The PAI Educational Assessment Conference 2027 explores how assessment can better support students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Under the theme “Assessment for Future-Ready and Flourishing Learners: Aligning AI, Well-being and 21CC in our Classrooms,” the conference positions assessment as more than a way to measure attainment. It considers how assessment can actively advance meaningful learning, student agency, well-being and the capabilities learners need to navigate an uncertain future.

As schools respond to advances in artificial intelligence, changing societal expectations and the growing importance of 21st Century Competencies (21CC), assessment practices and systems must continue to evolve. The conference will examine how educators can use assessment to develop and recognise not only subject knowledge, but also critical and adaptive thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, responsible decision-making and the ability to apply learning in new and complex situations. International future-of-education frameworks similarly emphasise the interdependence of student agency, well-being, knowledge, skills, attitudes and values in preparing young people to flourish.

At the heart of the theme is a commitment to the whole child. Academic achievement remains important, but meaningful assessment should also support learners’ confidence, motivation, sense of belonging, resilience and psychological safety. When assessment is designed well, it can encourage students to take intellectual risks, learn from mistakes, use feedback constructively and become increasingly reflective and self-directed learners.

The conference will also explore the responsible use of AI and educational technology in assessment. AI-enabled tools have the potential to enrich feedback, support personalised learning, reveal patterns in learning and create new forms of authentic assessment. At the same time, their use must remain human-centred, equitable and transparent, with teacher professional judgment, student voice and trust at the forefront.

Bringing together school leaders, teachers, education officers, researchers and assessment specialists, the conference will provide a platform for dialogue on assessment that is rigorous, inclusive and relevant. It will showcase research, practical strategies and system-level perspectives on how assessment can support deeper learning and prepare every student to flourish.