GCSE - Science - Principal Examiner
GCSE - Science - Principal Examiner

GCSE - Science - Principal Examiner

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and oversee the assessment process for GCSE Science, ensuring quality and standards.
  • Company: Join Pearson, the UK's largest awarding body, committed to innovative learning solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and opportunities for professional development.
  • Why this job: Be part of a modernisation effort that impacts learners and shapes future education.
  • Qualifications: A degree and UK teaching qualification are essential; experience in assessment is a plus.
  • Other info: This role requires strong IT skills and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

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GCSE – Science – Principal Examiner, London

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Client:

Pearson

Location:

London, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

b91c14ff07d8

Job Views:

6

Posted:

17.06.2025

Expiry Date:

01.08.2025

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Job Description:

As we continue to transition to a digital environment, we know that it’s essential to revisit and update our approaches to assessment delivery. Our aim is to create a more modern assessment delivery system that sets us up for the future, supports our Senior Associates better in their role by building associate capacity across the system, further supports our customers, and delivers the best outcomes for learners.

As part of a programme of modernisation, we are taking the opportunity to update our senior associate roles and responsibilities, across our qualifications.

We would like to offer you the opportunity to apply for one of these roles.

Principal Examiner (Traditional) – iAL Information Technology (WIT)

About Pearson

At Pearson we’re committed to a world that’s always learning. From bringing lectures vividly to life to turning textbooks into laptop lessons, we are always re-examining the way people learn best. We are bold thinkers and standout innovators who motivate each other to explore new frontiers in an environment that supports and inspires us to be better. By pushing the boundaries of technology, and each other to surpass these boundaries, we create seeds of learning that become the catalyst for the world’s innovations, personal and global. We are the UK\’s largest awarding body and offer qualifications that are globally recognised and benchmarked, with educational excellence rooted in a range of General and Vocational courses.

Purpose

The Principal Examiner is there to ensure that the standards of an externally assessed unit(s)/module(s)/component(s) are maintained and are consistent with the unit specification and assessment criteria. The Principal Examiner should oversee the standardisation of Examiners.

Core Services and Expectations

When carrying out your role, please be mindful that you represent Pearson and that you should always maintain your professional integrity. Therefore, it is essential that you:

Act at all times in a way which will not bring Pearson, its employees, and its representatives into disrepute.

Read all Pearson policies and guidance prior to undertaking contracted activities.

Respect the confidentiality of centres and learners.

Attend any and all meetings or training sessions provided, relevant to your role, where requested by Pearson.

Adhere to deadlines given by Pearson and ensure that all work is carried out to the best of an individual’s ability.

Remain respectful and advocate for others to ensure and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in a professional manner when carrying out services on behalf of Pearson.

Have personal IT equipment capable of running Pearson software, relevant malware, appropriate virus protection software, a suitable internet connection, and a personal, secure email account.

Communicate with Pearson and its centres in a timely manner when carrying out all designated responsibilities.

Raise any concerns if you suspect or are made aware of any malpractice, maladministration, and/or Safeguarding issues.

Role Specific Services and Expectations

As well as Pearson’s core services expectations, there are also role-specific services and expectations that you must consider and be able to provide. These include:

Ensuring the timely delivery of your contracted unit(s)/module(s)/component(s).

Updating the mark scheme/guidance before the pre-standardisation meeting, taking into account actual candidates’ responses and feedback from supervisors/Examiners.

Leading meetings such as pre-standardisation and standardisation and participating in others such as appeals against results and post-series reviews. You may also be asked to represent Pearson at board hearings for examination appeals.

Selecting and marking items for validity as agreed at the pre-standardisation meeting.

Marking an allocation of live candidates’ responses, to quality assure as part of a supervisory role, where required.

Preparing and collating materials for standardisation.

Supporting supervisors and Examiners.

Sampling supervisors/Examiners\’ initial marking and backreading responses, as directed, using the appropriate Pearson marking system to target backreading and correct specific problems.

Monitoring the progress of supervisors/Examiners.

Reviewing responses for clarification.

Acting as a senior point of escalation across the quality assurance process.

Providing support across several versions of the paper, including all those introduced previously, and any versions introduced during the contractual period.

Monitoring and reporting to the Assessment team after standardisation and completion of marking, submitting a completed feedback form for each supervisor/Examiner as directed.

Supporting in awarding activities by writing reports to the Awarding Committee, recommending grade boundaries, participating in the awarding activities, and other areas where required.

Completing the Senior Assessment Associate review process reflecting on your own challenges and successes and attending a follow-up meeting with the assessment team where required.

Submitting reports on the series/candidate performance.

Providing support and written responses to complaints where required.

Skills and Competencies

As the Principal Examiner, you will be expected to demonstrate the following skills and competencies:

Required

Experience and knowledge of quality assurance and assessment practice.

History of moderation and/or marking a regulated qualification.

Proven ability to provide and co-ordinate training such as standardisation and other standards-related activities.

A comprehensive knowledge of the specification for your specialist sector, including internal and external requirements.

Provide examples of when you were asked to lead/support essential quality assurance activities.

High level of IT proficiency.

Leadership experience in delivering qualifications.

Knowledge of regulatory compliance and requirements.

Report writing within a regulated industry.

Experience and Qualifications

Qualifications required to apply for your chosen role at Pearson will depend on the qualification you are delivering. Please contact Pearson ahead of your application if the requirements are not clear.

General Qualifications ( GCSE/A LEVEL)

Degree.

A UK recognised teaching qualification.

Please note upon successful application Pearson may ask you to provide proof of the qualifications required.

Application Information We have a number of opportunities available for teaching professionals to join our growing teams of examiners, moderators and verifiers.

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GCSE - Science - Principal Examiner employer: Pearson

At Pearson, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Located in the vibrant city of London, we offer our employees not only competitive benefits but also ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the education sector. Join us to be part of a diverse team that is dedicated to shaping the future of assessment and making a meaningful impact on learners worldwide.
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Contact Detail:

Pearson Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land GCSE - Science - Principal Examiner

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Pearson's assessment practices and policies. Understanding their approach to quality assurance and assessment delivery will help you align your experience with their expectations during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former Principal Examiners at Pearson. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the role and the company culture, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the position.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in detail. Since the role requires overseeing Examiners and ensuring quality standards, having specific examples ready will demonstrate your capability to manage and lead effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on the latest trends in educational assessment and technology. Showing that you are proactive about modernising assessment delivery will resonate well with Pearson's commitment to innovation.

We think you need these skills to ace GCSE - Science - Principal Examiner

Quality Assurance Knowledge
Assessment Practice Experience
Moderation and Marking Skills
Training Coordination
Specification Knowledge
Leadership Experience
Regulatory Compliance Understanding
Report Writing Skills
High Level of IT Proficiency
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Confidentiality and Integrity

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Principal Examiner role at Pearson. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your experience aligns with their requirements.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in quality assurance, assessment practices, and any leadership roles you've held. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to meet the expectations outlined in the job description.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for education and assessment. Mention how you can contribute to Pearson's mission of modernising assessment delivery.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson

✨Understand Pearson's Vision

Before your interview, take some time to research Pearson's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to modernising assessment delivery will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.

✨Showcase Your Assessment Experience

Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in quality assurance and assessment practices. Highlight specific examples where you've led standardisation meetings or provided training, as these are crucial aspects of the Principal Examiner role.

✨Demonstrate IT Proficiency

Since the role requires a high level of IT proficiency, be ready to discuss your experience with relevant software and tools. Mention any specific technologies you've used in assessment delivery and how they contributed to your success.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges in the examination process. Think of examples from your past where you successfully navigated issues related to marking or quality assurance.

GCSE - Science - Principal Examiner
Pearson
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