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Developing a consistent assessment system

A whole-school assessment system based on the curriculum is key to monitoring curriculum coverage, pupil progress and attainment. Find out how to review or redevelop yours to make sure it's fair and consistent.

Last reviewed on 8 May 2025
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 10207
Contents
  1. Understand the different types of assessment
  2. Ofsted isn't expecting any particular style of assessment
  3. Start with the curriculum
  4. Assign someone to be in charge of assessment
  5. Implement an effective moderation process
  6. Standardise your approach to feedback
  7. Make sure your assessment system is manageable and practical
  8. What to do with the results
  9. Set out your system in a policy

This article is targeted at mainstream schools. If you work in a special school, have a look at our article on assessment approaches for special schools.

Understand the different types of assessment

Assessment is essential to see how pupils are progressing, and to understand what needs to change to improve their attainment. 

This article is about summative assessment, which should take place regularly and formally to measure progress and attainment. Other forms of assessment include:

  • Formative assessment, which takes place in class and is usually teacher-led
  • Final summative assessment, which is usually external, like SATs or GCSEs

When planning your assessment system, remember that not every teacher in every subject needs to assess in the same way. Especially if you’re in a primary school, your teachers will need some flexibility due to the number of subjects they teach.

This is explained in paragraph 29 of the