This book makes an important contribution to understanding the political, social and educational impact of assessment. Using a multi-layered approach, it offers a fascinating case study of how post-16 assessment systems are designed and debated inside policy making processes. This case study highlights the broader tensions at the heart of assessment policy.
The book also explores the complex factors that affect how teachers and students use formative assessment to achieve higher standards of educational attainment and more autonomous learning.
Learning Autonomy in Post-16 Education is a comprehensive and authoritative account of policy and practice in post-16 assessment. The book weaves together new theoretical frameworks with evidence from empirical research to offer a detailed picture of the diverse factors affecting the quality of formative assessment in further education.
The book will be of particular interest to teachers and practitioners across the post-16 sector on postgraduate and in-service professional development courses. It will also be of interest to researchers, inspectors and qualification designers.

'Anyone who has ever 'delivered' General National Vocational Qualifications will appreciate this book.' - Patrick Ainley, The Lecturer

'The title doesn't convey the breadth and importance of a book that should be read by all present and intending FE teachers and managers, those in HE who study or train teachers for the post-school sector and the architects of the emerging 14-19 phase ... Ecclestone has given us a study of the context, nature and experiences of the "intractable problems [that] beset assessment systems"; it is vital reading for anyone facing the challenge of raising learners' achievement and motivation at the same time.' - John Roberts, Escalate

Kathryn Ecclestone is lecturer in post-compulsory education at the University of Newcastle