At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and ensure quality in IT assessments while supporting examiners and maintaining standards.
- Company: Join Pearson, the UK's largest awarding body, committed to innovative learning.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a chance to shape future education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' learning journeys and help maintain educational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in assessment practice and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Principal Examiner for IT WIT11_01 Unit 1
About PearsonAt 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.
PurposeThe 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 ExpectationsWhen 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 ExpectationsAs 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 CompetenciesAs 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 QualificationsQualifications 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 InformationWe have a number of opportunities available for teaching professionals to join our growing teams of examiners, moderators and verifiers.
Closing date30 January 2026 at midnight
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Principal Examiner - IAL - IT (WIT11_01) employer: Pearson
Contact Detail:
Pearson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Examiner - IAL - IT (WIT11_01)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former examiners at Pearson on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of quality assurance and assessment practices. Be ready to share your experiences and how they align with Pearson's values.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your IT skills! Make sure you’re comfortable with the software Pearson uses. If you can demonstrate your tech-savviness, it’ll definitely set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Examiner - IAL - IT (WIT11_01)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role of Principal Examiner inside out. Familiarise yourself with Pearson's expectations and the specifics of the IT unit. This will help you tailor your application to show that you're the perfect fit!
Be Professional: Remember, you're representing Pearson from the get-go! Keep your language professional yet approachable. Show off your communication skills and ensure your application reflects the integrity and respect Pearson stands for.
Showcase Your Experience: Highlight your relevant experience in quality assurance and assessment practice. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've led or supported essential quality assurance activities. This is your chance to shine!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Pearson!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the IAL IT curriculum and assessment criteria. Brush up on the specifics of the unit you're applying for, as well as any recent changes in educational standards or technology that could impact your role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience with quality assurance and assessment practices. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led standardisation meetings or supported examiners in the past, as this will demonstrate your capability for the Principal Examiner role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication skills are crucial for this position, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or colleague to refine your responses and ensure you can convey your ideas effectively.
✨Emphasise Professional Integrity
During the interview, highlight your commitment to maintaining professional integrity and confidentiality. Discuss how you would handle any potential issues related to malpractice or maladministration, showing that you take these responsibilities seriously.