
Primary assessment stripped back
Assessment has been the big issue this year, with the DfE encouraging schools to innovate and approach it with fresh eyes, free from the constraints of levels.
We’re thrilled to be attending the ASCL Annual Conference.
Les Hopper, Product Director, Pearson
Lucy Chowns, Head of Maths, Pearson
There are billions of reasons for digital transformation in schools. Quite literally, Pearson’s recent research with The Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) highlights how strategic annual investment in digital in schools could drive £8.7 billion for the UK economy in ten years alongside saving teachers the equivalent of 5 average working weeks a year, plus benefits for students’ skills, earnings and the environment.
Inspired by these findings and the work of digital innovators in schools, this workshop will focus on best practices in the now, practical tools to pioneer the way forward, and interactive debate to shape what could and should exist in future. The aim: an enhanced education system, workforce and economy – both evolved and even revolutionised by technology.
Katie McKnight, Head of Assessment Customer Experience and Engagement , Pearson
Irene Custodio, Digital Assessment Design Lead, Pearson
2024 was a record-breaking year for exam access arrangement requests and the number of students, schools and colleges choosing to sit tech-enabled assessments. As we collectively strive for an assessment system that is fair, inclusive and encourages every student to thrive, what can we learn from the now and how do we shape the future?
In this workshop, we’ll address schools' and colleges’ questions – from the full range of exam options and examples of supporting students in different contexts, to emerging trends with digital assessments. Using the latest research and our recommendations for the Curriculum and Assessment Review, we’ll also host an interactive discussion on implications and opportunities for equity and fairness in embracing tech-enabled assessment landscape in future.
The Curriculum and Assessment Review gives us and the wider sector the opportunity to share our views on how curriculum and assessment can bring together a love of learning with fundamental knowledge and skills.
Thousands of students are already taking our Pearson Edexcel GCSE and International GCSE exams onscreen, and more options are available every year.
The Pearson School Report provides an in-depth, independent look at the education system, from the people who work at its core – and is the latest step in our mission to collaborate, listen and learn from each other to drive forward positive change.
Learn more about the work we're doing with educators, young people and experts to drive new innovations, inspire digital confidence, unlock new opportunities, and support schools and colleges.
Assessment has been the big issue this year, with the DfE encouraging schools to innovate and approach it with fresh eyes, free from the constraints of levels.
Well, that is the billion dollar question. The introduction to the materials states in no uncertain terms that schools and LAs must refer to them to ensure that their TA judgements are accurate and standardised across and between schools - which actually makes sense.
We’re still hearing from lots of teachers that they’re not completely sure what Ofsted is expecting to see in terms of assessment practice and are worried about fallout from Ofsted at their next inspection.

