Following Professor Becky Francis’s appearance at the education committee on 8th July, the e-Assessment Association (eAA) urges policymakers to be bolder and more ambitious in rethinking our outdated approach to assessment. The current review acknowledges the pressure of assessment volume and the need for change, but let’s be clear, tinkering at the edges is not enough.
Pat Coates, Chief Executive Officer of the eAA says, “Persisting with the same paper-based assessment is not just unsustainable, it’s unwise. The system is buckling under the strain: there are not enough markers, there is mounting evidence of human error in marking, and a pace of reform that is far too slow.
“Meanwhile, the rest of the world is moving forward. Countries from Africa to New Zealand and Canada are already delivering high stakes assessments at scale digitally with positive impact on equity, efficiency and outcomes. By not embracing the opportunity to make significant change, the UK risks being left behind.”
Digital assessment is no longer an aspiration it’s a global reality. Our International e-Assessment Conference in June welcomed delegates from 26 countries, including national awarding bodies, regulators and ministries actively using or transitioning to digital exams; our National Examinations Roundtable brought together those shaping the future of large-scale assessments in the UK and beyond and our recent Digital Assessment at Scale webinar, over 400 professionals joined to explore how this is being implemented across education systems. In addition, the winners and finalists of our recent International e-Assessment Awards demonstrate best practice and innovation in digital assessment taking place across the world.
The eAA represents a global community of practitioners across education and employment. Digital assessment can improve fairness, accessibility and reliability in assessment at all levels, not just in schools, but across lifelong learning. Assessment doesn’t have to mean an exam hall, fixed-format papers, or a single high-stakes moment. Digital assessment opens up new possibilities that are already transforming how we assess skills and knowledge in both education and the workplace. These include:
Much of the discussion around GCSE reform still assumes a traditional, one-size-fits-all model. But in the workplace, assessment is becoming more flexible, embedded, and skills focussed. Education should be learning from that, not lagging behind.
As a professional body spanning both education and employment sectors, the eAA advocates for assessment that is fair, accessible, and relevant to learners’ futures. Digital approaches, properly implemented, can reduce assessment burden without compromising quality and better reflect the real-world skills young people need.
The question is no longer if we adopt digital assessment, but when and whether we have the courage to embrace the opportunities it offers before we fall too far behind.
About the eAA
In March we called for more decisive action on digital assessment following of the publication of the interim review (read the article here).
The e-Assessment Association plays a vital role in bringing together a global community of awarding organisations, assessment providers, technology experts, academics, and educational institutions dedicated to advancing the field of digital assessment. By fostering collaboration across these diverse stakeholders, we create a unique platform to share expertise, insights, and best practices that drive innovation and address the evolving needs of the assessment landscape.
This extensive network of professionals equips the eAA with a deep understanding of assessment technologies and their applications, enabling us to address complex challenges such as ethical considerations, accessibility, and the rapid pace of technological evolution. As digital assessment becomes more central to education and professional qualifications, our role in shaping this transformation ensures that it remains inclusive, equitable, and aligned with the highest standards of integrity.
Central to our mission is the eAA’s unwavering commitment to fostering confidence and trust in digital assessments. This includes addressing critical issues like data security, ensuring assessments are accessible to all learners, and building frameworks that inspire trust among stakeholders. By creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration, we help guide the global assessment community toward solutions that not only meet today’s demands but also anticipate future challenges, ensuring that digital assessments are secure, fair, and impactful for learners worldwide.
Individuals can join the eAA for free – find out more here.
Join the global community advancing e-assessment through innovation, research, and collaboration.
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