Cambridge Assessment Network

Showcase your commitment to assessment expertise with the Advanced Assessment Practitioner Award (AAPA) Thinking of applying for the AAPA this year? cambridgeassessment.org.uk/the-network/aw… The application window is now open until 2 November. If you’re interested in applying, you need to: * Become a member of the Assessment Network at Cambridge * Check you have 60+ learning hours with us * Have an assessment innovation you can write about for your assignment Not sure what we mean by assessment ‘innovation’? Take a look at this Ask the experts session on assessment innovation with our Head of Assessment Training Dr Simon Child.

A new year, a new face! In this week’s Getting to Know The Assessment Network Team video, meet Julian Sugden, our Business Support Coordinator. If you’ve ever sent us an email, chances are you’ve spoken to Julian, but how much do you really know about him? From financial administration to customer services, Julian keeps everything running smoothly. And with the speed that he clears our inbox, we’re starting to think he’s mastered time travel. Watch this video to learn more about Julian’s role and discover a couple of fun facts.

Wrapping up our #2025Highlights, we're looking back on this year’s Cambridge International Study Programme (CISP). Delegates from around the world joined us in Cambridge to explore the educational assessment landscape, holistic approaches to #assessment and how to drive meaningful and fair changes in assessment. Over five days, our delegates heard from Cambridge experts, discussing a variety of assessment topics, including item writing workshops, accessible assessment, fairness in assessment in the age of AI and exam security.

One of the most popular articles we shared across our social channels in 2025 was Rebecca Dowbiggin's article on the importance of clearer #assessment language framed through the reading and teaching of Shakewspeare. Read the article in full at cambridgeassessment.org.uk/blogs/from-rom… #2025Highlights

One of the great highlights of 2025 was the launch of our 'Meet the team' video series, which spotlights the fantastic people who work in The Assessment Network. Today, we feature our Digital Learning Designer, Kerry Watt, who creates engaging learning experiences for learners across our online courses and workshops. Kerry played a key role in designing our Classroom Assessment for Teachers course, which was recently shortlisted at the Learning Technology Awards for Excellence in the design of learning content – public & non-profit sector. You can find out more about Classroom Assessment for Teachers at cambridgeassessment.org.uk/the-network/cl… #2025Highlights

One of the most popular articles we published on our blog in 2025 had James Beadle asking, 'Why are grades still used in education?' In the article, James lays out the case for grades while also exploring some of the alternatives. Find out more at: cambridgeassessment.org.uk/blogs/why-are-… #2025Highlights

We're currently looking back at our #2025Highlights, and we couldn't miss out the great series of 'meet the team' videos expertly shot and edited by Isabelle Stevens. In this video, Senior Professional Development Manager James Beadle shares insights into his role, what led to his career in #assessment, and some facts about himself.

Today's 2025 highlight is a document outlining how to ensure your assessments use accessible language. These '14 principles' have been very well received by teachers and school leaders, and we're very happy to share them again here in case you missed them earlier this year. Read the document in full below at cambrid.ge/465mzMj #2025Highlights

For the next couple of weeks, we're sharing our #2025Highlights - a collection of our most popular blogs, videos, and resources shared across social throughout the year. Today, another chance to meet Dr Simon Child, Head of Assessment Training, and find out more about what his job involves!

'Assessment is not just the exam in front of a student in an exam hall; it represents a whole cycle of work. From the design and development of qualifications and quality assurance to marking and maintaining standards, there is so much involved in the process before the exam paper is put in front of me.' Isabelle Stevens, who has been working on an internship at The Assessment Network, has very kindly contributed a reflection on her time spent with us and what she's learned about #assessment An excellent article which explores perceptions of assessment, and how, as students and even sometimes practitioners, we underestimate it's importance. Read more at cambridgeassessment.org.uk/blogs/reflecti…

Join us in Cambridge and Online from 23 April 2026 to 24 April 2026 for Assessment Horizons, an opportunity for insights, innovation, and networking for #assessment practitioners. Visit cambrid.ge/AH2026 for further details and booking information.

Now you see him, now you don’t! This week's Getting to Know The Assessment Network Team video features Jonathan Secker, our Head of Sales and Marketing. Find out what Jonathan’s role involves, what sweet treat he gravitates towards post-run, as well as what superpower he'd choose. Warning, you may need to squint to spot him! With our upcoming Assessment Horizons 2026 Conference, Jonathan is the go-to person for group bookings. But just like Jonathan in this video, these tickets have a habit of disappearing fast! So, if you’re planning to bring a team along, make sure to get in touch before they vanish. For more information on our Assessment Horizons 2026 Conference, visit cambridgeassessment.org.uk/the-network/as…

Heather Clements-Wheeler is a member of The Assessment Network who currently serves as Principal Examiner (PE) and Chair of Examiners (CoE) for two awarding organisations. In a new member spotlight, she shares insights from her research on the implications of moving geography exams to digital screens - and how mode effects can influence outcomes, and becoming an “assessment thinker rather than an assessment doer. Find out more at cambrid.ge/4oOopa5

'Assessment is not just the exam in front of a student in an exam hall; it represents a whole cycle of work. From the design and development of qualifications and quality assurance to marking and maintaining standards, there is so much involved in the process before the exam paper is put in front of me.' Isabelle Stevens, who has been working on an internship at The Assessment Network, has very kindly contributed a reflection on her time spent with us and what she's learned about hashtag#assessment An excellent article which explores perceptions of assessment, and how, as students and even sometimes practitioners, we underestimate it's importance. Read more at cambrid.ge/4pEstLz

These were the top headlines in education news as picked by Cambridge this week: * Australia's social media ban for children has left big tech scrambling * Quarter of teenagers turn to AI chatbots for mental health support * Pupils needing additional support hits new high of 43% Visit cambrid.ge/weeklynews for all these stories and more. Sign up for our news updates and receive a free #assessment resource pack: cambrid.ge/signupassess

You're invited to join us in Cambridge and take part in the conversation shaping the future of assessment at Assessment Horizons on 23-24 April 2026. Be inspired by keynotes on the power of feedback and success through failure, stay up to date on developments with assessment and AI, and upskill with access to practical workshops. Gain a Certificate of Attendance and access to recordings of the sessions after the conference. Watch our short video to learn more, then visit cambrid.ge/AH2026 to book your place today and take advantage of our early-bird discount. #AssessmentHorizons

See the programme and secure your early bird ticket today: cambrid.ge/4iGG1Dm #AssessmentHorizons

Access practical workshops, breakout presentation sessions, and gain a certificate of attendance.

How might powerful feedback, designing for failure and developments in AI shape the future of assessment?