The proportion of pupils meeting the expected standard in key stage 2 SATs has again risen slightly, but remains below pre-Covid levels. Data, published this morning, shows 63 per cent met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, up one percentage point on last year. Results have steadily improved since dropping to 59 per cent in post-pandemic 2022. However, the figure has not reached those seen in 2019 (65 per cent). The results were meant to come out last Tuesday, but were delayed by nine days due to weeks of glitches in Pearson’s marking system. The data for individual subjects shows that… In reading, 75 per cent of pupils met the expected standard, unchanged from 2025 In maths, 75 per cent of pupils met the expected standard, up from 74 per cent in 2025 In writing, 73 per cent of pupils met the expected standard, up from 72 per cent in 2025 In grammar, punctuation and spelling, 74 per cent of pupils met the expected standard,up from 73 per cent in 2025 In science, 82 per cent of pupils met the expected standard, unchanged from 2025 28% below expected standard Twenty-eight per cent of pupils at the end of SATs were assessed as not meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and maths. This amounts to 182,167 children. This is down from 29.3 per cent in 2025. The remaining 9 per cent of pupils were unable to meet the expected standard for other reasons, including working below the requirements of the curriculum, absence. Since the Covid outbreak, more than a million youngsters have not met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths. Results delay Markers faced huge technical issues when trying to mark this year’s exam scripts, as reported by Schools Week. The issues prompted the government to consider cancelling Pearson’s £180 million contract. Following this, schools were given more time to submit reviews of marking or clerical errors, extending the deadline from July 24 to September 7. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “I know the delay in results – which Pearson rightly apologised for – has caused frustration, but the real and sustained progress we are now seeing in pupil’s achievements deserves to be celebrated. “That is testament to the dedication of teachers, leaders and support staff.” Independent review The government has pledged to investigate “how such a serious failing” occurred and “all options for recourse”. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson wrote to schools at the start of this week to say she would commission an independent review “shortly”. She added that the government would “ensure that all appropriate contractual provisions are exercised in relation to Pearson’s performance”. Rein in outsourcing? SATs have been outsourced for decades, and were initially ran as several contracts before the government created one overall contract. But the issues have prompted calls from unions for assessments to be brought back into the public sector. It comes after the government recently published new guidance aimed at reducing outsourcing. Andy Burnham, who is set to become the next Prime Minister, also told Labour MPs he would rein in government outsourcing, as reported in the Financial Times.