Educational guidance: when marked assessments are required
Accrediting bodies and external quality-assurance reviewers commonly expect institutions to supply evidence that assessments are designed, marked and moderated consistently. Sampled marked scripts, accompanying marking schemes or rubrics, and moderation records are frequently requested to demonstrate that learning outcomes are reliably assessed and that marking decisions are defensible. Evidence requirements vary by agency and review type, but good practice is consistent: retain securely a representative sample of marked work, document how marks were derived, and keep records of moderation or external examiner scrutiny.
Typical evidence that reviewers look for includes: a marking rubric or answer key; marked student work showing assessor comments; records of internal moderation or second marking; and external examiner or moderator reports where used. Institutions should ensure student confidentiality is protected when sharing materials (for example by anonymising identifiers) and comply with data-protection obligations.
Practical expectations for submission
When ITAA or another reviewer requests assessment evidence, provide a representative sample (commonly a purposive sample or a percentage-based sample used by many universities), the assessment brief, marking rubric, the original marker’s feedback and any moderation notes. Maintain a clear audit trail of any scaling or mark adjustments and note reasons for adjustments. Keep retention records in line with local law and institutional policy so materials remain available for review or appeals.
How ITAA evaluates assessment evidence
ITAA evaluates whether assessment design, marking and moderation demonstrate academic rigour and consistent application of learning outcomes across cohorts. Evidence of internal moderation, external examiners, or comparable moderation arrangements strengthens a submission. ITAA assesses systems and governance around assessment rather than re-marking student work as a routine activity.
Frequently asked questions
Institutions must always send every marked script for every student.
No. Reviewers usually require representative samples plus associated marking and moderation records, not the full set of every marked script.
Providing marked work to an accreditor transfers ownership or removes student privacy obligations.
Institutions remain responsible for protecting student data and must anonymise or otherwise secure identifiable information when sharing evidence.
ITAA’s approach to marked assessments
ITAA expects institutions to demonstrate that assessment, marking and moderation are robust, documented and consistently applied. Where reviewers request evidence, provide representative samples, marking schemes, and moderation or external examiner reports. ITAA evaluates the quality-assurance systems around assessment rather than acting as a governmental regulator of qualifications.