New Test Operations Service provider: information for schools
From September 2025, Pearson will provide the Test Operations Service, supporting national curriculum assessments on behalf of the Standards and Testing Agency.
This page outlines the key changes and dates to help schools and local authorities prepare for the launch of the new service in September 2025.
Background
The Test Operations Services contract, which supports national curriculum assessments, is managed by an external supplier. This includes the phonics screening check, optional key stage 1 (KS1) tests, and statutory key stage 2 (KS2) tests and teacher assessment. Services covered by the contract include the printing and distribution of test papers, school-facing systems, marking, and helpline support.
In accordance with Public Contract Regulations 2015, a competitive procurement process was conducted to renew these outsourced services. Pearson has been selected as the supplier and will deliver the Test Operations Services from the 2025 to 2026 test cycle onwards. Capita will continue to provide these services for the 2024 to 2025 test cycle, after which the current contract will end.
We are working closely with Pearson to ensure a smooth and positive transition for schools and local authorities.
Important dates
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Thursday 31 July 2025 | Schools and local authorities must update their Primary Assessment Gateway (PAG) users and contact details by this date, to ensure they receive access instructions for the new National Curriculum Assessments Portal . |
| Friday 19 September 2025 | The national curriculum assessments helpline switches over to Pearson. Callers will have 2 options available: option 1 for Pearson if you have queries about the coming tests, and option 2 for Capita if you have queries relating to tests just taken (option 2 will be available until Friday 19 December). |
| Friday 19 September 2025 | The national curriculum assessments helpline email address will also now be operated by Pearson. While queries for Capita’s attention will still be answered, Pearson will oversee the initial handling of all incoming messages. Behind the scenes, Pearson and Capita will coordinate to ensure queries are directed to the appropriate team. Additionally, Capita will now use a new dedicated email address to respond to queries: tops_helpdesk@capita-sta.co.uk. |
| Monday 22 September 2025 | Users will receive information on how to access and sign in to the National Curriculum Assessments Portal. |
| Tuesday 23 September 2025 | The National Curriculum Assessments Portal goes live. |
| Friday 19 December 2025 | The PAG closes. |
Primary Assessment Gateway (PAG): 2024 to 2025 test cycle only
The PAG will close and no longer be accessible for schools and local authorities from Friday 19 December 2025. There will also be a gradual removal of some forms and functionality from the PAG leading up to this date.
The table below outlines the last day each of the following will be available:
| Form or functionality on the PAG | Last date available |
|---|---|
| Message us - access arrangements | Friday 1 August 2025 |
| Submit teacher assessment form | Friday 26 September 2025 |
| View and download KS2 test results | Friday 19 December 2025 |
| Search for pupils’ KS2 results | Friday 19 December 2025 |
| View school details | Friday 19 December 2025 |
National Curriculum Assessments Portal: 2025 to 2026 test cycle onwards
Pearson is developing a new system, the National Curriculum Assessments Portal, which will replace the PAG. Pearson have been running user engagement research with schools and local authorities to support the development of this future service.
The National Curriculum Assessments Portal will include new functionality, allowing users to:
- complete and submit online registers for KS2 tests
- approve local authority monitoring and moderation agreements with academies and participating independent schools
- report maladministration
- access, complete and mark standardisation exercises and commentaries
Users of the new system will need to set up and use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to sign in, ensuring the safety and security of pupils and their information.
Full information on how to access the system will be available in September 2025.
National curriculum assessments customer service
The national curriculum assessments helpline will remain open with the same contact details, but will now be operated by Pearson:
- telephone: 0300 303 3013 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm)
- email: assessments@education.gov.uk
During September, when activities for both test cycles are ongoing, arrangements will be in place to ensure that the most appropriate agents are available to answer your queries. When you make a call, there will be recorded instructions to ensure your query is directed to the appropriate agent.
If you email us about the 2024 to 2025 test cycle
Between Friday 19 September 2025 and Friday 19 December 2025, if you contact the helpline about the 2024 to 2025 test cycle, you may receive a reply from tops_helpdesk@capita-sta.co.uk.
Capita will use this email address for outgoing messages only. It will not be monitored for incoming emails. If you need more help or have another query, please ensure you always send your email to assessments@education.gov.uk.