Standards and Testing Agency - Statutory reading assessment in Key Stage 3 - Engagement opportunity

The Standards and Testing Agency (STA) is an executive agency of the Department for Education (DfE) responsible for developing and delivering national curriculum assessments in England. Following the 2025 Curriculum and Assessment Review, the DfE has committed to delivering a new statutory reading assessment in Key Stage 3 by 2028/2029. The purpose of this notice is to inform the market of the STA’s intention to undertake early, explorative market engagement. STA is considering and open to a range of delivery models and will be arranging 1:1s with interested and capable organisations to discuss potential delivery approaches with the market. These sessions will provide an opportunity for dialogue with organisations to discuss the possibilities for the development and delivery of this test within the planned timeframe. Any information regarding feasibility, timescales and a broad indication of the level of contract spend is extremely helpful for us at this stage. Discussion around potential delivery models will also help to inform the direction of this work. 1:1 meetings will be held w/c 30th March. Slots for the 1:1s will be available to sign up to immediately via Jaggaer. There may be an opportunity to open further sessions in the w/c 13th April if all slots are filled in the first week. For further details and to arrange a 1:1 please express your interest in this via the Jaggaer portal www.education.app.jaggaer.com