A guide to teacher assessment and ranking

Published in May 2020, “A Guide to Teacher Assessment and Ranking” is a valuable resource for headteachers, principals, senior leaders, and educators involved in the process of teacher assessment and ranking for GCSE, AS, and A-level exams during an extraordinary time of uncertainty. The guide emphasises the need for decisions to be student-centric and support their academic progress.

Guiding principles that underpin this document have been provided for schools to consider when reflecting on their own principles during the assessment and ranking process. The importance of teacher knowledge in assessing student performance and the need to remain vigilant against bias. While addressing educational inequalities is crucial, the guide advises against using this unique situation to do so, as the goal is to provide professional and honest judgments of what students would have achieved under normal exam conditions.

The guide outlines a multi-step process involving classroom teachers, curriculum leaders, and departmental moderation to reach final teacher-assessed grades and rankings. Confidentiality and integrity are stressed throughout the process, with emphasis on adhering to professional judgment, using evidence-based approaches, and avoiding any breaches of confidentiality.

The guide also provides insights into handling private candidates, parental expectations, and the importance of treating teacher assessments and rank orders as confidential until official results are published. It acknowledges that no assessment practice is perfect but encourages educators to act with utmost integrity and prioritise the well-being of students, staff, and communities during this challenging time.