At CHS Prep, our online primary school (part of Cambridge Home School Online), we are fully focused on helping families nurture and inspire our youngest pupils through high-quality online primary education. With the growing popularity of online prep schools, many families are discovering the benefits of spending more quality time with their children while giving them the very best start in their education.
Our Head of Prep, Mrs Claire Roberts, is passionate about supporting families to encourage each child’s inquisitive and fun spirit, which can too often be lost in the mainstream school system.
What Are SATs?
SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are exams taken by school pupils in England to measure their progress in core subjects such as English and Maths. Children sit informal SATs at the end of Year 2 and more formal ones at the end of Year 6 in traditional schools.
Why CHS Prep Takes a Different Approach
At CHS Prep, we believe that education is about much more than preparing for tests. That is why our Year 6 pupils do not sit SATs.
Across the country, many primary schools dedicate significant time to preparing 10- and 11-year-olds for these government assessments. Some even reduce time spent on creative subjects and enrichment in favour of extra grammar or maths lessons. While this may boost short-term test results, it can also narrow children’s learning and increase stress at an early age.
SATs have been widely criticised for placing unnecessary pressure on young pupils. The high-stakes nature of these exams can make learning feel like a checklist rather than a rewarding experience.
A Broader, More Balanced Education through Online Primary School
As an independent online primary school, CHS Prep focuses on nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Without the pressure of SATs, our pupils enjoy a broad and balanced curriculum right through to the end of Prep.
They have time to explore creative subjects, participate in enrichment activities, and develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and public speaking. This well-rounded approach allows children to grow into confident, independent learners who are ready for the challenges of Senior School.
When pupils transition to our Senior School, they do so with strong academic foundations and a positive attitude towards learning, rather than exam fatigue. We maintain high academic standards and expectations for all pupils, but we do so in a supportive way that celebrates individuality, creativity, and enthusiasm.
At CHS Prep, we measure success not by test scores but by the curiosity, independence, and resilience our pupils carry forward into the next stage of their education.
Discover the CHS Prep Difference
If you are looking for an online primary school without SATs that prioritises creativity, wellbeing, and academic excellence, we would love to meet you.
Book a meeting with our friendly Head of Prep, Mrs Claire Roberts, to discover how our nurturing, enriching approach to online primary education can help your child thrive.