Pearson Awarded UK Government Contract for England’s National Curriculum Assessment (NCA) Tests

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s leading learning company, has been selected by the UK Department for Education’s Standards and Testing Agency (STA) to manage the administration, processing and support for all primary school national curriculum assessment (NCA) tests in England.

The contract runs for four years beginning from the academic year 2025/26.

Pearson will deliver services to 16,500+ primary schools across the country for optional end of KS1 national curriculum assessments (NCAs), the end of KS2 national curriculum tests (sometimes known as SATs) and teacher assessments in English writing and science, as well as the phonics screening check.

These assessments measure pupil attainment in England through primary school from Year 1 through to Year 6. STA, an executive agency sponsored by the UK’s Department for Education, is responsible for the development and delivery of these tests and assessments.

Sharon Hague, Managing Director for Pearson School Qualifications said: “Pearson has a proven track record of delivering high-volume, quality assessment both in the UK and internationally. We look forward to applying our experience and expertise to the delivery of primary school assessment and to supporting thousands of schools across England to deliver these important tests.”

Pearson’s services under the contract will include the printing of test papers, all logistics, scanning, marking and data delivery. Additionally, Pearson will provide support via a helpline for schools.

About Pearson

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's leading learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.