As of 2025, organizations are welcome to administer the National Reference Test (NRT).
Since 2017, the NRT has yearly assessed the English and math proficiency of year 11 students. In GCSE English language and math, it has supplied significant evidence that has been utilized to establish grade boundaries.
The tests, which last an hour apiece, are administered to around 300 schools annually.
Importantly, the questions stay the same, allowing exam boards and Ofqual to track changes in student achievement over time.
Increased NRT scores indicate that pupils have performed better than in prior years, which may account for improved GCSE English language and math achievement.
The NRT contract includes preparation for a potential switch to online exams, which is in accordance with our business plan objective to investigate the use of technology.
However, for the time being, the NRT will only exist on paper.
NRT will no longer be provided after the existing agreement with the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) expires in 2024.
Prior Information Notice (PIN) publication by Ofqual marks the start of test procurement beginning in 2025.
The projected value of the contract for providing the NRT from 2025 to 2030 is £10 million. Ofqual is willing to collaborate with multiple organizations or to award a single contract.
Organizations can view the PIN and register their interest on MyTenders.co.uk by searching for Notice 226560 to indicate their interest in participating in the procurement and receiving more information as it becomes available.
They must first register as a new provider if they do not currently utilize My Tenders.