The first National Reference Test (NRT) will go ahead between 20 February and 3 March 2017.

Ofqual has confirmed that a sample of around 18,000 students will take the same test in maths and English every year to establish if there is any change in how students perform at a national level over time.  Ofqual believes that the test has the potential to provide valuable additional information to inform the awarding of GCSEs.

Confirmation that the tests will take place follows a trial held earlier this year which "went to plan" and demonstrated that the test is ready to "go live".

Results from the NRT will only be used to measure changes in performance nationally - there will be no results for individual students or schools.

The 300 schools that have been selected to take part will be contacted later this month.