure of primary school academic performance and indicates how well a school prepares students for secondary education.

What “Expected Standard” Means

At the end of primary school, children take national assessments (SATs) in reading and maths, while writing is assessed by teachers. To reach the expected standard:

• Reading: Score 100+ in the reading test (scaled score)
• Maths: Score 100+ in the maths test (scaled score)
• Writing: Teacher assessment of “working at the expected standard”

The expected standard represents the level of knowledge and skills that pupils are expected to have by the end of Year 6.

What the Numbers Mean

• 70%+: Strong performance — well above national average
• 60-70%: Above average performance
• 50-60%: Around national average (typically 59-65%)
• Below 50%: Below national average — may indicate areas for improvement

Combined vs Individual Subjects

This combined measure is more demanding than individual subject results because a student must meet the standard in all three subjects to be counted. A school might have 75% reaching expected standard in reading and 70% in maths, but only 65% reaching it in all three combined.

Why This Matters for Parents

For primary schools, this is the key academic indicator. It tells you what proportion of children leave the school well-prepared for secondary education. However, context matters:

• Progress measures show how much children improved during their time at the school
• Higher standard figures show the proportion reaching above-expected levels
• School context (disadvantage levels, special needs) affects raw results

A school with modest raw results but strong progress may be doing excellent work with a challenging intake. Consider multiple metrics together for a complete picture.