The results of this year’s National Reference Test will be used to provide evidence about the impact of lost learning during the coronavirus pandemic rather than for 2021 GCSE awarding.

Ofqual’s National Reference Test (NRT) was introduced to provide additional information to support the awarding of GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths. It provides evidence of how performance standards change over time and is normally used to help set standards. This year, the test, due to be taken by a small number of students in selected schools between 19 April and 21 May, will generate evidence to help understand the context of the 2021 cohort when they take other qualifications in the future.

The results will provide data which can be used to help set standards and inform GCSE awarding in the future.