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- 9 May 2013
Scrap GCSE grades and use scores, says Cambridge - Two research reports adding to the debate over GCSE exam structure have been published by Cambridge Assessment today.
- 26 Apr 2013
New Chief Executive for Cambridge International Examinations visits Malaysia, which sees record growth in Cambridge qualifications - The number of students taking Cambridge qualifications in Malaysia has risen significantly this year. New figures from Cambridge International Examinations reveal that schools in Malaysia made over 70,000 entries for Cambridge qualifications, seeing a rise of 30% since 2012. There are now over 110 Cambridge schools in Malaysia. More than 2,600 schools in over 20 countries make up the Cambridge learning community in Asia Pacific.
- 23 Apr 2013
What makes a good textbook? - Tim Oates, Group Director Assessment Research & Development, recently addressed a wide range of international educational publishers at a landmark conference at the international London Book Fair. The second of two International Publishers’ Association conferences on textbook quality, the event further consolidated a new drive towards industry-based, international-derived quality standards.
- 2 Apr 2013
New Chief Executive for Cambridge International Examinations - Cambridge Assessment has appointed Michael O’Sullivan as the new Chief Executive of its international awarding body Cambridge International Examinations.
- 6 Mar 2013
21st century skills – a 21st century problem? - 21st century skills are not unique to this century, top education experts agree.
- 4 Mar 2013
National and international education in South-East Asia: are they in conflict? - On Wednesday 27 February 2013 Cambridge held a seminar in Jakarta for Cambridge schools, to discuss national and international education in the context of our experience in Indonesia.
- 7 Feb 2013
Cambridge Assessment’s response to Education Secretary Michael Gove’s statement on curriculum and exam reform - The British Secretary of State for Education today made a statement in the House of Commons outlining proposed reforms to GCSEs in which he acknowledged that his original proposal for a single exam board for each subject (the EBC) was a “bridge too far” and “one reform too many”.
- 1 Feb 2013
What is learning for? - Group Chief Executive Simon Lebus will be one of a panel of 15 thought leaders from education, business and the not-for profit sector to convene in Cambridge on 27 February 2013 to debate pressing education issues and the role of learning for the future.
- 30 Jan 2013
100 years of Cambridge English exams celebrated at Cambridge Guildhall - The Mayor of Cambridge and Julian Huppert MP were among the guests at a celebration to mark 100 years of Cambridge English exams at the Guildhall in Cambridge on 29 January 2013.
- 10 Jan 2013
Notes from Asia Pacific - Our latest series of ‘Notes from Asia Pacific’ takes a look at Singapore’s exams results season.
- 10 Dec 2012
Spotlight on education in America - Continuing her look at education systems across the world, Ann Puntis, Chief Executive of our exam board Cambridge International Examinations, reports on the introduction of common core education standards across America – a radical and challenging reform.
- 22 Nov 2012
OCR and The Open University carve out new career path for vocational learners - Our UK exam board OCR has partnered with The Open University to open up a new route into university for vocational learners in England, offering flexibility in today’s challenging economic climate. The new route into higher education was unveiled at the Association of Colleges Annual Conference, Wednesday 21 November 2012.
- 9 Nov 2012
Cambridge Assessment sets up Asia Pacific office to strengthen ties with education community - Cambridge Assessment has been a trusted education partner in Asia Pacific for over 130 years. It works with over 2,000 schools in the region who offer Cambridge international qualifications and in partnership with governments, carrying out leading edge and operational research on assessment in education. Today it officially announced the opening of its new Asia Pacific office in Singapore.
- 11 Oct 2012
Risk in the exam system - More than 120 experts from within the education and assessment community, as well as speakers from beyond these fields, gathered at Cambridge Assessment’s 6th biennial conference in Cambridge on 10 October 2012 to consider the principles of risk and how they might apply in assessment and qualification systems.
- 4 Oct 2012
Spotlight on education in Malaysia - With UK ministers often looking abroad for inspiration, Ann Puntis Chief Executive of our exam board Cambridge International Examinations continues her look at international education systems.
- 17 Sep 2012
Cambridge Assessment responds to DfE's Key Stage 4 Qualifications Reform - Simon Lebus, Group Chief Executive, said: “We welcome efforts at serious reform of the education system. What Michael Gove is suggesting is radical and we believe that our experience of developing and delivering educational assessment both in the UK and 160 countries worldwide can help to deliver these reforms.”
- 11 Sep 2012
GCSE reform – so many options but which one is right? - Today (11 September) sees the first of a series of roundtables we've organised on the various proposals for GCSE reform. In light of the recent GCSE furore these, now timely, events will provide a real opportunity to discuss and put forward teachers’, businesses’, students’ and parents’ views on the future of the GCSE.
- 5 Sep 2012
What's right for a good education? - We'll be partnering the Association of School and College Leaders and the think tank Reform during the autumn political party conference season to consider some of the key issues at the very heart of education policy.
- 12 Jul 2012
Teachers like internal assessment but Controlled Assessment is flawed - Cambridge Assessment has today [12 July 2012] submitted an executive summary of its ‘Controlled Assessment in GCSE: effects of implementation in six specifications’ report to Ofqual for its review of Controlled Assessment.
- 5 Jul 2012
Spotlight on education in Singapore - Singapore is often quoted by the education secretary as a system to which the UK must aspire. Ann Puntis Chief Executive of our exam board Cambridge International Examinations takes a look.
- 3 Jul 2012
Our response to the Education Select Committee report on examinations - "We welcome the Select Committee’s effort to create a competitive environment in which education comes first. In particular we are supportive of its strictures on the negative impact of the use of exams for accountability. We also believe that the idea of national syllabuses has merit. In order to deliver these a wide range of stakeholder input will be required, and it can be difficult to orchestrate this, as was demonstrated with the Diplomas, where getting agreement from the Diploma Development Partnerships on what should be included proved time-consuming and sometimes contentious. To avoid these pitfalls therefore we need to ensure that any reform is properly resourced, properly managed and has clear objectives.
- 25 Jun 2012
New statistician joins Cambridge Assessment - We've recently welcomed Tom Benton to our Research Division. An expert in the field of statistical analysis, Dr Benton joined us from the National Foundation for Education Research (NFER) where he worked for more than 10 years.
- 21 Jun 2012
Our response to proposals to replace GCSEs with O Levels - Cambridge Assessment spokesperson said: “As the organisation that created IGCSEs, Cambridge Pre-U and Cambridge Technicals, Cambridge Assessment delivers evidence-based and research-led qualifications to meet the needs of all types of students.
- 15 Jun 2012
New websites coming soon - Cambridge Assessment and our three exam boards are launching new websites this year, with the first roll out due in the autumn.
- 24 May 2012
Spotlight on education in Hong Kong - Hong Kong’s exam system used to mirror that of the UK until a recent move to raise the participation age and test later. Ann Puntis Chief Executive of our exam board Cambridge International Examinations takes a look.
- 1 May 2012
We know what HE wants from A Levels: full reports now available - The full reports on our research into A Levels and greater Higher Education (HE) involvement feature:
- 18 Apr 2012
Exams should have closer ties to textbooks - International evidence proves high quality textbooks can improve the performance of an education system but only if the right relationship between textbooks and learning can be secured, says education expert Tim Oates at a Cambridge Assessment seminar today [18 April 2012]. Replying, teachers' union leader Mary Bousted fundamentally disagreed.
- 16 Apr 2012
Cambridge fears proposed new UCAS tariff will not work - UCAS is using the “wrong tool for the job” in reforming its Tariff system, claims Cambridge Assessment today, possibly damaging the chances of students going to the right university.
- 3 Apr 2012
We welcome the Government's announcement on A Level reform - Today we welcomed the Government’s announcement on A Level reform. We praised the Secretary of State Michael Gove for his radical approach and pledged to ensure our UK arm, OCR, delivered the new style A Levels to the highest quality.
- 3 Apr 2012
We know what HE wants from A Levels - University academics want A Levels to: include more advanced content for more able students; cover core subject areas in greater depth; and encourage critical thinking, independent study, experimentation, exploration and more extensive reading. These are the initial findings from a Cambridge Assessment study being presented at UCAS’ Admissions Conference on 3 April in Birmingham.
- 28 Mar 2012
University admissions overhaul - PQA is not the answer - We are pleased that UCAS took into account our concerns regarding a move to a post-results system (or PQA, as it is widely known) and has decided against its implementation, as reported in UCAS' Admissions Process Review Findings and Recommendations report published today.
- 22 Mar 2012
Spotlight on education in New Zealand - Some years ago, a fierce debate raged in New Zealand which pitched international examinations against its own national curriculum. Ann Puntis Chief Executive of our exam board Cambridge International Examinations explains more.
- 19 Mar 2012
Polish Educational Research Institute talks ‘qualifications frameworks’ with OCR Cymru - A delegation of seven education experts from Poland visited the Welsh office of our UK exam board OCR in March to learn about the development and implementation of Wales’ national qualifications framework.
- 14 Mar 2012
A brand new option in vocational learning - A new range of vocational qualifications designed for students aged 16+ has been launched today by our UK exam board, OCR.
- 22 Feb 2012
House of Commons Education Committee hears from the heads of the main three UK exam boards - On 21 February, the Committee interviewed representatives from publishers Nelson Thornes, Pearson UK, Oxford University Press and the Society of Authors, together with the heads of the three main UK exam boards - OCR, AQA and Pearson UK (Edexcel's owner).
- 1 Feb 2012
Exams should not define the curriculum - “An excessive focus on exams and examining has been at the expense of coherence and curriculum,” says head of international exams group.
- 18 Jan 2012
Education experts give evidence to the House of Commons Education Committee - Tim Oates, Group Director of Assessment Research and Development at Cambridge Assessment, will today (18 January) give oral evidence to the Education Committee session as part of its inquiry into the administration of examinations for 15–19 year olds in England.
- 12 Jan 2012
OCR's "pioneering work" - Gove announces changes to ICT curriculum - Education Secretary Michael Gove praised our UK exam board OCR's "pioneering" work in the field of computer science qualifications, at a major educational technology event in London this week. OCR is currently the only awarding body to offer a computing GCSE.
- 9 Dec 2011
Education Select Committee Inquiry: How should examinations for 15-19 year olds in England be run? - We have given evidence to the Education Select Committee on the arguments in favour of and against having a range of awarding bodies for academic and applied qualifications, and the merits of alternative arrangements such as having one national body or examination boards franchised to offer qualifications in particular subjects or fields.
- 22 Nov 2011
Post-Qualification Admissions (PQA): do the benefits really outweigh the risks? - Speaking at the Westminster Education Forum event 'University access and admissions - the next steps' in London today (22 November 2011), our Group Chief Executive Simon Lebus will discuss the implications of Post-Qualification Admissions (PQA).
- 10 Nov 2011
Maths is flawed - “Maths education will always be flawed until schools, universities and employers agree on what maths skills they really want from young people”, says head of UK exam board.
- 16 Sep 2011
Learning, Teaching and the Brain - At a conference hosted by University of Cambridge International Examinations, Dr Paul Howard Jones from Bristol University explained how teachers can use insights from neuroscience to provide more effective teaching and learning.
- 13 Sep 2011
Education not technology must dominate online exams - Speaking at the Westminster Education Forum event in London today (13 September 2011), Cambridge Assessment's Group Chief Executive Simon Lebus will explain that many schools simply do not yet have enough machines to allow high numbers of students to take exams at the same time. Tests must be taken at the same time to ensure fairness.
- 23 Jun 2011
A better approach to Higher Education/exam board interaction for post-16 qualifications - Proposals from Cambridge Assessment to restore the link between universities and A levels have been welcomed by the Universities Minister, David Willetts.
- 27 May 2011
Exam cheats beware - This summer a new weapon against those who attempt to get away with cheating in examinations will be deployed.
- 13 May 2011
Response to Ofqual announcement of Standards Review - We are delighted that the regulator, Ofqual, is building on our 'Exam standards: the big debate', the findings of which were sent to the Government in September of last year.
- 13 May 2011
OCR welcomes Government's backing of Wolf Report - Our UK exam board, OCR, is delighted with the Government's response to the Wolf Report which confirms that "vocational education is immensely valuable".
- 11 May 2011
Students mind the gap - Nearly all (94 per cent) current first year students feel their secondary education could have prepared them better for the academic rigour of university, according to our international exam board.
- 18 Mar 2011
Educating an interconnected world - “Education for an interconnected world is not just for the mobile elite”, said the head of Cambridge Assessment at an international conference.
- 2 Mar 2011
Class of '41: Inspiring Polish servicemen and women commended by Cambridge - Language testing experts from Cambridge University paid homage to the thousands of Polish servicemen and women who took English language examinations during the 1940s at a ceremony in London earlier this month.
- 20 Jan 2011
Cambridge Assessment expert on panel to review the curriculum - In response to Tim Oates' appointment to lead an Expert Panel to review the National Curriculum Simon Lebus, Group Chief Executive of Cambridge Assessment, said:
- 17 Dec 2010
Special consideration doesn’t skew exam grades - Despite the increase in special consideration applications the percentage of students who improve their overall grade as a result is less than one per cent in any given subject, says new research from international exams group Cambridge Assessment.
- 18 Nov 2010
Cambridge Assessment publish international curriculum analysis - Recent reviews of the National Curriculum have failed to harness the insights emerging from high quality transnational comparisons, according to a top academic.
- 5 Oct 2010
Conservative Fringe - What do You Think Makes a Good Education? - The Government will be making an announcement tomorrow on improving how functional skills are taught in schools to better provide business with employees with good office skills, Education Secretary Michael Gove confirmed today.
- 4 Oct 2010
Cambridge Assessment's take on what makes a good education - Simon Lebus, Group Chief Executive of Cambridge Assessment, explains what makes a good education at joint Cambridge Assessment, ASCL and AoC fringe event at the Conservative Party Conference.
- 4 Oct 2010
How old are GCSE candidates? - As featured in The Sunday Times (3 October 2010 'Pupils pushed into taking GCSEs early') Cambridge Assessment has published an analysis of the age of candidates taking GCSEs (including very young and adult entries) from 3 different years (2000, 2004, 2009).
- 1 Oct 2010
New Syndicate Chairman - Sir Christopher Hum, Master of Gonville and Caius College, is the new Syndicate Chairman of Cambridge Assessment. He takes over from Professor Tony Badger, Master of Clare College, Cambridge.
- 29 Sep 2010
Exploring non-standard English amongst teenagers - Can GCSE students tell the difference between standard English grammar and colloquial language?
- 21 Sep 2010
Liberal Democrat Fringe - What do you think makes a good education? - Summary of the joint Cambridge Assessment, ASCL and AoC fringe event at the Liberal Democrat conference which asked panellists to discuss what defines a good education as part of a wider discussion on education and education reform.
- 17 Sep 2010
Cambridge Assessment responds to Mick Waters - Cambridge Assessment responds to former QCA director Mick Waters' comments that the exams system is "diseased", "almost corrupt" and allows "insider dealing" from chief examiners, in the book - Reinventing Schools, Reforming Teaching - by John Bangs, John Macbeath and Maurice Galton.
- 3 Sep 2010
New Chief Executive for OCR - Cambridge Assessment has appointed Mark Dawe as the new Chief Executive of its UK awarding body Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR).
- 6 Aug 2010
Module muddles - As featured in today's [6 August 2010] TES, Simon Lebus explains that different students require different courses and different ways of being examined...
- 14 Jul 2010
GCSE modularisation – one size does not fit all - The state-directed “one size fits all” approach to the modularisation of GCSEs was wrong, according to new research which reveals that some subjects are better suited to this form of assessment than others and that it affects boys and girls differently.
- 23 Jun 2010
What do you think makes a good education? - Cambridge Assessment, the Association of Colleges and the Association of School and College Leaders will once again be collaborating during the autumn Party Political conference season
- 11 Jun 2010
Cambridge supports call for rethink on student migration controls - The UK's largest provider of English language qualifications has welcomed an Early Day Motion put forward by MPs calling for changes to the criteria for international student visas.
- 10 Jun 2010
Top technology leader at Cambridge Assessment - Bruno Laquet, the new chief information officer (CIO) of Cambridge Assessment, has been voted one of the top 50 most influential technology leaders in the UK.
- 25 May 2010
UK “could learn a lot” from bilingual schooling around the world, says Cambridge - Education policy-makers in Britain could learn a lot from “inspirational” bi-lingual schooling developed by Education Ministries around the world, says a department of Cambridge University.
- 19 May 2010
How should primary pupils be tested? - Tim Oates, Group Director of Assessment Research and Development at Cambridge Assessment, contributed to a panel debate - alongside school staff, parents and academics - to try to come to some conclusions about how primary pupils should be tested.
- 21 Apr 2010
England’s National Curriculum misses the point - Today’s National Curriculum is just an attempt to keep competing lobby groups happy and has lost its educational integrity, according to a top academic.
- 20 Apr 2010
Mastering assessment - A new MEd course aimed at those with an interest in developing their understanding and expertise in assessment in education is being introduced in October 2010.
- 20 Apr 2010
Cambridge Assessment leads party conference collaboration - To raise the profile of the education community at the political party conferences this year, Cambridge Assessment has been working with a number of organisations in the education and skills sectors.
- 23 Mar 2010
Sykes Report response from Cambridge Assessment - Cambridge Assessment, the University’s international exams group, supports most of the Sykes Report recommendations on the role of Higher Education, on the role that regulators should play and the National Curriculum. It has serious reservations regarding the recommendations relating to assessment at age 16.
- 17 Mar 2010
E-assessment depends on trust, says leading educationalist - “Public trust, not technology, is the barrier that is stopping exams being taken online”, according to Simon Lebus, Group Chief Executive of Cambridge Assessment, the University’s international exams group.
- 16 Mar 2010
New statistics reports: numbers of 'A' grades at A level and provision of GCSE science in schools by school type - As part of Cambridge Assessment's commitment to transparency and access to examinations data, we have today uploaded two new statistics reports. Our statistical series provides information about the examination system that can be used by all.
- 2 Mar 2010
Cambridge Assessment's response to Michael Gove's comments on ending political control of A levels - 12 Feb 2010
UK’s education system needs to catch up to meet the needs of business - Students who have a deficit of ‘thinking skills’ are not only lacking sufficient grounding to embark upon undergraduate study, but also missing a vital skill essential for the 21st -century workforce.
- 12 Feb 2010
Cambridge scholarships open path to bright future - Five outstanding students in India and Pakistan are destined to receive scholarships to the University of Cambridge created with funding from Cambridge Assessment.
- 25 Jan 2010
Cambridge leads Westminster discussion on student immigration - In the run up to the Government’s much anticipated review of student immigration to the UK, University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations - which is part of the Cambridge Assessment Group - brought together key experts from the education industry and the UK Border Agency to discuss the issues around assessing the English language levels of students coming to study in the UK.
- 7 Jan 2010
Cambridge Assessment's evidence in Select Committee report on school accountability - Today, the Children, Schools and Families Select Committee has published its first report on School Accountability which includes our concerns.
- 27 Nov 2009
10,000 organisations accept Cambridge English qualifications - Around 10,000 organisations now accept Cambridge ESOL language qualifications as proof of English for immigration, entrance to higher education and enhanced career prospects. Recognising organisations include the UK Border Agency, the Greek Civil Service and leading Higher Education Establishments around the world – including the top Ivy League Institutions and the Russell Group.
- 18 Nov 2009
Confidence in Standards – now possible - Cambridge Assessment is proud to have helped Members of Parliament in both Lords and Commons to improve the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Bill such that the new regulator, Ofqual, is enabled to act as a genuinely independent standards-orientated regulator.
- 11 Nov 2009
Effective e-assessment: Making IT happen - Despite continuous improvements to technology applications the mainstream education industry has remained largely immune to its use within high stakes national assessment systems.
- 2 Nov 2009
GCSE uptake and results 2002-2007 - New statistics report
- 20 Oct 2009
Local children enjoy singing workshop in celebration of Clare - Children from the John Clare and Peakirk-cum-Glinton Church of England Primary Schools took part in a singing workshop on Sunday (18 October) as part of a weekend of celebratory events dedicated to the work of poet John Clare, hosted by the UK arm of Cambridge Assessment, exam board OCR in support of the John Clare Trust and Clare Cottage. Suzi Whiting, Deputy Head of Peakirk-cum-Glinton School, commented: "This was a great chance for the children to sing with adults."
- 14 Oct 2009
Cambridge Assessment comments on the Policy Exchange Report Science Fiction? Uncovering the real level of science skills at school and university - The Cambridge Assessment Research Division has produced a commentary, Science: A valid overview of entries in schools and colleges, on the Policy Exchange Report Science Fiction? Uncovering the real level of science skills at school and university
- 29 Sep 2009
Education for economic recovery - Cambridge Assessment draws MPs into a debate about education for economic recovery.
- 29 Sep 2009
New stats report on A level uptake and results 2002-2007 - New stats report on A level uptake and results 2002-2007
- 9 Sep 2009
Bringing history to life - Key moments in history have been brought to life through dramatic performances and captured for use in the classroom.
- 7 Sep 2009
IGCSE funding in state schools - State schools are in line to receive a decision on funding for Cambridge IGCSE as they return from the holiday.
- 17 Aug 2009
We know why students choose the A levels they do - 16 Jul 2009
More University of Oxford Applicants to Take the Thinking Skills Assessment - Following a successful trial last year, the University of Oxford has announced that applicants to their undergraduate courses in Experimental Psychology (EP) and Psychology, Philosophy and Physiology (PPP) will be required to take the Thinking Skills Assessment admissions test this November. The Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) is developed and delivered by Cambridge Assessment’s New Developments Division.
- 10 Jul 2009
4th Cambridge Assessment Conference – registration now open - The 4th Cambridge Assessment Conference will take place on 19th October 2009 at Robinson College, Cambridge. The theme of the conference is ‘Issues of control and innovation: the role of the state in assessment systems’
- 7 Jul 2009
Integrating English into primary education world wide - Learning and assessment in primary schools was top of the agenda at a recent conference in Cambridge.
- 1 Jul 2009
Cambridge Assessment strengthens partnership with ministries in Malaysia - Cambridge Assessment exhibited at the 17th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers (17CCEM), in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in June. The Cambridge Assessment conference stand promoted one of its exam board's excellent work with ministries worldwide as well as its portfolio of international qualifications.
- 30 Jun 2009
What's happening in languages... - Uptake of GCSE modern foreign languages among high attaining pupils* in the UK has fallen below the levels of uptake prior to the introduction of the National Curriculum, a new report out today indicates.
- 28 May 2009
Rehabilitating prisoners - New contracts for prison education are now being negotiated with private and public business organisations to provide learning and skills for offenders in prisons and on community sentences from August 2009.
- 15 May 2009
Kids do better in exams if in touch with their emotions - - Top academic convinced by Cambridge Assessment’s research that Emotional Intelligence does affect educational attainment.
- 14 May 2009
Enabling access to a Cambridge education - A new scheme of scholarships to the University of Cambridge has been launched exclusively for undergraduate students from Pakistan.
- 2 Apr 2009
No surprise: Boys like numbers and girls prefer words - When it comes to choosing which subjects to study at AS level, there are a few subjects in particular – Physics, Maths, English Lit and Psychology – that highlight significant gender preferences.
- 2 Mar 2009
Poverty is the main barrier to A level achievement - Cambridge Assessment researchers investigated the number of students who achieved 3 grade As at A Level on behalf of the University's Outreach Steering Group. They found that, contrary to some media suggestions, only a very small proportion of students who got these grades had taken less traditional subjects. They also found that the rates of achievement mirrored the socio-economic background of the local authority and that differences in outcomes between them could be stark
- 24 Feb 2009
It's all about 'e' - E-learning, e-assessment and e-administration were on top of the agenda at the 4th Cambridge International Advisory Seminar – hosted by University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) in February.
- 10 Feb 2009
Happy Birthday to you – but not if you’re born in summer - Cambridge Assessment today submitted evidence to Sir Jim Rose for his consideration following the publication of his interim report on the Primary Curriculum Review which reveals a new take on birthdate research.
- 26 Jan 2009
Delivering confidence in standards - Cambridge Assessment's First Reading brief - With educationalists expecting the new Education and Skills Bill to appear any day now, Cambridge Assessment is working to use its expertise to ensure that Government proposals for the introduction of a new standards regulator achieve the goal of improved education for all. However, we believe that vital questions must still be asked...
- 21 Jan 2009
Research Matters - Research Matters issue 7 is now available - the biannual publication which allows Cambridge Assessment to share assessment research in a range of fields with the wider assessment community.
- 21 Jan 2009
Vice-Chancellor visits India with Cambridge Assessment - Cambridge Assessment - a department of the University of Cambridge - was delighted to help the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge visit an outstanding education establishment in India.
- 2 Jan 2009
Cambridge Assessment adds to debate on KS3 - Cambridge Assessment’s advice on and knowledge about national assessment arrangements for Key Stage 3 will be heard at a forthcoming joint policy and research seminar to be held at the Nuffield Foundation, Friday 9 January 2009.
- 23 Dec 2008
UCAS tariff confirmed for Cambridge Pre-U - Cambridge Pre-U, an alternative to A Level being offered by schools in both the maintained and independent sectors, has now been awarded UCAS points.
- 12 Dec 2008
Exams join the real world - Exams for 16 year olds have seen many changes with questions now relating much more to real world contexts. That’s the finding of research looking at papers in seven subject areas from 1867 to 2007 by Cambridge Assessment , which is this year celebrating its 150th anniversary.
- 9 Dec 2008
Successful thinking for all - Latest research by Cambridge Assessment in collaboration with OCR - one of three exam boards that make up the Cambridge Assessment Group - has found a dramatic one-grade improvement in achievement at A level for those students taking Critical Thinking at AS Level.
- 9 Dec 2008
Skills on top of the agenda - Cambridge Assessment is partnering with the influential think tank the Fabian Society on its Skills Forum, a programme of events looking at the skills agenda – the Government’s response to concerns about the UK workforces’ lack of skills, and lack of investment by UK employers in developing and implementing training for employees.
- 27 Nov 2008
Cambridge leads thinking on student-centred education in India - The University of Cambridge International Examinations - one of the three exam boards that make up the Cambridge Assessment Group - initiated a major conference in India to discuss the benefits of the student-centred approach with educators across the sub-continent. Putting the learner at the heart of the learning process is central to the Cambridge philosophy.
- 26 Nov 2008
Record numbers take Cambridge Assessment admissions tests - This November over 11,000 candidates worldwide – a record number – have taken one of the university admissions tests developed and administered by Cambridge Assessment.
- 14 Nov 2008
Achieve magazine, autumn 2008 - Latest issue now available
- 22 Oct 2008
Reflections on the Recent Revolution at Key Stage 3 - Sylvia Green, Director of Research at Cambridge Assessment reflects on the recent changes at Key Stage 3.
- 4 Jul 2008
Why Government education initiatives work – or don’t - Cambridge Assessment’s fourth Parliamentary research seminar at the House of Commons – which was on the topic of what makes Government education initiatives succeed or fail – was attended by 60 key senior education professionals and MPs, generating a lively debate.
- 23 Jun 2008
Cambridge Assessment's view on academic Diplomas - View from Cambridge Assessment's Group Chief Executive, Simon Lebus, on academic Diplomas.
- 23 Jun 2008
“Confidence in Standards” - Cambridge Assessment's response to the Government's white paper - Cambridge Assessment has responded to the government's consultation “Confidence in Standards” which seeks to create an independent regulator separated out from both the Department of Children, Families and Schools and the current regulator, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
- 21 May 2008
Examinations in England after 1945: History repeats itself - Taken from the second in a series of seminars which looks at the different stages in Cambridge Assessment's history, Helen Patrick, former research group manager at UCLES and now an independent consultant, focuses on developments following 1945, using the Cambridge Syndicate's experience to illustrate recurring themes in the history of assessment in England.
- 21 Apr 2008
What will today’s young people be able to offer tomorrow? - “Education policy around the world: Innovations in 14-19 Reform”
- 17 Apr 2008
Vice-Chancellor joins in 150th anniversary celebrations - Cambridge Assessment was honoured by a visit from Cambridge University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alison Richard, as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations.
- 8 Apr 2008
Research into Dyslexic students and examination questions yields ‘unexpected findings’ - A study carried out by Cambridge Assessment has revealed some surprising results relating to the common perception that dyslexic students are disadvantaged by certain features of conventional exam papers, such as font use and text spacing.
- 7 Apr 2008
FBI visits Cambridge University to discuss beating language exam cheats - An FBI specialist is to address European language experts on new forensic technology for detecting cheating in language exams.
- 4 Apr 2008
Does Ireland have the answer for integration? - Ireland’s fast-track scheme to help immigrants with refugee status into their host communities uses a mixture of intense language classes, practical skills and learning about the systems and culture of Ireland. Could England’s plans to foster citizenship in the immigrant community benefit from this approach?
- 6 Mar 2008
House of Commons Select Committee for Children, Schools and Families Inquiry into Testing and Assessment - From December through to February the House of Commons Select Committee on Children, Schools and Families has been holding an Inquiry into testing and assessment. MPs have questioned a range of witnesses and received a plethora of written evidence to try to find out exactly what problems might be being experienced in schools, colleges and workplaces and to try and identify some potential solutions.
- 6 Mar 2008
Seminar looks at Cambridge's role in introduction of school exams - A seminar looking at the role Cambridge has played in the introduction of school exams will take place on Thursday 13 March as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of Cambridge Assessment, the UK’s oldest surviving exam board.
- 14 Feb 2008
How have school exams changed over the past 150 years? - We take a look at the development of examinations from the early days to their present form.
- 11 Feb 2008
“Most candidates had little scruple about writing down sheer nonsense” - Bribery letters, 150-year-old examiner reports, eye-witness accounts of hardship during the First and Second World Wars and past exam questions feature in an online exhibition – from the archive of Cambridge Assessment.
- 31 Jan 2008
What makes a good teacher? An overview of teaching effectiveness research - The Third Cambridge Assessment Research Seminar was hosted and chaired by Barry Sheerman MP, Chair of the House of Commons’ Children, Schools and Families Select Committee. The session was entitled: “What makes a good teacher? An overview of teaching effectiveness research.” Attendees were addressed by three keynote speakers; Professor Patricia Broadfoot, Professor Mary James and Professor Deborah Myhill. After the presentations there was a sustained debate to which all were able to contribute.
- 29 Jan 2008
Scientists sought to help shape future of awarding - Cambridge Assessment and OCR are recruiting professional biologists and sociologists to help them shape the future of grading examinations.
- 16 Jan 2008
‘Turn over your exam papers now’ - 1858 style - Pupils at Bristol Grammar School experienced exams 1858 style on Tuesday 15 January. They took part in a special lesson to celebrate the anniversary of being one of the first schools in the country to sit exams from the 150-year-old University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, known as UCLES.
- 3 Dec 2007
No surprise: Students do what they like! - New research published today by Europe’s largest assessment agency shows that students choose A level subjects they think will be enjoyable and interesting, without much input from the so called “experts”.
- 9 Nov 2007
Gujarat gaining the business edge through English provision - Cambridge ESOL has developed a new test called the Gujarat English Language Test, to assess ability related to the lower range of levels set out in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
- 4 Oct 2007
Is the American Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) the right generic test for HE admissions in England? - Given that there is currently a large Government-funded trial in place, it may seem premature to even ask this question. The five-year, £1.6million trial – was given backing by the Department for Education and Skills (DfES), the Sutton Trust and the College Board which owns the SAT - is currently in its second year. This article suggests that serious questions should be asked now rather than wait for the end of the trial.
- 3 Oct 2007
What is the real impact of e-assessment on education? - The question “Is there more to e-assessment than new technologies?” is top of the agenda at the forthcoming Cambridge Assessment Network Conference, on 15 October at Robinson College Cambridge.
- 27 Sep 2007
STEP across - With immediate effect the administration of STEP will be managed by the specialist Admissions Test Team based within OCR’s parent body, Cambridge Assessment.
- 24 Sep 2007
Cambridge Assessment shares expertise at IAEA - Cambridge Assessment recently took part in the 33rd annual conference of the International Association for Educational Assessment (IAEA) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
- 20 Sep 2007
UK to host debate by global education experts - Leading education experts and exam providers from across the world will exchange the latest research, ideas and experiences of different countries’ education systems at a major conference in Cambridge.
- 1 Aug 2007
'Underachieving boys' and 'overachieving girls' Revisited - 'Underachieving boys' and 'overachieving girls' Revisited - Rhetoric and Reality is the title of the chapter written by Tim Oates that opens the recently published book Genderwatch.
- 31 Jul 2007
Diploma news from OCR - UK exam board OCR – part of the Cambridge Assessment Group – has announced that it is launching the Principal Learning components for three of the initial five Diploma lines of learning.
- 27 Jul 2007
Hurdles or Help? The changing face of admissions tests in Higher Education - Admissions Tests in Higher Education
- 12 Jun 2007
Vive la difference! - Tougher laws on religious belief, gender and sexual preference have prompted a big growth in diversity training according to The Psychometrics Centre at Cambridge Assessment.
- 30 May 2007
International debate - International delegates had the chance to debate the role and responsibilities of public examinations providers in today’s society, at a tailored study programme in May.
- 24 May 2007
Czech it out! - Cambridge Assessment’s Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA) – a non subject-specific aptitude test, normally associated with Cambridge University admissions – will be taken by Czech students, in Czech, this summer.
- 17 May 2007
Oxford seeks best of best - Help is on the way for Oxford admission tutors who are struggling to decide which applicants to call for interview.
- 17 May 2007
Enquiry into Testing and Assessment - Cambridge Assessment's evidence submission to Education Select Committee
- 18 Apr 2007
Evidence-based policy? - The first in a series of education research seminars takes place in the UK House of Commons on 25 April.
- 23 Mar 2007
Assessment for Learning - The Cambridge Assessment Network – which provides professional development activities for all individuals involved in assessment – organised its second Excellence in Assessment seminar on 23 March 2007, on the subject of Assessment for Learning.
- 12 Mar 2007
OCR welcomes Dearing report - UK exam board OCR – part of the Cambridge Assessment Group – welcomes Lord Dearing’s Languages Review. OCR produces Asset Languages, the assessment scheme for the Languages Ladder.
- 2 Mar 2007
Setting the assessment agenda - A group of 50 headteachers from across the UK gathered in Cambridge to tackle some of the key issues concerning the future of assessment. They sought, and found, common ground between the teaching profession and exam boards.
- 15 Feb 2007
Innovation rewarded - Cambridge Assessment has awarded a six-month secondment to a student from the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff (UWIC), as a result of the Innovate to Educate Awards.
- 1 Feb 2007
CIE response to IGCSE consultation - International GCSE (IGCSE) could help UK Government achieve its aims, says University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) CIE response to IGCSE consultation.
- 18 Dec 2006
Are we getting smarter? - Almost 150 people from across the globe gathered to hear Professor James Flynn’s theories of intelligence and how massive IQ gains from one generation to another – otherwise know as “the Flynn effect” – at a seminar hosted by The Psychometrics Centre in Cambridge on 15 December.
- 14 Dec 2006
OCR response to Dearing interim report - UK exam board OCR - part of the Cambridge Assessment group - welcomes the Dearing interim report and commented both on the Languages Ladder and GCSEs. OCR created Asset Languages, the assessment scheme for the DfES’ Languages Ladder.
- 24 Nov 2006
QCA comparability study is not the last word on IGCSE says Cambridge Assessment - Cambridge Assessment, today urged UK educators to look beyond the QCA comparability study which reviewed four International GCSE (IGCSE) and GCSE subjects.
- 13 Nov 2006
‘Living’ English resource to set new standards - A new multimedia DVD is to help universities, professional bodies and employers tighten up on recruitment by showing what different levels of performance in a major English language test actually look and sound like.
- 24 Oct 2006
Cambridge Assessment welcomes full consultation into iGCSEs - Cambridge Assessment welcomes the Government’s decision to hold a consultation on the possibility of using the International GCSE (IGCSE) in state-maintained schools in England.
- 6 Oct 2006
New office in Vietnam - Vietnam gains Cambridge ESOL advantage.
- 25 Sep 2006
Top Latin American university joins drive to improve English teaching standards - One of the leading universities in Latin America is setting new standards for language teaching in Mexico by putting all of its English teachers through the Cambridge TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test).
- 11 Sep 2006
Don't teach to the test - leading professor to help teachers learn - International educational expert Professor Dylan Wiliam, who recently returned from the USA, will speak on Assessment for Learning at Cambridge on 15 September.
- 28 Jun 2006
Top marks for excellent journalism - Cambridge Assessment is proud to support the Chartered Institute of Public Relations’(CIPR) Outstanding Education Reporting for National Journalists award, which will be presented on Thursday 29 June. The award recognises the importance of high quality reporting in the education sector.
- 27 Mar 2006
New research leader joins Cambridge Assessment - Cambridge Assessment today announces that Tim Oates will be joining the organisation to lead its growing Assessment Research and Development division. Mr Oates joins from the Qualifications and Curriculum Agency, where he has been Head of Research and Statistics for most of the last decade.
- 20 Mar 2006
Students invited to participate in nationwide trial of new university admissions test - This week, students from thousands of schools and colleges across the country will be invited to participate in a full-scale study of uniTEST, a new generic admissions test designed to help universities in their selection processes.
- 27 Feb 2006
New way to help teachers - Cambridge heavyweights join forces to pioneer assessment education - An innovative qualification designed to promote excellence in assessment has been launched by the Cambridge Assessment Network. The inaugural Certificate Programme in Principles and Practice of Assessment will begin teaching tomorrow (28th February 2006).
- 30 Jan 2006
Cambridge ups the ante on education research - The latest push to expand research capacity at Cambridge Assessment takes place today. Two more recruits are sought to take the organisation’s research teams up to fifty staff. The enhanced research programme is designed to help examination boards, Government and regulators make better decisions on assessment.
- 10 Jan 2006
BETT launch for dynamic ‘assessment for learning’ system - Cambridge Assessment and leading educational publisher Harcourt Education will launch achieve, an online ‘assessment for learning’ system that supports teachers in the implementation of formative assessment at key stage 3, at BETT on Thursday 12 January 2006.
- 30 Oct 2005
Study shows improvements in writing in GCSE English since the 1990s - A major new study published this week by researchers at Cambridge Assessment, Europe’s largest assessment agency, has shed light on the writing abilities of today’s teenagers.
- 27 Oct 2005
New award for Multimedia and ICT students launched – Innovate to Educate - Innovate to Educate from NESTA Futurelab, an organisation dedicated to researching, developing and evaluating new technologies for learning, is a new award for students working on degree and postgraduate projects in multimedia, ICT or related subjects. Supported by Cambridge Assessment, the award encourages students to work with a teacher/educator to focus their final year or similar project on a novel digital resource to assist learning, in school or out of school.
- 19 Oct 2005
British Council Chair, Lord Kinnock, visits Cambridge Assessment - The Rt Hon Lord Kinnock of Bedwellty, Chair of the British Council, visited Cambridge today to see for himself some of the good work that is being done around the globe by Europe’s largest assessment agency.
- 17 Oct 2005
Cambridge calls together top global experts to debate trust in exams - Top global education experts including Baroness Onora O’Neill – renowned for her BBC Reith Lectures – debated the key issue of trust in the UK assessment system at a conference held today to launch the ‘Cambridge Assessment Network’. The Network is being established to help an international community of assessment professionals share knowledge and expertise.
- 1 Oct 2005
EuroPortfolio Conference 05 - Cambridge - Cambridge Assessment is proud to sponsor this year's event. As Europe's largest assessment agency, we are keen to support the role that new technologies will play in enhancing the range of assessment services that can be offered.
