National Reference Test Results Digest 2020

Bethan Burge and Louise Benson

20 August 2020

Since its introduction in 2017, NFER has been contracted by Ofqual to develop, deliver and analyse the results of the National Reference Test (NRT) in English and maths.

The NRT is administered annually and shows if student performance in English and maths at GCSE level has changed from year-to-year.

The NRT results are based on analysis of data from a nationally representative sample of the secondary school population. This year, around 13,000 Year 11 students from over 300 schools took part in the NRT between 24 February and 6 March. The administration was completed before the summer examination series for national qualifications was cancelled.

The Results Digest provides summarised information of the key performance outcomes for 2020 and analysis on the changes from the baseline standards established in 2017. Furthermore, it includes data on the achievement of the samples, their representativeness and the overall performance of those taking part.

Sponsor Details

Ofqual