How is project work assessed and moderated?

Project work for the ISEB Project Qualification (iPQ) is assessed using Adaptive Comparative Judgement (ACJ) on the RM Compare platform, an advanced, research-led approach that ensures a fairer and more consistent moderation process than traditional marking methods. Unlike conventional rubrics, which require teachers to assign marks against fixed criteria, ACJ removes the need for internal marking in schools. Instead, project submissions are reviewed externally through a series of comparative judgments that establish a reliable, evidence-based hierarchy of quality.

ACJ works by presenting pairs of pupil submissions side by side and asking judges (iPQ Leads from our global iPQ cohort) to decide which project is stronger overall based on a holistic statement of quality. Once a decision is submitted, the system generates another pair for comparison. Over at least ten rounds of these paired judgments, RM Compare uses the collective decisions to create a refined rank order of all submissions, adapting to assessors’ patterns and reducing bias and subjectivity throughout the process.

This methodology is recognised as a more dependable and transparent alternative to traditional marking because it draws on collective professional judgement, provides consistent outcomes at scale, and evaluates each project as a whole rather than through fragmented criteria. Once the rank order is complete, ISEB’s moderation team applies grade boundaries and awards each submission a Distinction, Merit, or Pass, with certificates issued for every candidate.

At its core, the iPQ celebrates each learner’s individual journey, valuing curiosity, creativity, independence, and growth. The use of ACJ ensures that every project is judged fairly, holistically, and with professional integrity, giving pupils an assessment experience that is both rigorous and encouraging.