These 2025 published case studies were selected from the Advance HE Assessment and Feedback Symposium, held in November 2024.
Positive trends in student assessment experience
The compendium showcases innovative assessment and feedback practice that makes a tangible positive impact on the student assessment experience.
Improving student experience of assessment through devising assessments which prepare students for the future, embedding optionality and flexibility into assessment, improving assessment literacy in both students and staff, and ensuring students receive clear, meaningful and actionable feedback has been a priority for many higher education providers for some time.
Despite significant and complex challenges presented by advances in digital technology and the changing landscape of higher education, the focus on creating positive assessment experiences has paid off. Student feedback on assessment and feedback on the National Student Survey 2025 received a positive rating of 80.9%, representing a 2% improvement from 2024, and a 3% increase from 2023.
Similarly in the Advance HE/ HEPI annual Student Academic Experience Survey, 2025 saw some of the highest ratings since the survey began in 2005 for assessment and feedback, with respondents highlighting the speed and usefulness of feedback, willingness of staff to have further discussions about work, and the quality of the feedback on their progress as particular areas of strength in their programme. This progress is only made through continuous reflection, consultation and collaboration with students and external stakeholders and sharing what works with others.
Themes and structure of the case studies
This collection aims to build on existing scholarship, frameworks, tools, models and examples of best practice and to showcase and discuss initiatives currently being tested across the HE sector, in a wide variety of institutions and disciplines. Although we have presented the case studies under the broad themes of student perspectives, enhancing assessment and feedback practice, creating authentic assessments for an AI-enabled world, and maintaining academic integrity in assessment and feedback, it should be noted that many of the approaches have implications across multiple themes.
How to use these case studies
Each case study is presented in a simple format: beginning with a brief context for the innovation, the contributor then shares their approach, and the measurable outcomes achieved. The case studies include learnings from their own experience, and guidance for others seeking to replicate the approach. We hope the case studies prompt reflection on your own practice and spark discussion on potential enhancements in your assessment practice.