diff --git a/backend/app/services/test_workflow_service.py b/backend/app/services/test_workflow_service.py
index f26357e..352102e 100644
--- a/backend/app/services/test_workflow_service.py
+++ b/backend/app/services/test_workflow_service.py
@@ -655,27 +655,33 @@ def get_retest_chain(db: Session, test_id) -> list[Test]:
 
 
 def reopen_test(db: Session, test: Test, user: User) -> Test:
-    """Move a ``rejected`` test back to ``draft``, clearing validation fields.
+    """Move a ``rejected`` test back to ``draft`` for continued work.
 
-    This allows the teams to redo the test cycle.
+    Preserves all content (procedure, summaries, evidences) and — crucially —
+    the rejection NOTES so teams know what to fix without losing context.
+
+    Clears validation decisions (status, who validated, when) so leads must
+    re-validate the updated submission.  Phase timing is reset so the timer
+    starts fresh for the new execution attempt.
     """
     test = transition_state(
         db, test, TestState.draft, user,
         action_name="reopen_test",
     )
 
-    # Clear dual-validation fields
+    # Clear validation DECISIONS — leads must re-validate the new attempt.
+    # Rejection NOTES are intentionally kept so teams see what needs fixing.
     test.red_validation_status = None
     test.red_validated_by = None
     test.red_validated_at = None
-    test.red_validation_notes = None
+    # test.red_validation_notes → KEEP (rejection reason / clarification needed)
 
     test.blue_validation_status = None
     test.blue_validated_by = None
     test.blue_validated_at = None
-    test.blue_validation_notes = None
+    # test.blue_validation_notes → KEEP (rejection reason / clarification needed)
 
-    # Clear phase timing fields
+    # Reset phase timing so the new execution starts fresh
     test.red_started_at = None
     test.blue_started_at = None
     test.blue_work_started_at = None
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/test-detail/TestDetailHeader.tsx b/frontend/src/components/test-detail/TestDetailHeader.tsx
index a6151f7..537a0fa 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/test-detail/TestDetailHeader.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/test-detail/TestDetailHeader.tsx
@@ -225,7 +225,7 @@ export default function TestDetailHeader({
           className="flex items-center gap-1.5 rounded-lg border border-cyan-500/30 bg-cyan-900/20 px-4 py-2 text-sm font-medium text-cyan-400 hover:bg-cyan-900/40 transition-colors disabled:opacity-50"
         >
           {isTransitioning ? <Loader2 className="h-4 w-4 animate-spin" /> : <RotateCcw className="h-4 w-4" />}
-          Reopen Test
+          Continue Test
         </button>,
       );
     }
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/TestDetailPage.tsx b/frontend/src/pages/TestDetailPage.tsx
index 2d76590..de23ca5 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/TestDetailPage.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/TestDetailPage.tsx
@@ -230,7 +230,7 @@ export default function TestDetailPage() {
     onSuccess: () => {
       invalidateAll();
       setConfirmReopen(false);
-      showToast("Test reopened", "success");
+      showToast("Test returned to Draft — address the feedback and resubmit", "success");
     },
     onError: (err: unknown) => {
       setConfirmReopen(false);
@@ -587,9 +587,9 @@ export default function TestDetailPage() {
       {/* Confirm Reopen Dialog */}
       <ConfirmDialog
         open={confirmReopen}
-        title="Reopen Test"
-        message="This will move the test back to Draft state and clear all validation decisions. The Red/Blue workflow will need to be restarted. Are you sure?"
-        confirmLabel="Reopen"
+        title="Continue Test"
+        message="The test will return to Draft so you can address the rejection feedback. All content is preserved — procedure, summaries, evidences and rejection notes. Only the validation decisions are cleared so leads can re-validate the updated submission."
+        confirmLabel="Continue"
         variant="warning"
         isLoading={reopenMutation.isPending}
         onConfirm={() => reopenMutation.mutate()}