Irenka Suto studied at the University of Cambridge, obtaining a BA in Natural Sciences and a PhD in Psychology. She stayed on to conduct post-doctoral research in financial decision-making and the assessment of mental capacity among people with intellectual disabilities.

In 2004, Irenka joined the Research Division at Cambridge Assessment, where she is a Principal Research Officer. Much of her work has focused on the many human judgements and decisions entailed in educational assessment, as made by students, teachers and examiners. Irenka currently leads a programme of research in curriculum and qualifications reform.