Learner Policies
Assessment Policy
Assessment at ATC is designed to show what a learner knows, understands and can do against the requirements of the programme and, where relevant, Highfield as the awarding organisation. ATC is the training provider and approved centre; Highfield controls its own qualification and certification requirements.
Website draft — legal and operational review required.
This document is a substantial working draft for ATC. Confirm the bracketed or course-specific details and obtain appropriate legal and operational review before relying on or publishing it as an approved policy.
Effective
Draft for ATC confirmation before publication
Last updated
[Policy date: To be confirmed by ATC before publication]
Review
Review at least annually and sooner if legislation, awarding requirements, services or delivery arrangements change.
Owner
Achievers Training College Ltd (ATC)
Version
0.1 draft
Purpose and scope
Purpose
Ensure assessment shows genuine competence through evidence that is fair, valid, reliable, authentic and sufficient.
Scope
ATC assessment, feedback, resubmission and quality processes across online, classroom, workplace and blended programmes.
Responsibilities
ATC and assessors
Plan assessment clearly, apply criteria consistently, give useful feedback and protect the integrity of assessment records.
Learners
Provide authentic evidence, meet agreed requirements, disclose barriers and follow the approved submission route.
Highfield
Set and control awarding organisation requirements for relevant qualifications; ATC must follow them as an approved centre.
How the policy works
Provide an assessment plan, criteria, method, deadlines, feedback route and any practical or workplace requirements.
Collect and review evidence for validity, reliability, authenticity, currency and sufficiency.
Give feedback and, where permitted, agree a resubmission or further assessment opportunity with a clear deadline.
Apply reasonable adjustment or special consideration routes without lowering the required competence standard.
Fairness, validity and reliability
Assessment must measure the intended knowledge, skills and behaviours, use clear criteria and give learners a fair opportunity to demonstrate competence. Decisions should be consistent between assessors and supported by evidence. ATC uses appropriate quality review and internal quality assurance; detailed IQA records and sampling strategies remain internal quality documents.
Planning and assessment evidence
At the start of a programme, learners should receive an assessment plan, criteria, deadlines, submission method, feedback arrangements and any practical requirements. Evidence may include written work, knowledge questions, portfolios, work products, observations, witness testimony, professional discussion, practical demonstration or structured assessment. Evidence must be current, relevant, sufficient and attributable to the learner.
Observation and professional discussion
Observation should take place in a suitable setting with clear criteria and a competent assessor or agreed witness. A professional discussion should be planned, recorded or documented appropriately, and allow the learner to explain decisions, underpinning knowledge and safe practice. ATC will explain when a workplace, simulated or remote method is acceptable for a particular programme.
Highfield Vault and approved systems
For the Level 3 Adult Care programme, Highfield Vault may provide digital learning resources or activities as a third-party platform. It is not ATC-owned and does not replace ATC’s assessment decisions, evidence requirements or quality responsibilities. Learners must submit evidence through the approved route ATC confirms for their course and should keep a personal copy where permitted.
Feedback and resubmission
Feedback should identify what was achieved, what needs improvement and what the learner can do next. Where the rules allow, ATC may offer a resubmission or further assessment opportunity with a clear deadline. A resubmission must address the criteria and remain authentic. Highfield rules may limit attempts or determine the final outcome.
Adjustments and special consideration
ATC will consider reasonable adjustments before assessment and special consideration where an eligible event affects performance. These arrangements must preserve the assessment standard and must be recorded and approved through the appropriate route. Learners should tell ATC as early as possible.
Authenticity and quality concerns
Learners must confirm that evidence is their own and identify sources, collaboration or permitted tools. ATC may hold, review or investigate evidence where authenticity, plagiarism, collusion, fabricated records or improper assessment is suspected. The Academic Integrity & AI Policy and Malpractice & Maladministration Policy explain the process.