Assessment and Feedback: Our Action Plan for 2026/27
We know that clear assessment information, fair marking and useful feedback make a real difference to your learning. We are taking coordinated action across the University to make your experience more consistent, timely and helpful.
What we are improving
- Clearer assessment information: Assessment briefs, criteria, deadlines and feedback arrangements will be easier to find and presented more consistently in SurreyLearn.
- More reliable feedback timings: You will be told when feedback is expected, with clearer processes for monitoring return dates and addressing delays.
- Feedback you can use: Feedback will focus on what you have done well, what to improve and how you can apply it to future work.
- Fair and consistent marking: We are strengthening the use of grade descriptors, rubrics, moderation and clear explanations of how marks are reached (see also our 13 steps for marking your assessments).
- Better assessment planning: Programmes will review the number, timing and sequence of assessments to reduce unnecessary bunching and create more opportunities to use feedback.
- More support to understand assessment: Staff development and student-facing resources will help you understand assessment criteria, marking and how to make the most of feedback.
- Assessment that reflects your learning: We will continue reviewing assessment methods, including authentic assessment and the appropriate use of digital tools and AI, while protecting academic standards and integrity.
What you can expect
- Assessment information in one clearly signposted place for each module.
- Clearer communication about when work will be returned and where feedback will be available.
- Opportunities to understand assessment criteria and grade descriptors.
- More opportunities to discuss feedback and understand how to use it in your next piece of work.
- Your views will help shape improvements through student representatives, surveys and feedback conversations.
How students are involved
You are partners in this work. We will work with Course Reps, student panels, surveys and module feedback to test changes and identify what is working. If something is unclear or a feedback or return-date concern is not resolved, please raise it with your Module Leader or Personal Tutor / Student Success Coach.
When this will happen
| Timing | What is happening |
| Autumn 2026 | Confirm University and Faculty actions, review assessment patterns and share guidance and support with staff |
| Throughout 2026-27 | Introduce clearer SurreyLearn expectations, including assessment information, return dates and feedback signposting. Provide staff development, review priority programmes and monitor student feedback and delivery. |
| Summer 2027 | Review progress, share what has changed and use the evidence to plan the next phase of improvement. |
How we will know it is working
We will monitor whether assessment information is clear, feedback is returned reliably and students can use feedback to improve. Progress will be reviewed through student feedback, module and programme evidence, and University-level monitoring.