We’ve taken some of the best thinking on onscreen assessment and combined it with the insights of some of the most respected opinion leaders in UK education – such as former Education Secretary Lord Blunkett; Dame Alison Peacock from the Chartered College of Teaching; and Eddie Playfair from the Association of Colleges. 

These insights are coupled with extensive feedback from more than 1,100 schools in the UK and internationally.

This research makes clear the opportunity that onscreen assessment brings – not least the enhanced experience for our learners and, teachers.

Benefits for learners include the ability for inclusive design that will facilitate fairer access for all, - including SEND learners, an experience that better reflects the world of work and future careers and the potential for flexible assessment when young people are ready.

For teachers and the education sector our research found that benefits will include reduced teacher workload and administrative burden, increased access to insights and data, and improved efficiencies and security.   

Overall our research produced four key findings for action:    

• We need a system of assessment that better reflects the world we live in and which relates to the government’s wider digital skills agenda. 
• The technology already exists for onscreen assessment – now all parts of the system need to work together to reduce the practical and cultural barriers. 
• A transitional approach is needed – and while this isn’t ‘big bang’, the progress will help build confidence in system change and more transformational thinking around the opportunities technology could unlock. 
• Change needs buy-in from everyone working in the school system and teachers need support and training to build confidence in the shift to digital assessment.