Delivery of National Reference Tests from 2025

Concepts

• secondary education
• coventry
• national reference tests
• the national reference tests
• national
• test
• tests
• ofqual
• scoring guide
• key stage

Location

Coventry

Description

To provide the National Reference Tests (NRT) in England on behalf of Ofqual. The National Reference Tests provide evidence for Ofqual on changes in performance standards over time in GCSE English Language and Mathematics in England at the end of Key Stage 4.

Total Quantity or Scope

In June 2022, Ofqual published a Prior Information Notice (PIN) advising the market of the intent to procure a supplier of the National Reference Tests for the 2025 to 2029 test years, with an option to extend the contract up to 3 further years. A public contract regulations restricted competition procurement process was used. Possible suppliers were shortlisted at stage 1 and only those which showed relevant skills and sufficient experience were invited to tender. At the second stage, suppliers proposed their solution to the stated need and bids were evaluated against Authority requirements using the weightings and scoring guide disclosed in the invitation to tender. The contract was awarded to the supplier who submitted the solution with the highest overall score.

Award Detail

Renewal Options

Following the initial contract period, and subject to minimum notice being provided as per contract, the Buyer may choose to extend the contract by 3 x 12 month periods, reviewed annually and subject to Supplier agreement via the agreed change/variation process.

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 80200000 - Secondary education services

Indicators

• Options are available.
• Award on basis of price.

Other Information

This procurement is exempt from VAT This procurement is VAT exempt. This Contract will include ongoing strategic development and delivery of the National Reference Tests on an annual basis up to and including the Tests in 2029; the contract may be extended at Ofqual's discretion for any period up to a maximum of 3 years to include the delivery of the Tests in 2030, 2031 and 2032. (MT Ref:232365)