National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER)
Freelance Assessment Associates – English, Mathematics and Critical Thinking

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Join NFER's Assessment Associate Pool
The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) is seeking experienced assessment professionals to join our growing pool of Assessment Associates.
We work with a range of clients to develop high-quality assessments that support educational improvement. As a Freelance Assessment Associate, you will provide specialist expertise on flexible, short-term projects, helping to develop and review assessment materials across English, Mathematics and Critical Thinking.
These opportunities are ideal for professionals with experience in assessment development at GCSE level and above who are looking for engaging freelance work that can be fitted around existing commitments.
What You'll Do
As an Assessment Associate, you will contribute to the development and quality assurance of assessment materials across a variety of subjects, curricula and assessment frameworks.
Depending on your area of expertise, you may be involved in:
- Developing and reviewing assessment items and mark schemes.
- Creating engaging mathematics questions based on authentic, real-world contexts.
- Writing or sourcing stimulus materials and developing associated reading comprehension questions.
- Reviewing assessments to ensure quality, accessibility, validity and fitness for purpose.
- Working collaboratively with NFER project teams to meet project requirements and deadlines.
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Assignments typically involve around 10 days of work delivered flexibly over several weeks or months. Project-specific training will be provided before each assignment begins.
About You
We are looking for individuals who have:
- Strong subject expertise in English, Mathematics and/or Critical Thinking.
- Experience developing assessment materials, qualifications, educational resources or related content at GCSE level or above, with evidence of producing materials for wider educational audiences such as publishers, awarding bodies or online learning providers.
- A sound understanding of assessment principles and practices.
- Excellent written communication skills and strong attention to detail.
- The ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
Why Join Our Associate Pool?
- Flexible, project-based work that can fit around your existing professional commitments.
- Remote working opportunities.
- Project-specific training and onboarding.
- Ongoing support and feedback from experienced NFER project teams.
- The freedom to accept assignments that align with your availability, interests and expertise.
- Opportunities to contribute to impactful assessment and research programmes that help improve educational outcomes.
- Potential access to a variety of future projects as they become available.


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Please note: Membership of the Assessment Associate Pool enables us to contact you about relevant opportunities as they arise. While we cannot guarantee the availability of work, assignments are offered based on project requirements, expertise and availability. Being in the Associates pool is not a guarantee of work.
Selection Process
To apply, please submit your CV.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a short screening exercise relevant to their area of expertise. Successful candidates will then be added to NFER's Assessment Associate Pool for consideration for future project opportunities.
About NFER
NFER is the UK's leading independent provider of education research and assessment. We are dedicated to improving educational outcomes through high-quality research, assessment and evidence-based insights that inform policy and practice.
Interested?
If you have the skills and experience to support the development of high-quality assessments and are looking for flexible freelance opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now by submitting your CV.
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