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.

Assessment services

Schools will need to use our new assessment services to administer the RBA.

2 new assessment services will be available for schools to access via DfE Sign-in. Further information on how to access the services can be found in the 2025 RBA administration guidance.

Useful information and guidance

Reception baseline assessment: collection page - GOV.UK

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

2025 Reception baseline assessment: administration guidance

This guidance provides key information for headteachers, reception teachers and practitioners on administering the assessment.

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.

Videos

Accessing the assessment services video

This video provides a snapshot overview on how you can access the services, including where to create a DfE Sign-in account, multi-factor authentication, adding the assessment services and getting the services approved.

Preparing for the RBA video

This video provides a snapshot overview on how schools can prepare for the RBA, including information on completing training topics, familiarisation with assessment questions, practicing pairing devices and administering the assessment and checking devices can pair and connect to the service.

Information video

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

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.