Assessment Policy

Assessment Policy
  Version Number  IBS/AP/2026Apr/V001
  Member of Staff Responsible  Ibrahim Sirkeci
  Record of Revisions to Policy
  Date  Details  Approved by
Apr 2026PublishedBoard of Directors
Apr 2026ReviewedBoard of Directors
   
  Date of Current Policy  April 2026
  
  Next Review Date  April 2027
  Review to be approved by  Board of Directors

1. Purpose and Principles

This Assessment Policy sets out how IBS designs, delivers, marks, moderates and reviews assessment to ensure it is fair, valid, reliable, inclusive and transparent, and that academic standards are maintained in line with external reference points and regulatory expectations.

The policy supports the OfS conditions for quality and standards by ensuring that:

  • Students are assessed against clear and published criteria
  • Assessment processes are consistent and secure
  • Academic standards are credible and comparable
  • Students are treated fairly and equitably, with appropriate support where needed

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

  • All students registered on IBS programmes
  • All summative and formative assessments
  • All assessment methods (examinations, coursework, presentations, projects, practical assessments, and synoptic tasks)
  • All staff involved in setting, marking, moderating or approving assessment

Separate procedures exist for:

  • Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)
  • Academic Appeals
  • Academic Misconduct and Malpractice
  • Complaints and Grievances
  • Reasonable Adjustments and Access Arrangements

3. Assessment Design

Assessments at IBS are designed to:

  • Align with intended learning outcomes and programme specifications
  • Be appropriate to the level of study
  • Enable students to demonstrate achievement of academic and professional competencies
  • Avoid unnecessary duplication or over-assessment

Each programme will publish an assessment schedule at the start of study, detailing:

  • Assessment methods
  • Weightings
  • Submission deadlines
  • Marking and feedback timelines

4. Types of Assessment

4.1 Formative Assessment

Formative assessment is used to support learning and development. It:

  • Provides developmental feedback
  • Does not normally contribute to final module marks
  • Supports preparation for summative assessment

4.2 Summative Assessment

Summative assessment:

  • Contributes to final module or unit outcomes
  • Is marked against published criteria
  • Is completed within published timescales
  • Is subject to moderation and quality assurance

5. Marking and Feedback

  • Marking is undertaken by suitably qualified staff
  • All assessments are marked against approved marking criteria
  • Feedback is constructive, developmental and timely
  • Feedback normally includes:
    • Justification of marks awarded
    • Areas of strength
    • Areas for improvement

IBS aims to return feedback within 14 working days, unless an alternative timescale is formally published.

6. Moderation and Academic Standards

To ensure fairness and consistency:

  • Internal moderation is applied to assessed work
  • External moderation or verification is used where required by awarding bodies
  • No assessor moderates their own marking decisions

Moderation confirms that:

  • Assessment criteria are applied consistently
  • Standards are aligned with national benchmarks
  • Marks accurately reflect student performance

7. Academic Integrity

IBS promotes high standards of academic integrity. Students must:

  • Submit work that is their own
  • Avoid plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating
  • Acknowledge sources appropriately

Suspected academic misconduct is investigated under the Academic Misconduct Procedure, with penalties applied where breaches are proven.

8. Resubmission and Retakes

Where permitted by awarding body regulations:

  • One resubmission opportunity may be offered for failed assessments
  • Resubmission deadlines and conditions are clearly communicated
  • Retakes may involve a different assessment task

Resubmission and retake arrangements will not compromise academic standards.

9. Reasonable Adjustments and Inclusivity

IBS is committed to inclusive assessment. Reasonable adjustments:

  • Are based on evidence and normal ways of working
  • Do not lower academic standards
  • Are agreed in advance where possible

Access arrangements are managed in accordance with awarding organisation guidance and equality legislation.

10. Extenuating Circumstances

Students experiencing serious and unforeseen circumstances may apply for mitigation.

Valid circumstances may include:

  • Serious illness or injury
  • Bereavement
  • Significant personal trauma

Approved mitigation may include deadline extensions or deferral of assessment, but does not guarantee improved outcomes.

11. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

IBS recognises prior certificated and experiential learning where:

  • Evidence is current, valid and sufficient
  • Learning outcomes are demonstrably met
  • Awarding organisation regulations permit recognition

RPL decisions are documented and quality assured.

12. Assessment Outcomes, Appeals and Complaints

Students have the right to:

  • Understand how marks were determined
  • Request clarification on feedback
  • Submit an academic appeal where procedural irregularity is alleged

Appeals cannot challenge academic judgement. Complaints relating to service quality are managed under the Complaints Procedure.

13. Record Keeping and Data Protection

Assessment records are:

  • Maintained securely
  • Retained in line with regulatory and awarding body requirements
  • Processed in accordance with GDPR legislation

14. Responsibilities

  • Academic staff: fair marking, timely feedback, academic integrity
  • Programme Leaders: oversight of assessment design and delivery
  • Quality Team: monitoring standards and compliance
  • Students: engagement with assessment regulations

15. Review and Approval

This policy is reviewed biennially or sooner where regulatory or awarding body requirements change.