OUCEA

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  • Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment (OUCEA)

    The Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment (OUCEA) conducts research in a wide range of assessment issues, in different sectors and educational levels.  A distinctive feature of the centre is its focus on the role of assessment in public policy and system-level change.  Our interests include the structure of qualifications, the accuracy of marking systems, validity of qualifications and the impact of qualification systems upon learning.  We actively engage with practitioners and policy-makers on current issues, collaborating with colleagues in a range of educational and assessment organisations around the world.

  • Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment (OUCEA)

    Image: Zhanxin Hao on her way to the doctoral viva
  • Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment (OUCEA)

    Image: MSc Educational Assessment students with Dr Chris Wheadon
  • Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment (OUCEA)

    Image: Professor Jo-Anne Baird
  • Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment (OUCEA)

    Image: Associate Professor Michelle Meadows
  • Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment (OUCEA)

    Image: Dr Stuart Cadwallader
  • Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment (OUCEA)

    Image: St Annes College dinner

About us

The Centre, based in Oxford’s Department of Education, is interested in all aspects of research into assessment in education but especially assessment’s role in public policy and system-level change. The Centre’s main research aims are:

  • Conduct research into the role of assessment in developing, implementing and monitoring system-level change.
  • Develop models of educational assessment to increase understanding of learning processes, resource use and outcomes in education systems.
  • Critically examine notions of validity, reliability and standards in relation to different modes of assessment and to different purposes.
  • Evaluate the potential for the use and application of psychometrics to enhance the validity and reliability of educational assessment.
  • Explore the opportunities for, and the impacts of, new assessment technologies in test design, test distribution, test administration and results delivery.
  • Effective networking with specialists in educational assessment internationally is integral to the work of OUCEA. It works collaboratively with other researchers and agencies on the challenges confronting education systems in the quest for global qualifications and standards.

The centre is led by Jo-Anne Baird.

Our team includes the core academic staff, our doctoral students and our Masters students.  Additionally, we work with associates who have been recognised as Honorary Research Fellows or Norham Fellows by the Department and there is a further network of associates to OUCEA.

Follow us on Twitter @OUCEA_OX and Linkedin: Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment.

Study with us

Further information on the MSc Educational Assessment, including all funding and application requirements.

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News

Students
Blog
How to encourage academic integrity in the age of generative AI
November 27, 2024
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Students
News
Professor Jo-Anne Baird appointed to panel on national curriculum and assessment
September 2, 2024
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Students
News
Podcast released exploring all things assessment in time for A-level results day
August 14, 2024
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Students
News
Oxford University Centre for Educational Assessment and Pearson to conduct Progress in International Reading Literacy Study 2026
August 8, 2024
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Students
Research Centre News
Watch: Top Tips for Education Practitioners in Assessment
May 13, 2024
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Students
News
How does standard setting work? New explainer podcasts released
April 12, 2024
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Our research

Project
The Future of Curriculum and Assessment in England
Start date: October 2024
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Project
Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2026
Start date: May 2024
End date: February 2029
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Project
Assessment Materials Online
Start date: May 2024
End date: October 2024
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Project
Research on Standards in GCSEs in Wales
Start date: April 2024
End date: April 2024
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Project
Enhancing Summative Assessment of Practical Science Skills at GCSE
Start date: January 2018
End date: December 2020
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Project
Examination reform: The impact of linear and modular examinations at GCSE
Start date: January 2017
End date: April 2019
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Find us

OUCEA is part of the Department of Education, University of Oxford, 15 Norham Gardens OX2 6PY

Visitor Reception: 15 Norham Gardens

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@OUCEA_OX
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Department of Education

University of Oxford

15 Norham Gardens

Oxford, OX2 6PY

Phone: +44 (0) 1865 274024

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