Predicting student performance: can assessment data tell us about the future? by The Assessment Network, 31 July 2025 In this blog, Matthew Carroll, Senior Researcher, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, explores what assessment data can tell us about the future and the care that is required in interpreting these predictions.
What are standardised and normalised scores in assessment? by The Assessment Network, 23 July 2025 In this blog, Researcher Carmen Lim explores the difference between standardised and normalised scores, explaining why understanding these scoring methods is important for accurate assessment interpretation.
Making the case for inclusive assessments by The Assessment Network, 16 July 2025 How can we be sure assessments are fair and inclusive for all? At Assessment Horizons we explored some of the barriers students may experience with assessments, and heard from speakers who are championing ‘assessment for inclusion’ to ensure greater equity and better outcomes for all learners.
Why are grades still used in education? by James Beadle, 07 July 2025 In this second post of a four-part series on assessment data, James Beadle, Senior Professional Development Manager, The Assessment Network, explores the important role grades continue to play in education today, as well as explaining alternative ways to report student performance.
Bridging the gap: developing assessment literacy for all by The Assessment Network, 26 June 2025 When we talk about ‘assessment literacy’, what do we mean beyond understanding how assessment works? And why is it important for different stakeholder groups to develop their understanding of assessment?
Why is assessment data important in education? by The Assessment Network, 23 June 2025 Data can be used to gather, interpret, and critically inform practitioners and organisations' decisions at every level of assessment. In this blog, Alejandra Miranda, Researcher at Cambridge, explores why assessment data can be more than a measure of student performance.
What is psychometrics in educational assessment? by The Assessment Network, 13 June 2025 Psychometrics is the statistical process used to ensure that educational assessments are fair, reliable, and valid. In this blog, Dr Tom Benton and Carmen Lim, Cambridge researchers in the field, explain how psychometric methods underpin every stage of assessment.
Assessment and AI - where are we now? by The Assessment Network, 27 May 2025 At The Assessment Network we believe in bringing together powerful knowledge and insights from assessment professionals across sectors, so we invited a range of diverse speakers at our Assessment Horizons conference in April to reflect on developments in AI and assessment.
Designing effective multiple-choice questions for language assessment: Advice from a Cambridge expert by The Assessment Network, 19 March 2025 To assist educators in improving their MCQ design for language assessment, Margaret Cooze, expert in language assessment at The Assessment Network, offers insights into common mistakes, effective strategies, and the role of the CEFR framework, along with details of her upcoming workshop series.
How will I learn with The Assessment Network? by The Assessment Network, 27 February 2025 To help you choose the most suitable learning format, The Assessment Network has created a guide to explore each option, so you can find the perfect learning pathway to enhance your assessment practice.
Top tips on preparing your application for our Postgraduate course by The Assessment Network, 11 February 2025 With the application deadline for the Postgraduate Advanced Certificate in Educational Assessment fast approaching, now's the time to start thinking about preparing your application. Read this handy guide on what you need to consider before applying and how you can prepare for the course.
What is the assessment cycle and why is it important? by James Beadle, 10 February 2025 To support those interested in the assessment cycle, James Beadle, Senior Professional Development Manager at The Assessment Network, has provided an overview of this topic along with a brief description of the key steps involved.
What and why do we assess in the classroom? by James Beadle, 10 January 2025 In this blog by James Beadle, teacher and Senior Professional Development Manager at The Assessment Network, he suggests the reasons we assess in the classroom and the key differences between assessment of learning, assessment for learning and assessment as learning.
What are the principles of assessment? by The Assessment Network, 05 December 2024 At Cambridge, we take pride in conducting principled assessments that meet the highest technical standards, ensuring learners from around the world have access to quality education. In this blog, The Assessment Network at Cambridge explains the six different principles of assessment.
I reviewed all 866 of Ofqual’s subject pairs visualisations (so you don’t have to) by Tom Benton, 05 November 2024 This blog by Dr. Tom Benton, Principal Researcher at Cambridge’s Research Division, examines the complexities of comparing GCSE subject difficulties using Ofqual’s interactive grade distribution data.
What is computer adaptive testing and when can you use it? by The Assessment Network, 04 November 2024 Computer adaptive testing (CAT) is a form of assessment that adjusts question difficulty to match each test taker’s ability, creating more accurate and personalised evaluations. In this blog, Christopher Hubbard, Assessment Group Manager at Cambridge English, explores the key principles and benefits of CAT.
Cambridge Digital Assessment Programme at the AEA-Europe conference 2024 by Sarah Hughes, 30 October 2024 This November, research from the Cambridge Digital Assessment Programme will be presented at the 25th AEA-Europe conference. In this blog, Research and Thought Leadership Lead Sarah Hughes summarises the research her team will present at this global event, all of which focusses on digital assessment.
Cambridge at a global educational research event by Jackie Greatorex, 22 October 2024 This September a range of delegates from Cambridge University Press & Assessment attended a conference held between BERA and WERA in Manchester. In this blog, Principal Researcher, Dr Jackie Greatorex, summarises the research presented by Cambridge at this global event.
Handwriting versus typing exam scripts: Evidence from the literature by Santi Lestari, 18 October 2024 In this blog, Cambridge researcher Santi Lestari, explores the differences between handwriting and typing in high-stakes school exams, focusing on score comparability, marking biases, text characteristics, and composing processes. You will gain insights into the impact of digital exams and the some of the key considerations required for a smooth transition from paper to digital formats.
Reflections on my first BERA: insights on justice, sustainability, and assessment by Elinor Lieber, 08 October 2024 Recently, Cambridge researcher Elinor Lieber attended the British Educational Research Association (BERA)’s annual conference for the first time. In this blog, Elinor describes her experiences and details some of the key takeaways from the event.
Research Matters Research Matters is our free biannual publication which allows us to share our assessment research, in a range of fields, with the wider assessment community.