Last year, Jisc launched a pilot to explore how AI could help reduce workload around marking and feedback. That work continues this year, with KEATH, Graide, and TeacherMatic being piloted across more than 30 participating colleges and universities.
We’re now launching a new strand of the pilot — one that will see participants using general-purpose AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot to support marking and feedback. Because Jisc won’t be providing licences for this strand, there is no limit on the number of participants. Simply sign up and you’re in.
AI for Marking and Feedback Best Practice Toolkit
Earlier this year, we invited the sector to share examples of best practice in using general-purpose AI tools for marking and feedback. Two standout submissions came from London South Bank University and Kirklees College, both of which demonstrated how Custom GPTs can be used to support educators in meaningful, responsible ways.
Their case studies, which will be published soon, will form part of the Best Practice Toolkit. Additionally, we’ve developed our own guidance on creating and using Custom GPTs and equivalent tools from other platforms (e.g. Gems). The guidance will include:
- Templates for system prompts to define how your assistant will respond to inputs.
- Security instructions to mitigate risks, including attempts to ‘trick’ the system into overmarking a piece of work, or getting it to complete an assignment for them.
- Best practice checklists for staff and students to support the overall setup process.
- Recommendations on platform features, access controls, and review processes.
How the Pilot Will Run
The pilot will run from November 2025 to August 2026, with three key phases. The timeline is flexible — the schedule below is a suggested framework.
Development and Testing (Nov 2025 – Jan 2026)
Build and trial your custom AI assistant using your chosen platform.
Implementation (Jan – July 2026)
Use your assistant in live or realistic marking and feedback contexts.
Evaluation (Mar – June 2026)
Share your experiences through group discussions and a sector-wide survey. Findings will be published in a public report. Note, the Evaluation phase overlaps with Implementation to better accommodate the academic calendar.
Support Provided
Throughout the pilot, participants will be supported through:
- Fortnightly check-in sessions
- A fortnightly progress update form, allowing you to communicate any support you may need
- A dedicated JiscMail list to promote collaboration
Participants will also be invited to monthly community sessions alongside those in other strands of the pilot, helping us build a holistic picture of AI’s role in assessment.
What’s Required of Participants?
This pilot is designed with flexibility at its core. Although it will run from November 2025 to July 2026, participants can decide when and how they wish to be actively involved during that period.
For some institutions, participation may mean one individual testing AI tools as part of their own practice, while in others, entire departments may take part together. Some will use the pilot to explore and experiment with generative AI’s potential for marking and feedback, while others will focus on finding scalable solutions for their institution. All approaches are welcome.
That said, we do value engagement during periods of active participation. We ask that at least one person from each participating institution:
- Attends the fortnightly check-in sessions
- Completes the fortnightly progress form
- Participates in the evaluation activities, which are central to shaping the final findings
Where multiple colleagues are involved, we recommend appointing a project lead to act as the primary contact with Jisc. They will be responsible for submitting the fortnightly forms and coordinating evaluation activities.
Overview Webinar
We’ll be hosting an Overview Webinar on 4th November 2025, 4:15 – 5:00 p.m., during which we’ll go into further detail around the aims of the pilot and how it will run. Attendees will also hear from representatives of London South Bank University and Kirklees College, who will share their pioneering practices in using Custom GPTs for assessment.
If you’d like to attend the webinar, which will take place on Teams, please complete the sign-up form before close of play on 3rd November.
Signing Up
If you would like to participate in the pilot, please sign up via this form by 14th November, close of play. Please liaise with others at your institution and aim to submit just one form.
We’ll onboard participants on a rolling basis, rather than waiting until the application window has closed. Those who sign up earlier will therefore gain access to the Best Practice Toolkit sooner and be in a position to start making progress on the pilot.
For questions or more information, contact us at ai@jisc.ac.uk.
Find out more by visiting our Artificial Intelligence page to view publications and resources, join us for events and discover what AI has to offer through our range of interactive online demos.For regular updates from the team sign up to our mailing list.Get in touch with the team directly at AI@jisc.ac.uk
