1.2 Summarise the difference between formative and summative assessment

This guide will help you answer 1.2 Summarise the difference between formative and summative assessment.

When working in a school and supporting teaching and learning, it is important to know how assessment works and the different types used. Assessment is used to measure a pupil’s progress and to check how well they are meeting learning goals. There are two main types that you will often hear about: formative assessment and summative assessment. They serve different purposes and are used at different stages. Understanding these differences helps you support both the teacher and the pupils more effectively.

Formative assessment is about checking learning as it happens and using that information to make improvements. Summative assessment is about measuring learning at the end of a period to see what has been achieved.

What is Formative Assessment?

Formative assessment takes place during the learning process. It is ongoing and happens in real time while teaching is still happening. The main purpose is to give feedback to pupils and teachers to guide the next steps in learning.

In simple terms, formative assessment is checking where a pupil is at that moment and helping them move forward. It can be informal and does not always need a written test. Teachers often use it daily to spot gaps, misunderstandings or strengths.

Examples include:

• Asking pupils questions during a lesson
• Observing pupils as they complete classwork
• Marking homework with comments on how to improve
• Peer and self-assessment activities
• Short quizzes to gauge understanding
• Checking participation in group work

The key point is that the information from formative assessment is used straight away to adapt teaching methods and support. This might mean revisiting a topic if pupils are struggling or extending learning for pupils who are progressing well.

Feedback is an important part. It should be clear, specific and guide improvement. For younger pupils, this can be in spoken form during the class. For older pupils, it might be written comments in their exercise book.

Benefits of Formative Assessment

Formative assessment helps teachers spot problems early. It allows them to respond before the pupil falls behind. This helps make sure that learning is on track and that no pupil is left without support.

This type of assessment also helps pupils understand their own learning process. They can see where they are doing well and where they need to focus more effort. By involving pupils in reviewing their own progress, it develops their skills as independent learners.

Some key benefits are:

• Detects learning difficulties quickly
• Encourages regular feedback
• Increases pupil confidence by showing progress
• Allows teaching to be adjusted to meet needs
• Makes learning active rather than passive

Formative assessment can also be motivating. Pupils can see quick wins and understand how much they have improved in small steps.

What is Summative Assessment?

Summative assessment takes place at the end of a unit, term or academic year. It measures what the pupil has learned after instruction is completed. The results are often recorded and may be part of official grades or reports.

In simple terms, summative assessment is a final check that measures achievement at a set point in time. Teachers use it to decide whether learning goals have been met and to compare performance against a standard.

Examples include:

• End-of-term tests
• GCSE examinations
• End-of-topic projects
• Final presentations
• Standardised tests set by the school or local authority

Summative assessment is usually formal. Results can be used to decide progression to the next stage or to inform parents and carers of achievements. It might also be used for accountability purposes at school level.

Purpose of Summative Assessment

This type of assessment shows what has been learned over a period. It is evidence of achievement. It can be used to compare performance between pupils, between classes and between schools.

It does not normally influence the actual learning process as lessons have already been completed. Although it may provide information for planning future teaching, it is more about summarising outcomes than shaping ongoing lessons.

Summative assessment:

• Confirms whether learning objectives have been met
• Provides measurable data
• Can be used for reporting to parents and regulatory bodies
• Often influences grades, awards or progression pathways

Key Differences Between Formative and Summative Assessment

Formative and summative assessments are different in their timing, purpose and use. In practice, teachers often use both types to support pupils effectively.

The main differences can be summarised as:

Timing

• Formative: During learning
• Summative: After learning is complete

Purpose

• Formative: Improve learning by giving feedback and adjusting teaching
• Summative: Measure learning and record achievement

Formality

• Formative: Usually informal and flexible
• Summative: Usually formal and structured

Use of Results

• Formative: Used straight away to guide lessons
• Summative: Used for reports, grades and decisions about progression

Frequency

• Formative: Happens regularly, possibly daily
• Summative: Happens at defined points such as the end of a topic or year

How Formative and Summative Assessment Work Together

While formative and summative assessment are different, they can work together effectively. Formative assessment can prepare pupils for summative by making sure they understand and have the skills needed. Summative assessment can highlight strengths and weaknesses that inform future formative assessments.

In a classroom, a teaching assistant may be involved in both types. For example, you might help during a lesson by observing and noting pupil responses for formative purposes. You might also help administer a test for summative purposes. Understanding the difference means you know how to record information, how quickly it needs to be shared, and what it will be used for.

The Role of a Teaching Assistant in Formative Assessment

As a teaching assistant, you can contribute to formative assessment in many ways:

• Observing pupils during tasks and feeding back to the teacher
• Encouraging pupils to reflect on their own work
• Providing support to individuals or small groups during lessons
• Noting patterns such as repeated errors in spelling or calculation
• Helping pupils understand teacher feedback

Your close interaction with pupils means you may spot small but important details. Sharing these with the teacher helps inform the next steps.

The Role of a Teaching Assistant in Summative Assessment

In summative assessment, the role may include:

• Preparing resources for an end-of-unit test
• Supporting pupils who may need adjustments, such as extra time or a scribe
• Invigilating exams or supporting practical assessment activities
• Recording results accurately
• Handling confidential data within school policy

Summative assessments often have higher stakes because they feed into official records. Accuracy and confidentiality are important.

Limitations of Formative Assessment

Formative assessment needs time and skill. Without clear goals, feedback may be vague and less helpful. If used inconsistently, pupils may not see the link between formative checks and their actual progress.

It can be harder to compare results across pupils because it is often informal and tailored to individuals. Records are needed to track progress properly over time.

Limitations of Summative Assessment

Summative assessment does not usually shape lessons already completed. It can be stressful for pupils, especially when results are linked to progression or qualifications.

If a pupil performs poorly on the day due to illness or anxiety, their results may not reflect their true ability. It can encourage teaching only for the test rather than for broader learning.

Both types have limits, and understanding these helps balance their use.

Best Practice in Using Both Types

An effective learning environment uses both formative and summative assessment. Formative keeps learning on track. Summative confirms achievements and provides formal records.

Best practice includes:

• Mixing informal checks with planned formal tests
• Using formative feedback to prepare pupils for summative
• Recording formative observations to track changes over time
• Using summative results to set goals for the next learning period

Impact on Pupil Learning

Formative assessment often impacts pupils directly by changing how a lesson proceeds. Pupils receive guidance that helps them understand topics better before formal testing. Summative results feed into longer-term changes in teaching plans but do not directly alter work already completed.

Both impact motivation differently. Formative can boost confidence by showing regular progress. Summative can motivate pupils to revise and aim for high achievement.

Supporting Different Learning Needs

In formative assessment, a teaching assistant can adapt activities for pupils with different needs. For summative assessment, adjustments such as extra help or alternative formats may be offered to meet equality requirements.

Pupils with special educational needs may benefit from more frequent formative checks to prevent gaps from growing. Summative assessment may need to reflect those needs in its format and timing.

Recording and Reporting

Accurate recording is part of effective assessment. Formative records might include notes taken during group work. Summative records often involve marks, percentages or grades entered into a school system.

Both must respect confidentiality. Data protection laws require that only authorised staff see assessment data.

Final Thoughts

Formative and summative assessment are both important in supporting pupil progress. One works during learning to guide improvement, the other measures achievement after learning has finished. You will often use both in your role and understanding the differences will make you a more effective support for the teacher and the pupils.

By using formative assessment well, you can help make lessons more responsive and engaging. Through careful handling of summative assessment, you help provide reliable records of achievement. Both affect pupils’ confidence, motivation and success. Balancing them well creates a stronger learning environment where pupils feel supported in their progress and proud of their achievements.