Reception baseline assessment help centre

The reception baseline assessment (RBA) is an age-appropriate assessment of early mathematics and early literacy, communication and language. It is delivered in English and administered within the first 6 weeks of a pupil starting reception.

On this page, you will find all the relevant guidance and ways to contact us.

Useful information

Reception baseline assessment: collection page - GOV.UK

General information about the reception baseline assessment and links to all related guidance

Reception baseline assessment: IT guidance - GOV.UK

Information to support schools and their IT support staff ensure they have compatible devices required to deliver the RBA

Reception baseline assessment: assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA)

This guidance sets out the statutory requirements for the reception baseline assessment.

Information Video

The information video provides a snapshot overview of the changes that schools need to be aware of for the 2025 RBA.

Assessment services

From the 2025 to 2026 academic year, schools will need to use our new assessment services to administer the RBA.

2 new assessment services will be available for schools to access from Monday 2 June 2025 via DfE Sign-in. Further information on how to access the services will be provided in the 2025 RBA administration guidance scheduled to be published on GOV.UK at the same time.

DfE Sign-in

The assessment services are accessed via DfE Sign-in. To learn more about DfE Sign-in, click on ‘DfE Sign-in ‘Help’ after signing into your account or ask the DfE Sign-in help assistant. If you are unable to find the answer to your question, you can contact DfE Sign-in for further support.