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- Tasks: Lead the development and marking of Functional Skills English assessments.
- Company: Join Training Qualifications UK, a fast-growing leader in education qualifications.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, healthcare benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners' futures while working remotely with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: A degree in English or relevant experience in teaching and assessing Functional Skills.
- Other info: Flexible smart working model allows for a balanced work/life schedule.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28800 £ per year.
Training Qualifications UK is the fastest-growing Awarding Organisation in the UK, and a market leading End-Point Assessment Organisation. We work with over 500 schools, colleges, universities, and training providers across the world to provide qualification certificates, endorsements, and apprenticeships to over 150,000 learners.
Our success comes from doing things differently. As we continue to expand our Functional Skills portfolio, we are seeking a skilled and experienced Principal Examiner in English to support with marking and awarding of our externally assessed Functional Skills English qualifications (Entry Level 1 to Level 2). The Principal Examiner plays a pivotal role in ensuring the validity, reliability, and fairness of TQUK's Functional Skills English assessments. This includes developing assessment materials, leading standardisation processes, and maintaining consistent marking standards across all levels from Entry Level 1 to Level 2.
Key Responsibilities- Assessment Development and Review
- Develop and refine question papers and corresponding mark schemes, ensuring alignment with the qualification specifications and assessment objectives.
- Collaborate with the Subject Chair and assessment teams to ensure content validity and appropriate level of demand across all assessment materials.
- Participate in Question Paper Evaluation Committee (QPEC) meetings to review and finalise assessment materials.
- Standardisation and Quality Assurance
- Lead standardisation meetings to establish and maintain consistent marking standards among examiners.
- Monitor the marking process by sampling scripts, providing feedback, and implementing corrective actions as necessary to uphold marking reliability.
- Utilise quality assurance techniques to ensure ongoing examiner compliance with established standards.
- Marking and Examiner Support
- Undertake script marking as required including sampling of candidate scripts to exemplify the application of the mark scheme.
- Provide guidance and support to assistant examiners, addressing queries and clarifying marking criteria.
- Assist in the training and mentoring of new examiners to ensure a thorough understanding of assessment standards and procedures.
- Awarding and Reporting
- Contribute to the awarding process by recommending grade boundaries based on statistical data and examiner feedback.
- Prepare comprehensive reports on assessment performance, highlighting areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.
- Participate in post-results services, including reviews of marking and appeals, providing expert analysis and recommendations.
- Regulatory Compliance and Continuous Improvement
- Ensure all assessment activities comply with Ofqual's General Conditions of Recognition and other relevant regulatory requirements.
- Engage in continuous professional development to stay abreast of changes in assessment practices and regulatory standards.
- Provide insights and recommendations for the ongoing development and enhancement of TQUK's Functional Skills English qualifications.
- A degree in English or a related discipline, or relevant experience.
- Experience in teaching and assessing Functional Skills English qualifications.
- Experience of standardisation processes.
- Understanding of assessment principles, including validity, reliability, and fairness.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and motivate a team of examiners.
- Proficiency in using digital tools and platforms for assessment development and marking.
- Experience working with awarding organisations and familiarity with regulatory frameworks governing qualifications.
- Knowledge of recent developments and reforms in Functional Skills qualifications.
- Experience in statistical analysis related to assessment outcomes.
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 days Bank Holiday (33 in total)
- Additional annual leave day each year, after 2 years of continuous service (up to 28 days)
- An extra day off to celebrate your birthday
- Annual Loyalty Bonus
- Annual salary review
- Bupa Healthcare Benefits
- EAP (Employee Assistance Programme)
- NEST pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- A positive and supportive working environment
- Comprehensive onboarding
- A workplace that supports a healthy work/life balance
We are an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Should you require any additional support during the recruitment process due to a disability, please contact us so we can assist you.
Training Qualifications UK - Functional Skills Principal Examiner (English) employer: AQA Recruiting
Contact Detail:
AQA Recruiting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Training Qualifications UK - Functional Skills Principal Examiner (English)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Functional Skills English qualifications and their assessment criteria. Understanding the specific requirements and expectations will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those involved in assessment and examination roles. Engaging with others can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with standardisation processes and how you've ensured marking reliability in previous roles. This is crucial for the Principal Examiner position and will showcase your suitability.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on recent developments in Functional Skills qualifications and assessment practices. Being knowledgeable about current trends will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Training Qualifications UK - Functional Skills Principal Examiner (English)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Principal Examiner position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience in assessment development and standardisation processes.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in teaching and assessing Functional Skills English qualifications. Mention any specific achievements or contributions you've made in previous roles that align with the job description.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your interest in the role but also demonstrate your understanding of the importance of validity, reliability, and fairness in assessments. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role that involves marking and quality assurance.
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA Recruiting
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the responsibilities of a Principal Examiner in English. Familiarise yourself with the assessment development process, standardisation meetings, and the importance of maintaining marking standards.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your relevant experience in teaching and assessing Functional Skills English qualifications. Highlight any previous roles where you led standardisation processes or developed assessment materials, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges in marking and assessment. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated difficult situations or improved processes.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
As a Principal Examiner, you'll need to lead and motivate a team of examiners. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with others in previous roles, and provide examples of how you’ve supported colleagues in understanding assessment standards.