The main elements of the requirement are the fieldwork to support Scotland’s participation in the programme for international student assessment (PISA) 2015; undertaking national project manager (NPM) duties; and the field trial for electronic assessment in 2014.

The main stage fieldwork will involve target samples of 110 secondary schools, and 35 pupils within each school. The main survey is due to take place between the 1.3.2015 and the 2.4.2015, and will consist of pupils taking tests and completing a questionnaire, and completion of a questionnaire about the school by a senior school staff member. Contractors will be required to carry out 2 field trials in March 2014; one to pilot survey procedures, tests and questionnaires, and a larger one to trial the proposed electronic assessment.