// 02 SAM

AI-assisted marking built for FE assessors

SAM reads each learner submission, drafts criterion-referenced feedback, and flags gaps, so your assessors spend their time on judgement, not typing.

Request a callback

What it is

SAM is an AI marking tool built for further education assessors and quality teams. When a learner submits work, SAM reads the submission against the unit criteria or assessment brief and produces a draft feedback response, including comments on what has been met, what is missing, and suggested next steps for the learner.

Assessors review and edit SAM's draft before it is finalised and sent to the learner. The assessor remains in the decision loop at every point. SAM does not mark autonomously or release feedback without human sign-off.

The tool is designed to work within your existing assessment process. It does not require learners to change how they submit work, and it does not replace your assessors. It removes the repetitive drafting and formatting work so assessors can handle larger caseloads without quality dropping.

Who it is for

SAM is used by FE colleges and ITPs running high-volume assessment on vocational qualifications, traineeships, and workplace-based programmes. It is particularly effective for providers where assessors are covering large learner caseloads across multiple sites, and where inconsistency in feedback quality is an Ofsted or EQA concern.

AVAs and awarding bodies using SAM have found it useful for standardising feedback language across centre networks. IQAs and EQAs use the audit trail to sample assessment decisions without requesting paper files. If your assessors are spending more than a third of their day typing feedback, SAM will materially change that.

Key features

Criterion-referenced feedback drafts

SAM maps learner submission content to specific unit criteria, identifying what has and has not been addressed.

Assessor review and edit interface

Assessors see SAM's draft alongside the original submission and make changes before any feedback is released.

Feedback consistency monitoring

Quality leads can review feedback across a cohort and identify assessors whose drafts are diverging significantly from SAM's output.

Submission history and audit trail

Every assessment decision is logged with timestamps, assessor edits, and final sign-off, accessible to IQAs and EQAs.

Bulk upload support

SAM processes batches of submissions, so assessors are not waiting for individual results.

Configurable marking criteria

Upload your own unit criteria, assessment briefs, or grading descriptors for each programme.

Proof points

67% marking time saved on average, verified across college pilots including West Nottinghamshire College.
Assessor feedback consistency improved measurably in EQA sampling for providers using SAM across cohorts.
Zero instances of SAM releasing feedback without human sign-off, the process is physically gated.

How it works

SAM is accessed via browser and integrates with Atom or your existing LMS through a file export/import workflow, or via API connection for deeper integration. Learner submissions are uploaded to SAM in supported file formats. SAM processes each submission against the configured criteria and returns a structured draft within minutes.

Assessors log in to a queue of drafts awaiting review. They see the submission and SAM's draft side by side, make edits, add their own comments, and approve. Approved feedback is returned to the learner through your normal channel.

Configuration for a new qualification or programme takes roughly two to three hours, including uploading criteria documents and running a calibration test with a sample submission.

Integrations & compatibility

Pearl Atom LMS (native integration) File export/import for other LMS platforms API connection available for enterprise deployments Pearl AI and Plagiarism Checker (runs in parallel)

FAQs

Does SAM make the final marking decision?

No. SAM drafts feedback and flags gaps, but an assessor reviews, edits, and approves every piece of feedback before the learner sees it. The assessor is always the decision-maker.

How does SAM handle different qualification types?

SAM is configured per programme using your own unit criteria or assessment briefs. It works with RQF vocational qualifications, apprenticeship end-point assessment preparation, bespoke workplace assessments and much more.

What file formats does SAM accept?

SAM accepts PDF, Word, and plain text submissions. Learners do not need to change how they format or submit their work. The ability to assess audio/video submissions is coming soon.

How does this affect our EQA process?

SAM produces a complete audit trail of every assessment decision, including SAM's original draft, all assessor edits, and final approval. EQAs can sample this electronically without requesting paper files.

Is SAM compliant with AI use policies for awarding bodies?

SAM operates as a drafting aid for the assessor, not as an autonomous marking system. The assessor approves every decision. We recommend reviewing the specific policy of your awarding body, and Pearl can provide a process summary document for that purpose.