Abstract This paper investigates the static performance of Steel–Concrete–Steel (SCS) sandwich slabs which consist of an ultra-lightweight concrete core sandwiched between two steel plates. Special J-hook connectors have been developed to develop composite action between the concrete core and the two steel plates. The core is made of lightweight concrete of density less than 1450 kg/m3. Laboratory tests were carried out on eight SCS sandwich slabs under centrally applied patch load. Test results showed that the mode of failure and crack pattern of SCS sandwich slabs were very similar to those of reinforced concrete slabs especially when the concrete core and steel plates act in a fully composite manner. Flexural and punching are the primary modes of failure. After flexural yielding, membrane action developed in the slab due to the effectiveness of J-hook connectors in maintaining composite action which further increases its load carrying capacity after flexural yielding. Theoretical models are proposed to predict the flexural and punching resistance and a good correlation with test results is obtained. A large deflection analysis considering plate membrane action is also proposed to predict the force deflection relation of SCS sandwich slabs.