Blogs by Tim Oates

More than a million students will receive GCSE and A Level grades this summer, but in a far from normal way. Tim Oates, Director of Assessment Research and Development, explains how we should support this year's cohorts to focus on the next stage of their education on results day.

While investigating design challenges for national assessment in this 'accountability era', Sandra Johnson explores international performance surveys which pre-date PISA.

Tim Oates addresses the 'zombie ideas' which misinterpret the success behind the Finnish education system, debunking the myths and accepted truths which 'refuse to die'. Read more.

Gender and assessment - surely everything's changed... but it's not clear that it has...

Tim Oates argues that the curriculum isn't "all sorted", but a series of 'tweaks' rather than 'big bang' reform is what's needed.

Tim Oates argues that it's time to introduce a Framework for National Assessment to guarantee stability, quality and consensus.

Tim Oates CBE looks to straighten the facts around fears the UK has one of the most assessed school systems in the world.

Tim Oates, Group Director of Assessment Research and Development, says those calling for the end of textbooks need to brush up on their knowledge of education research.

Tim Oates CBE, looks at some of the reasons why the UK continues to suffer from acute skills shortage in critical areas despite all the efforts to transform vocational education and training.