2025 Summer Term

The know zone

  • Reception Baseline Assessment: Changes for 2025
    Tiffnie Harris shares the latest information for primary schools delivering the Reception Baseline Assessment from autumn 2025. More
  • Where are we now?
    Dr Anne Murdoch OBE shares the latest updates on T levels and other Level 3 technical qualifications. More
  • Embracing AI
    Emma Harrison reflects on the AI journey in business functions in schools, colleges and trusts. More
  • Securing your future
    Melanie Moffatt says not all pensions are created equally, and members need to act while they are young to protect their retirement future. More
  • Under review...
    For this issue, we asked ASCL members to share their views on the interim report of the Curriculum and Assessment Review. Here's what they said... More
  • The Great Escape
    Assistant Headteacher Melissa Jackson says she's proud to be on ASCL Council. Here, she shares her passion for Council, school leadership and escape rooms! More
  • Anti-social media?
    Carl Smith issues a rallying cry for us to break free and seize back control of social media. More

Tiffnie Harris shares the latest information for primary schools delivering the Reception Baseline Assessment from autumn 2025.

Reception Baseline Assessment: Changes for 2025

The Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) has become a familiar part of the start of primary school life in England. Statutory since 2021, the RBA is carried out within the first six weeks of a child joining Reception. It provides a snapshot of each pupil’s early skills in literacy, communication, language, and mathematics, and forms the baseline for measuring progress to the end of Key Stage 2. 

Now, with the DfE taking the assessment back in-house, schools should prepare for a number of important updates, coming into effect from the start of the 2025/26 academic year. On 1 April 2025, the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) published the updated Assessment and Reporting Arrangements (ARA) for 2025 (tinyurl.com/mr3phjsw). These outline the statutory requirements and introduce several changes that all Reception practitioners and school leaders need to be aware of. 

Key changes from Autumn 2025: 

Dual device requirement 

One of the most significant changes is the requirement for two compatible digital devices. The practitioner will need one device to administer the assessment, while the pupil will use a separate touchscreen device to respond to some questions. This development reflects the move towards interactive, tech-supported assessment formats and supports greater accessibility for pupils.

New Assessment Services via DfE Sign-in 

From 2 June 2025, schools can access two new services through DfE Sign-in (services.signin.education.gov.uk):

1. Assessment service: manage your school’s assessments. This will be used to:

  • register pupils
  • record reasons for non-participation
  • complete the headteacher’s declaration form
  • view and download narrative statements 

2. Assessment service: start an assessment. This will be used to:

  • complete training
  • preview assessment questions
  • check device compatibility
  • access modified administration guidance
  • manage accessibility settings
  • administer the assessment 

These services replace the current Baseline ePortal (BeP), which will be retired at the end of the summer term in July 2025. 

Streamlined assessment materials 

Schools will no longer need the full range of physical resources previously included in the RBA pack. From autumn 2025, the only item that needs to be retained is the set of toy bears used in some mathematics questions. These should be stored securely for future cohorts. Other materials may be repurposed for classroom use or recycled. 

Updated assessment content 

There have been some updates to the assessment framework (tinyurl.com/rp6zybeb) and practitioners should familiarise themselves with the new content via the ‘start an assessment’ service. The assessment remains interactive, with pupils engaging through the touchscreen, speaking with their teacher, or using the toy bears to answer certain questions. These changes are intended to better reflect evolving classroom practices and increase engagement and accessibility. 

Narrative statements

From 22 September 2025, schools will be able to view and download narrative statements for each pupil. These will automatically become available once both components of the assessment have been completed. 

Support for schools 

To help schools prepare for the changes, a support video is available on YouTube (tinyurl.com/29paev9f), providing an overview of the new processes. The RBA helpline is also now live and available on 0300 303 3013 for any questions or additional support needs. For technical guidance on the types of devices required, schools can consult the RBA IT guidance (tinyurl.com/33xz6pnu). 

Plan ahead 

While the core purpose of the RBA remains unchanged – to provide a fair and consistent starting point for measuring primary school progress – the 2025 updates bring a shift towards more digital, streamlined, and accessible assessment delivery. Schools are encouraged to begin preparations early, particularly around acquiring compatible devices and ensuring staff are confident in using the new assessment services. 

As always, the key to successful implementation will be clear communication and early familiarisation with the updated framework. With the right support and planning, schools will be well-placed to deliver the revised RBA smoothly and effectively next academic year.

Tiffnie Harris
ASCL Primary and Data Specialist
@tiffharris.bsky.social

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