Developing a consistent assessment system

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

Last reviewed on 23 January 2024
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 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 assessment approaches for your school type.

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:

When planning your assessment system, remember that not every teacher in every subject needs to assess in the same way. Especially if