As schools continue to face growing pressures around academic performance, many are exploring innovative ways to boost student outcomes. One approach gaining
traction is the use of digital formative assessment platforms, some showing strong impact on learning and progress.
Beyond testing: Building knowledge and confidence
Formative assessment has long been recognised as a key ingredient of effective teaching. It’s not just about checking what students know – it reinforces knowledge,
identifies gaps, and gives every student the chance to feel successful. The best platforms enable teachers to embed retrieval practice seamlessly into day-to-day
learning, turning assessment into a supportive, confidence-building process rather than a high-stakes hurdle.
While “little and often” testing might seem simple, the outcomes are anything but. Schools that integrate these tools into classroom and homework routines report improved GCSE performance, greater student confidence, and stronger Progress 8 scores. Several secondary schools have linked regular use of digital assessment and improved
science outcomes. One school found that students who engaged most frequently with Educake (their chosen platform) achieved, on average, over two grades higher in their GCSE science exams compared to those who didn’t . Progress 8 scores rose significantly in line with student engagement.
Reaching every student
Importantly, this progress isn’t reserved for top performers. Tools like Educake support a wide range of learners and build a growth mindset. Particularly encouraging results have come from students eligible for pupil premium who show even greater gains with regular use. For many teachers, digital assessment has become key to narrowing
attainment gaps. Formative assessment offers teachers a window into their students’ learning, helping them quickly identify misconceptions and tailor support. This responsive approach – not reliant on high-stakes testing –creates classroom cultures where assessment feels purposeful and empowering, rather than punitive.
Making a difference to reluctant leaners.
The impact is perhaps most powerful with reluctant learners, who often arrive with low confidence and feel overwhelmed by the mountain of knowledge and skills required. Paul Pilling, Head of Department at CHES Alternative Provision Academy in Truro, explains that because Educake questions include prompts and instant feedback, students are encouraged to think things through rather than give up. He’s seen students who avoid other revision methods willingly engage with Educake quizzes, sparking a new willingness to try. As Paul says, “I’ve found it’s something lots of my students will buy into, and that’s really powerful.”
Supporting teachers and students together
Success depends on embedding formative assessment into a wider culture of retrieval, feedback, and reflection. Where that culture exists, Educake provides the structure,
data, and flexibility to sustain it. In a time of stretched resources and rising expectations, platforms like Educake offer
meaningful ways to enhance learning. Whether improving science outcomes or helping students retain more knowledge, Educake is more than a quiz tool. It’s a quiet,
consistent contributor to long-term academic success.
Interested in how your school could benefit? Learn more about how Educake supports STEM goals and explore case studies from schools already seeing results at www.educake.co.uk/science