NCFE: Assessment Innovation Fund

Overview

The Assessment Innovation Fund was launched in 2021. To date, more than 3,000 learners and over 200 educators have participated in 12 funded projects where these findings are helping to support innovators, showcase new digital approaches to assessment and champion the need for change in assessment practices.

Supported by NCFE and Ufi VocTech Trust, the next round of the Assessment Innovation Fund focuses on assessment within vocational education. The jointly supported fund will encourage the testing of learner-centric and adaptable assessment solutions, harnessing digital technology to create a more inclusive, robust, fairer, and reliable assessment experience.

They want to support you in testing assessment solutions that can adapt and response to the needs of the changing UK economy and help get more adults learning.

What they’re looking for

They want to hear from you if you think you can help to transform the future of assessment. 

During the application process, you will need to be able to demonstrate:

• the problem your innovation is addressing and its importance to learners, educators, or the assessment system
• the potential impact on learners and educators, with measurable outcomes
• that the innovation is linked to at least one of the Guiding Principles for Assessment Innovation 
• the sustainability and scalability of your solution, showing how it could deliver long-term benefits and reach a broad audience
• the feasibility and robustness of your methodology, ensuring your approach is practical and achievable. 

How much funding is available?

Successful applicants will be eligible for funding of up to £125,000, with projects expected to be delivered over a 12-18 month timeframe. 

Who can apply for funding?

The fund welcomes applications from training providers, awarding organisations, EdTech businesses, colleges, and other organisations committed to transforming the future of assessment. Projects must utilise digital technology to support adults in the UK aged 16+ in gaining or enhancing their knowledge and skills for the workplace. If your project seeks to address a significant challenge in assessment, leverage digital technology, and deliver measurable outcomes, they want to hear from you.