The National Reference Test: teachers’ and headteachers’ guide

The National Reference Test is taken by a representative sample of year 11 students in England every year to help Ofqual monitor national performance in GCSE English language and maths over time.

This short guide is intended to help teachers understand the purpose of the NRT and how it works. It’s important for teachers to be aware of the NRT because it plays a role in maintaining GCSE English language and maths standards, and most schools in England are eligible to be selected.