At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure national standards in education are met and support centres in delivering quality programmes.
- Company: Join Pearson, a global leader in learning and education.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture, professional development, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Flexible roles available for dedicated educators looking to make a difference.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on educational standards and help shape future professionals.
- Qualifications: Significant teaching experience and a passion for maintaining high standards.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are recruiting for an External Examiner (EE) for Land-Based (RQF).
Purpose of this Role
- Affirm national standards have been achieved and upheld.
- Monitor through external examiner sampling and visit activities, centres' compliance with Pearson quality assurance expectations for RQF BTEC Higher National programmes.
- Support centres during the sampling process.
- Support centres in the delivery of BTEC Higher National programmes to national standards.
Key Accountabilities
- Undertake sampling of assessed student work within defined parameters and rules to establish that centres are assessing learning outcomes in accordance with Pearson standards for its Higher National qualifications.
- Provide sampling-related support and development to centres.
- Produce reports for centres and Pearson on the sampling undertaken, outcomes reached, and support provided.
- Apply appropriate sanctions in consultation with the team leader where it is deemed assessment outcomes are not consistent with the published national standards being met.
- Produce targeted actions for centres to assist with remedial actions where national standards are not being upheld.
- Support centres to understand and implement identified actions.
- Facilitate the Senior External Examiner (SEE) in sourcing materials for training and standardisation.
- Report back to Pearson and centres following EE activity within agreed service-level agreements.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the work of Technical and Professional Assessment in relation to this role.
Previous Experience
- Essential: Significant teaching experience of HN within the last 10 years; significant experience in delivering and assessing BTEC Higher National qualifications in the subject area; hold a qualification at least at Level 6 and a full and relevant competence qualification for working in the sector; participation annually in online training and standardisation and successful completion of the set standardisation activity; individuals who have had a lead role for Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) and are passionate for raising and maintaining standards in HE.
- Desirable: Evidence of recent Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in the sector; a willingness to use technology-based approaches to communication and centre support.
Skills and Knowledge
- Essential: Excellent communication, written, verbal, IT and interpersonal skills; good working knowledge of the specifications that comprise the area of expertise for the role; a customer-focused approach; the need to meet deadlines; develop and monitor clear action plans; ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Desirable: Word processing and intermediate Excel skills.
About Pearson
We value the power of inclusive culture and embed diversity and inclusion in everything we do. Pearson promotes a company culture where differences are embraced as strengths, opportunities are equal and accessible, consideration and respect are the norm. Through our talent, we believe that diversity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant company. People are at the centre of our company. We are committed to a sustainable environment and workplace ecosystem where talent can learn, grow, and thrive. Welcome to Pearson, the world's leading learning company. We provide content, assessment and digital services to learners, educational institutions, employers, governments and other partners globally. 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.
Application Information
We have a number of opportunities available for teaching professionals to join our growing teams of examiners, moderators and verifiers.
Closing date: 28 August 2026 at midnight.
Land-Based HN External Examiner - Standards & QA employer: Pearson
Pearson is an excellent employer that values flexibility and a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for those seeking part-time opportunities in Birmingham. With a commitment to employee growth, Pearson offers training and development resources, ensuring that staff can enhance their skills while contributing to a meaningful mission of education and assessment. The friendly atmosphere and focus on compliance create a rewarding environment for Test Centre Administrators who enjoy helping candidates succeed.
