Are we confident that every learner is being assessed fairly?
It’s a simple question but one that goes to the heart of quality in further education.
Consistency in assessment remains a key focus across the sector, and for good reason. When assessment practice varies, so does the learner experience. And without robust internal quality assurance, maintaining standards becomes increasingly difficult.
Assessment across the UK is changing.
Recent apprenticeship assessment reforms are shifting away from end-point assessment towards a more flexible model, where assessment can take place throughout the programme and where providers may increasingly deliver and mark elements of assessment themselves.
You can explore the latest government guidance here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-funding-rules-2025-to-2026/changes-to-apprenticeship-assessment-2025-to-2026
Alongside this, qualification reform in Wales places greater emphasis on internal assessment within new qualification structures, while in England, emerging developments such as V levels and level 2 occupational certificates signal a continued move towards more embedded, centre-based assessment models alongside external assessment and examinations.
And that raises an important question: how do we ensure it remains fair?
Assessment is more than a process, it’s a judgement. And like any judgement, it must be:
Without strong internal quality assurance in place, common challenges begin to surface:
Standards drift: where assessment decisions gradually become less aligned to requirements
Inconsistent feedback: leaving learners unclear on how to improve
Variable learner experience: depending on who is assessing them
These are not minor issues, they directly impact learner outcomes, confidence, and progression.
This is where the Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) becomes essential.
As assessment shifts closer to delivery, the role of the IQA becomes even more central to maintaining trust in the system.
At its core, IQA ensures that assessment decisions are accurate, consistent, and aligned to national standards. But in practice, the role goes much further.
An effective IQA will:
Done well, IQA doesn’t just “check” assessment, it actively improves it.
As internal assessment increases across apprenticeships and wider qualifications, the need for robust IQA becomes non-negotiable.
For learners, this means:
For organisations, it provides assurance that standards are being upheld regardless of who is delivering or assessing.
The shift toward internal assessment brings opportunity but also risk.
Without skilled, qualified IQAs in place, variability increases.
That’s why organisations are increasingly recognising that effective internal quality assurance requires:
Qualifications such as the Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice are becoming essential to support this.
Ultimately, IQA is about safeguarding fairness.
As assessment continues to move closer to the learner, the role of the IQA becomes even more important, not less.
Because no matter how assessment is delivered, one principle must remain constant:
Every learner deserves a fair and consistent judgement.
In September, our trainer, Bernie, delivered a full day of training to around 30 staff at Make UK in Birmingham, one of our valued customers. They provided us with a brief and we developed a series of sessions, bespoke to their needs, that was delivered as part of their staff development programme. The group consisted of around 30 staff, varying in experience; some of which were classroom based, others were primarily workshop based.
At Maxam Training, the term’ quality’ appears in our mission statement and values, so what does this mean? For us, it means always reviewing our products and services and making changing that have a positive impact on our learners. It means maintaining the integrity of our qualifications whilst meeting the varying needs of our customers.
Maxam Training has expanded its offer to include short, flexible courses perfect for CPD – foundational knowledge to help you […]
Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) is a role that builds on your existing expertise while expanding your influence across provision.
