Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee assessment standards as a Principal Examiner for Pearson.
- Company: Join Pearson, the UK's largest awarding body, committed to innovative learning.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners' futures while working in a supportive, dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree and UK teaching qualification required; experience in assessment practice preferred.
- Other info: Remote work is possible; must have personal IT equipment for tasks.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Welcome to Elevate
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
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.
Excellent communication skills.
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.
Desirable
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.
Closing date: 16 October 2024 at midnight
Pearson Test of English - PTE General - Principal Examiner employer: Pearson
Contact Detail:
Pearson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pearson Test of English - PTE General - Principal Examiner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Pearson's assessment practices and standards. Understanding their approach will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high-quality assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Principal Examiners at Pearson. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the role and expectations, which can be a game-changer during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest trends in educational assessment and quality assurance. Being knowledgeable about current developments will show that you are proactive and passionate about the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential scenario-based questions in interviews. Think about how you would handle specific challenges related to standardisation and quality assurance, as these are key aspects of the Principal Examiner role.
We think you need these skills to ace Pearson Test of English - PTE General - Principal Examiner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Examiner position. Understand the responsibilities and expectations outlined by Pearson, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in quality assurance and assessment practices. Provide specific examples of your history with moderation or marking regulated qualifications to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role requires leadership experience, include instances where you have led training sessions or coordinated standardisation activities. This will show Pearson that you possess the necessary skills to oversee Examiners effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a role that involves maintaining assessment standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨Understand Pearson's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Pearson's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to learning and innovation will help you align your answers with their ethos, showing that you're a good cultural fit.
✨Prepare for Role-Specific Questions
Expect questions related to quality assurance and assessment practices. Be ready to discuss your experience in moderation, marking regulated qualifications, and how you've led training sessions in the past.
✨Showcase Your IT Proficiency
As a Principal Examiner, you'll need high-level IT skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience with relevant software and how you've used technology to enhance assessment delivery in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Highlight any leadership roles you've held, especially those related to delivering qualifications or managing teams. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led quality assurance activities and supported others in their roles.