Assessment

The latest news and analysis on exams in the UK, including key dates, timetables, results and statistics for Sats, GCSEs and A levels

Monday

7th Apr 2025

GCSE and A-level grading: 6 things teachers need to know
Ofqual releases a guide to grading for teachers and heads ahead of exam season to help them answer questions from students and parents
A pair of glasses on top of three piles of books

Friday

4th Apr 2025

Sats: Scrutiny over transcripts fuels rise in alleged cheating
Increase in cases of alleged maladministration has been fuelled by concerns over transcripts for pupils with illegible handwriting and test administrators ‘over-aiding’
Sats ‘maladministration’ up by 58% over two years
Exclusive

Thursday

3rd Apr 2025

SQA publishes first data on students cheating with AI
The number of students breaking SQA assessment rules increased in 2024, with plagiarism being the most common type of candidate malpractice
Student looking at mobile phone under desk

Wednesday

2nd Apr 2025

How to avoid the testing traps and make assessment better
Both national and classroom assessments can become meaningless with the wrong approaches or context, argues leading expert Therese Hopfenbeck
How to avoid the testing traps and make assessment better

Tuesday

1st Apr 2025

Why independent schools should call time on entrance exams
The chairman of GEMS Education says removing academic selection can help the independent sector to become more dynamic and inclusive
Why independent schools should call time on entrance exams

Monday

31st Mar 2025

SQA ‘pauses’ access to marked exam papers
Concerns raised by teachers about workload were a key factor in the decision, says the Scottish Qualifications Authority
Pause button in sand
5 strategies to support students who aren’t ready for exams
Some students are heading towards exam season fully prepped and ready to go. But how can we help those who aren’t? Mark Enser offers his advice
5 strategies to support students who aren’t ready for exams

Thursday

27th Mar 2025

Jenny Gilruth: Pupil behaviour is the ‘big’ priority
In an exclusive interview with ÌÇÐÄVlog Scotland, Scotland’s education secretary sets out the key issues she is focused on during a crucial period of reform for the schools sector
Jenny Gilruth: Pupil behaviour is the ‘big’ priority
Exclusive

Wednesday

26th Mar 2025

Why niche CPD on learning outcomes is a real winner
Giving each teacher just one performance objective – an action research project – means staff can focus on interventions that drive attainment, explains this headteacher
Teacher CPD: How performance objectives based on action research help everyone

Tuesday

25th Mar 2025

Delay Ofsted report cards and school profiles, heads urge
Ofsted’s plan for inspection report cards will cause greater anxiety for heads and make judgements less reliable, warns ASCL
Traffic stopping at road sign
English literature GCSE: 5 strategies for the final push
As exam time hurtles nearer, Zoe Enser offers her favourite quick and effective approaches to help students feel ready
Christmas carol dinner

Monday

24th Mar 2025

SQA exploring use of AI to analyse exam marker feedback
The Scottish Qualifications Authority says it is committed to improving its processes after the fallout over the Higher history pass rate in 2024
SQA exploring use of AI to analyse exam marker feedback