Assessment

The latest news and analysis on exams in the UK, including key dates, timetables, results and statistics for Sats, GCSEs and A levels

Today

27th Mar 2026

Ofsted to inspect early years providers more often
Early education minister’s letter to chief inspector outlines new requirements for Ofsted, including the need to inspect every four years
Early years providers

Yesterday

26th Mar 2026

We need more creative ways to judge Scotland’s schools
There is an ‘uncomfortable duality’ in an education system that champions social justice but relies on assessment that is ‘wholly inappropriate’ for many young people, says head Gail Preston
Are there more creative ways of evaluating Scotland’s schools?

Wednesday

25th Mar 2026

History and geography ‘downturn’ predicted after Attainment 8 changes
Analysis of likely ‘winners and losers’ from A8 changes also forecasts reduced uptake of triple science and a boost for creative subjects, while languages would see a smaller increase
Winners and losers
Pupils steered away from ‘risky’ creative subjects at school
Girls from lower-income backgrounds face a ‘double disadvantage’, University of Cambridge research shows
Pupils steered away from ‘risky’ creative subjects at school

Tuesday

24th Mar 2026

5 reasons being an examiner is brilliant CPD
From better understanding mark schemes to seeing more ways that students approach questions, this is why exam marking can be a huge career boost
Abstract Exam Marking Collage

Monday

23rd Mar 2026

Dame Alison Peacock: Use AI to test oracy skills
Assessing oracy through AI would put ‘no increased burden’ on teachers, says the head of the Chartered College of Teaching
A child holding up cardboard speech bubbles

Friday

20th Mar 2026

This story of exam results mistakes should make all schools think
A college that saw 22 grades changed from 41 reviews of GCSE English language results underlines why it’s worth schools looking carefully at their grades this results day
This story of exam results mistakes should make all schools think

Thursday

12th Mar 2026

SQA exam dates 2026: timetables and key information
Read our 2026 exams guide, including key dates and advice initially published by the Scottish Qualifications Authority, later updated by the new body Qualifications Scotland
SQA exam dates 2026: all the key information

Tuesday

10th Mar 2026

Cambridge extends coursework deadline over Middle East war
Conflict in the Middle East causes another international provider of assessments to shift its submission dates because of disruption to students’ learning
Cambridge International has extended its coursework deadline because of the war in the Middle East
Allegations of cheating in primary tests up by a fifth in 2 years
Number of investigations into ‘maladministration’ reaches highest level since Covid, despite the Reception baseline assessment no longer being monitored
End of KS2 exams

Monday

9th Mar 2026

IB extends coursework deadline due to Middle East conflict
International Baccalaureate says it is seeking to ‘minimise disruption’ for schools affected by war in the Middle East
International Baccalaureate has extended its coursework deadline due to the conflict in the Middle East

Friday

6th Mar 2026

On-screen exams could widen disadvantage gap, EEF warns
Education Endowment Foundation says the introduction of digital assessment must not have a ‘detrimental impact’ on disadvantaged students, in its response to Ofqual consultation
On-screen assessments