Quality of marking

We set and mark around half of all GCSEs and A-levels taken in the UK every year. If students aren’t awarded the ‘correct’ grade or score, it calls into question the integrity of both the examination system and any selection or monitoring based upon examinations.

Our researchers work together to inform some important aspects of the examination process. By advising on mark scheme design for example, they're able to provide relevant evidence and feedback which enables our examiners to understand and apply mark schemes consistently.

Our research

The research carried out within this theme focuses on both subject-specific and broader issues, such as:

• evaluating human scoring – is marking multiple choice questions very different to marking an essay?
• identifying the type of characteristics linked with people able to mark schemes consistently
• exploring whether the reliability of marking science exams is compromised by having markers mark outside their specialism
• raising awareness and understanding about the impact of on-screen marking
• ensuring results are accurate by monitoring marking reliability and consistency.

Related resources

Find out more about our latest research focus and the work we’re doing to address key current factors:

• read our most recent blog post
• discover more within our research library
• find out why marking is high on the assessment research agenda in our Inside Assessment 2019 publication.