1. Policy Aim and Scope
2. Key Principles of Assessment
3. Roles and Responsibilities
4. Sampling Strategy
5. Standardisation and Staff Development
6. Security and Record Keeping
7. Appeals and Malpractice

1. Policy Aim and Scope

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all ESOL assessments (Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening) are conducted fairly, accurately, and in accordance with National Standards. This policy applies to all staff involved in the delivery, assessment, and internal verification of ESOL qualifications for adult learners.

2. Key Principles of Assessment

We ensure all learner evidence meets the VACSR criteria as required by Awarding Bodies:

Validity: Evidence is relevant to the assessment criteria.

Authenticity: Work is the learner’s own (verified via signed declarations).

Currency: Evidence reflects the learner’s current English language proficiency.

Sufficiency: There is enough evidence to cover all required learning outcomes.

Reliability: Different assessors consistently reach the same grading decision.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

Assessor: Responsible for planning assessments, judging evidence, and providing formative and summative feedback to learners.

Internal Quality Assurer (IQA): Responsible for sampling assessed work, observing assessment practice, and providing developmental feedback to teaching staff.

Lead IQA: Manages the overall quality cycle, maintains the sampling plan, and acts as the primary point of contact for the External Quality Assurer (EQA).

4. Sampling Strategy

We use a risk-based sampling strategy (the CAMERA principle) to monitor assessment quality. Sampling will cover a range of:

Candidates (various ages, levels, and backgrounds).

Assessors (experienced vs. new staff).

Methods (portfolios, oral exams, controlled writing tasks).

Evidence (formative and summative).

Records (marking sheets, feedback forms).

Assessment Locations (where applicable).

Frequency: New or “high-risk” assessors will have 100% of their work sampled. Experienced staff will be sampled at a rate of 10–25% based on previous performance.

5. Standardisation and Staff Development

Frequency: Standardisation meetings will occur on a regular basis throughout the academic year to ensure consistent interpretation of the ESOL Core Curriculum and marking criteria.

Process: During these meetings, assessors will “blind mark” sample scripts and compare results to ensure parity. Any discrepancies will be discussed and resolved to ensure all learners are treated fairly.

Attendance: Attendance is mandatory for all staff involved in assessment. Minutes and signed attendance sheets will be kept as evidence for the EQA.

Observations: Every assessor will be observed regularly during live assessments to ensure the environment and conduct meet exam board regulations.

6. Security and Record Keeping

Secure Storage: All controlled assessment materials and learner responses are kept in a securely locked cabinet with restricted access.

Data Retention: Records of all IQA activities and sampled work will be retained for a minimum of 3 years (or as specified by the Awarding Body).

7. Appeals and Malpractice

Learners have the right to appeal any assessment decision through the Centre Appeals Procedure.

Any suspected malpractice or maladministration (e.g., plagiarism or cheating) will be investigated immediately and reported to the Awarding Body.