Principles of AI use in marking

This document considers the nature and capabilities of current AI technology, characteristics of the high stakes marking context, different models for AI integration, and frameworks for evaluating AI use in marking processes. It emphasises the importance of assessment validity, transparency, fairness and accountability for maintaining the integrity of qualifications and public confidence in them, while considering the potential benefits and risks of AI use in marking.

The motivation for publishing this working paper is to support thinking and foster constructive discussion about the potential applications of AI in marking, acknowledging that use of AI as the sole mechanism for determining a student's mark does not comply with Ofqual's regulations - as previously clarified in Ofqual's policy approach to regulating AI use in qualifications (Ofqual, 2024). This paper underlines the need to go beyond technological perspectives on AI and to integrate ethical, social and assessment validity concerns to inform future policy decisions.