Introducing the New NCA Portal for Primary National Curriculum Assessments
What Primary SENCOs Need to Know
As we look ahead to the 2026 assessment cycle, there’s an important update that all Primary SENCOs need to have on their radar.
The Primary Assessment Gateway (PAG) has been replaced with a brand new system: the National Curriculum Assessments Portal (NCA Portal), developed by Pearson, and aims to provide a more streamlined way to statutory assessments.
Please note The NCA Portal is explicitly for primary national curriculum assessments and it has no impact on GCSEs.
A guide to what changed — and what it means for SENCOs
From September 2025, the familiar Primary Assessment Gateway (PAG) was replaced by the National Curriculum Assessments Portal (NCA Portal). This new platform is part of Pearson’s updated Test Operations Service, which now covers everything from printing test papers to marking and results.
Here are the key points you need to know.
What Is the NCA Portal?
The NCA Portal will be the new online home for managing all primary statutory assessments, including:
- Phonics Screening Check
- Optional Key Stage 1 tests
- Key Stage 2 SATs
- Teacher assessment submissions
The NCA Portal introduces several improvements:
Attendance registers and access arrangements combined
These are now part of a single online process, reducing duplication.
Simplified headteacher declaration
The process has been updated and made more efficient.
Improved user access and security
Schools will receive secure activation links and updated authentication steps.
Integrated Test Operations including test paper production and delivery, online systems for schools, marking and results, helpline support.
The core assessment requirements remain the same — but the way schools manage them should feel smoother.