This one day online conference will look at the future of assessment in England’s schools. It follows the return to pre-pandemic assessment arrangements.

Key stakeholders and policymakers will consider what has been learned from the 2023 exam season, exploring pandemic recovery strategies and the impact on student outcomes of grade protection removal.

Further sessions look at the role of digital assessment moving forward, with the rising prominence of AI and increased interest in onscreen assessment options.

The conference will also be an opportunity to discuss key issues raised in the House of Lords Education for 11-16 Year Olds Committee call for evidence, assessing how well the secondary education system in England is equipping young people with the skills needed for the job opportunities available in a digital and green economy.

We are pleased to be able to include keynote sessions with: Lord Knight of Weymouth, Member, Education for 11-16 Year Olds Committee, House of Lords; and Jilly Duffy, Chief Executive, OCR.

Further sessions assess the efficacy of GCSEs and the future of high-stakes, formative and summative assessment across the education sector.

Delegates will also examine the future role of AI and digital assessment in England’s assessment system, alongside its use and misuse by students, evaluating the risks and benefits of remote invigilation, the use of adaptive testing, and identifying potential bias in written tests, as well as latest thinking on opportunities for easing teacher workload.

The agenda also looks at latest developments in assistive technology and the potential of artificial intelligence in improving student outcomes, including support for vulnerable and disadvantaged students.

Overall, areas for discussion include:
• return to pre-pandemic arrangements: taking forward what has been learned so far for exams and assessment - identifying weak spots and improving system agility - grade protection
• the future of assessment: formative and summative approaches - teacher autonomy and responsibility in high-stake assessments - supporting student progression and development
• accessibility: improving inclusivity in existing assessment forms - strategies for future reform to promote equitable approaches within the assessment system
• GCSEs: exploring their effectiveness in assessing student achievement - alternative assessment options at 16, either alongside or in place of GCSEs
• use of technology in assessment: assistive technologies and improving inclusivity - issues and opportunities for remote and digital assessment and invigilation
• the role of AI: implications of developments and use of artificial intelligence - opportunities for adaptive assessment - protecting the integrity of exams and preventing malpractice
• policy: the future for long-term qualifications policy, regulation and strategy.

The conference will be an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who are due to attend from DBT; DESNZ; DfE; GLD; and Ofqual - as well as with parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Lords.