Re preferred bidder status

3 December 2002

                           RM appointed preferred bidder for major online testing initiative                           

A consortium headed by RM plc, the UK's leading supplier of educational ICT software, services and systems, has been
appointed by the QCA (Qualifications and Curriculum Authority), to be their preferred supplier for the development of
Key Stage 3 ICT tests. Post tender negotiations are now underway, with the decision on full award expected in
January.

The consortium consists of RM, its subsidiary company 3T Productions, a software, Internet design and development
company, ICAA, a leading supplier of educational assessment services and Tata Infotech, a major IT development company.

The project, worth around £20m over 6 years, will develop and administer Key Stage 3 tests in ICT. This will be the
first significant use of online and computer based testing techniques in English secondary schools. There will be a
technical pilot for 2% of English secondary schools in 2004. Practice materials will be available for schools involved
in the technical pilot in Autumn 2003, and for all English secondary schools from Autumn 2004. A National Pilot in
2005 and Fully Integrated Test in 2006 will follow, with National Tests becoming fully operational from 2007.

Assessment has been highlighted as a key component in the raising of standards in all subjects. Current assessment of
ICT in schools is complex and challenging for teachers. Traditional paper based testing is limited by its nature and
expensive to implement. Therefore, following a feasibility study, which proved the possibility of online assessment for
ICT, the QCA issued an Invitation to Tender for the Development of Key Stage 3 Online Tests.

The RM led consortium consists of organisations that have substantial expertise in and experience of the assessment and
testing of ICT and the delivery of complex technical and operational programmes to UK schools.

Commenting on the appointment Tim Pearson, CEO of RM, said:

'This project represents a major step in RM's strategy to develop its Education Services business. I am delighted that
the QCA has recognised the strength of RM and its partners to deliver this project and we look forward to working with
the QCA on this project which will play a significant part in raising standards in ICT.'

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For further information, please contact:
Mike Greig/Phil Hemmings, RM plc           08709 200200                  
Andrew Fenwick/Mark Antelme, Brunswick     020 7404 5959