• National Assessment Agency
• Support for schools and colleges
• Training for exams officers
• Professional representation

2006, another successful year

The National Assessment Agency (NAA) has had another encouraging year. We seem to have made a habit of rising to tough challenges and delivering.

Three years ago we were given a remit to modernise the exam system. Not only did we complete most of our work ahead of schedule, we are building on the experience gained to improve our daily work.

2006 stands out as a year of greater efficiency on exam days and results days. Administration of assessments improved nationally. The number of missing scripts on GCSE results day fell by 21 per cent, and late entries dropped by over 30 per cent. Meanwhile, exams officers consistently give us high approval ratings for the support they receive.

After diligent preparation, we and our partner organisations successfully delivered the 2006 national curriculum tests. The recruitment of over 10,000 accomplished markers ensured a prompt turnaround, enabled increased quality checks and has resulted in many markers signing up again for the 2007 test cycle.

Looking forward, NAA will be facing new challenges. We are helping to deliver 14 -19 reforms, implementing a two-year pilot of tests for progression, and refocusing the key stage 3 ICT test to become a formative assessment tool.

All in all, we have a busy year ahead. I am confident that the dedication of my team at the NAA will ensure that we continue to meet every challenge. Our commitment and verve have given us so much to be proud of already, and I look forward to achieving even more in 2007.

David Gee - Managing Director, National Assessment Agency