Finding the difference between 11+ and SATs is a huge problem faced by many parents in the United Kingdom.
As a parent from the UK, are you too confused about which Exam would be better for your child’s progress and growth? Here’s a detailed explanation of what are the major differences between the 11 plus and the SATs.
Difference Between 11+ and SATs
The summative difference between SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) and the 11 Plus (11+) exam are that these are two distinctive assessments in the UK education system, each serving different purposes, administered at different stages, and testing different skills.
Below is a detailed comparison based on purpose, content, structure and outcomes.
1. What is the Major PURPOSE of the Exam?
The major purpose of SATs is to measure students’ academic progress in core subjects against the National Curriculum.
On the other hand, the major purpose of the 11+ exam is to be used by selective secondary schools (primarily grammar schools and some independent schools) to identify students with high academic ability for admission.
2. Is it COMPULSORY?
SATs are Compulsory for all students in state–funded primary schools in England at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2, age 7) and Key Stage 2 (Year 6, age 11)
On the contrary, 11+ is not a Compulsory exam. It is applicable for grammar independent school applicants for children after grade 5 (age 10/11)
3. What are the SUBJECTS?
Subjects for SATs are English, Reading, SPaG, Maths, teacher-assessed Writing /Science whereas Subjects for 11 + are English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
4. When does the Exam take place?
The SAT take place in the month of May of Year 6
On the other hand, The 11 + exam takes place in September of Year 6 (or Nov-Jan for some independent schools)
5. What is the format of the papers?
The format for the SAT is- 6 papers, curriculum-based and externally marked.
Alternatively, 11 + has 2-3 papers which includes reasoning, and varies for different regions and schools.
6. Use of Results
Results of SATs are used produce school league tables, inform Ofsted inspections, and help secondary schools place students in appropriate academic sets and streams.
In contrast, the results of 11 + are used to determine whether a student gains admission to a grammar school or a selective independent school.
7. Importance of Pass/Fail
In the SAT Exam, there is no pass/Fail. Students receive a scaled score (80\120, with 100 as the expected standard) to indicate their attainment level.
On the contrary, the 11 plus has a clear pass/fail threshold, often standardized to a score of 100 or above, with top performers prioritized for places.
In conclusion
These are some of the viewpoints that would help you as a parent to make an informed decision regarding which exam would suit your child. The unique, structured, and tailored course from BYITC helps children seamlessly navigate the concepts of 11+ preparation.
With a group of educated and experienced faculty and a game-based app, children get an upper edge and ample practice and revision to come out with flying colours.
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