Principal Examiner - GCE A Level English Literature (8ET0 01)

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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

• 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

• 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.
• 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 (e.g. 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: 02 March 2026 at midnight.