This the NSEAD's second Raw Marks survey, builds on the findings of our first survey report #1 in October 2024. Following its publication, we held meetings with both with Ofqual and JCQ. These meetings helped inform our decision to undertake an additional second survey, and to better identify where, when and how the issuing of Raw Marks is impacting on art and design teachers and learners.
This The NSEAD Raw marks Survey Report 2, evidences a series of findings and recommendations for policy makers, which aim to help change, improve or remove the process.
When did Raw Marks Survey #2 took place: Raw Marks Survey #2 was carried out between 4 September 2025 to 10 Oct 2025.
Who participated: A total of 338 art and design teacher respondents participated in the survey. This compared well to Raw Marks survey 1 where 310 took part.
Where and how: The majority of art and design teachers and heads of department who responded, work in academies (189), followed by independent schools (50), local authority-maintained schools (45), and grammar (22). Smaller numbers working in other centre types account for the remaining 32 respondents. The survey took place online using Microsoft Forms. There were nine questions in total. Two questions required qualitative open responses – 444 comments were given in total. The report has been reviewed by teachers of art and design as well NSEAD's Council.
Recommendations for Raw Marks are
- Continue to give Raw Marks Component 1 for the externally set task. Remove the requirement to share Raw Marks for Component 2.
- Ensure that Raw Marks guidance is up to date, clear and speaks to art and design subject specialists and examination officers. Consult with art and design teachers to ensure the guidance is practical and manageable.
- Propose recommended timelines that optimise the process and management of Raw Marks and Raw Marks reviews.
- Provide online training for anyone sharing Raw Marks, or completing Raw Marks reviews.
- Give Raw Marks to students only after moderation has been completed.
- Create 'student speak' official guidance that outlines why Raw Marks are required and must be issued.
- Make clear that examination officers should carry out the process of giving Raw Marks to students, and make the arrangements for Raw Mark reviews.
- Awarding organisations should annually collect, track and report on Raw Marks reviews.
- Policy makers should carry out a full subject-specific Raw Marks consultation to review the process, improve it or remove it.
Michele Gregson says:
Across all school types, survey respondents showed there is widespread dissatisfaction with the Raw Marks process. The voices of our subject community – its committed and highly-skilled workforce – are clearly represented here. Teachers have offered thoughtful, balanced feedback, alongside practical recommendations for improvement. These insights reflect nine years of navigating guidance and timelines that are often inconsistent, and a process that has, in many cases, diverted time away from teaching and learning.
Now is the moment to reflect, review, and revise. We commend to policy makers our Raw Marks Survey Report 2, its recommendations to remove or improve the process.