Standards Testing Agency
Introduction
From September 2025, schools will need two devices to administer the RBA. One device will be used by the practitioner to administer the assessment and the pupil will need to use a separate touchscreen device to respond to some of the questions.
The Standards and Testing Agency (STA) had previously announced that this change would take place from September 2024, but this has been delayed by a year to September 2025.
The assessment will remain interactive and retain the use of physical resources for other questions. This change supports accessibility and aligns with developments in classroom practice.
Schools should consider how many devices they require, considering their number of reception classes and practitioners.
Most schools will already have the required devices and will not need to take any action. However, schools must ensure their devices meet the criteria within this guidance to successfully administer the RBA from the academic year 2025 to 2026.
Device requirements
Security
The devices used to conduct the assessment should be owned and managed by the school.
Schools should make sure that devices are safe and secure, for example applying filtering and antivirus software. The Department for Educations (DfEs) meeting digital and technology standards provide full information on what schools should do to make devices and technology safe and secure.
Screen size
Both devices will need a minimum screen size of 9.7 inches (measured diagonally) to interact with assessment questions.
Touchscreen
Any devices used by pupils must have touchscreen functionality. This is required to ensure they can respond to the questions.
Operating systems and browsers
You must ensure you are able to install the latest version of your browser on your devices. This is important to ensure the RBA runs smoothly.
The following operating systems and browsers (the software you use to access the internet) support the RBA:
| Operating system | Browser |
|---|---|
| Windows | Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox |
| macOS | Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox |
| iOS | Safari for iOS, Google Chrome |
| Android | Google Chrome, Samsung Internet |
| ChromeOS (Chromebooks) | Google Chrome |
Further support
If you have any questions about buying new devices, you can get advice from DfEs get help buying for schools service.
If you have any other questions about the 2025 RBA or this IT guidance, please email future-rba.sta@education.gov.uk.