#FutureOfAssessment: Innovation in assessment | Episode 1

Hosted by Gavin O’Meara and Janine Oliver (Head of Assessment Innovation, NCFE), we invited Olly Newton (Exec Director, Edge Foundation) and Isabel Sutcliffe (Independent consultant in Education and Skills) to discuss what assessment innovation means in practice and what the future holds, as we find new ways of working that meets the needs of learners and educators today. NCFE is focused on exploring the future of assessment to ensure that learners have access to the world-class products and services that help them to fulfil their potential, not just in terms of academic attainment or employment outcomes, but also their wellbeing, mental health and happiness. In order to achieve this, we know we need to look at assessment used in a variety of ways and at different stages of the learning journey – from pre-programme diagnostic assessment, formative micro and milestone assessment, through to summative end-point assessment and beyond. 

So, what are the key ingredients that are required to create a system that is truly transformational for learners in technical and vocational education? To support with this, over the next 12 months NCFE will be investing £1 million worth of funding to support centres, employers, awarding organisations and other stakeholders in piloting new and innovative approaches to assessment. This includes testing out brand-new ideas and exploring the use of technology. This show explored why NCFE chose to set up this fund, who we are collaborating with, what we are hoping to see submitted, and why people should get involved. We also looked at how the world has changed beyond belief – and how assessment must change with it.