Assess for Success

Assess for Success is a programme created by Manchester College that aims to improve the assessment of learners resitting GCSE English. 

This pilot was funded by the Education Endowment Foundation as part of a joint initiative with J.P. Morgan to explore how to improve outcomes for disadvantaged 16- to 18-year-old students who are required to resit GCSE English.

Teachers were provided with a paper-based diagnostic assessment to establish students’ strengths and weaknesses in key English skills; progress assessments for teachers to monitor student development over the year; a skills profile sheet that describes the eight key English skills; and two learner tracking tools, that allowed students to track their own progress.

These resources were supported by a programme of CPD, including 4 days of training and practice sharing, peer mentoring from staff at Manchester College, and a ‘community of practice’ within each participating college which encouraged teachers to reflect on their current practice and review progress.

Overall, the pilot found some evidence of promise, but recommended significant development and further piloting before the programme would be ready for a further trial.

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