Principal Examiner for iAL Physics

About Pearson

Pearson is dedicated to creating a world where learning continually evolves. We innovate by enhancing educational experiences, transforming traditional lectures and textbooks through advanced technology. As the UK's largest awarding organization, Pearson provides globally recognized qualifications in General and Vocational education.

Purpose of the Role

The Principal Examiner is responsible for maintaining assessment standards for externally assessed units/modules/components. This role involves overseeing examiner standardization and guaranteeing assessment consistency with specifications and criteria.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure timely completion and delivery of assigned units/modules/components.
• Revise mark schemes/guidelines before standardization meetings by incorporating candidate responses and examiner feedback.
• Lead and participate in meetings including pre-standardization, standardization, appeals, and post-series reviews; represent Pearson in examination appeal board hearings as needed.
• Select and validate question items according to pre-standardization meeting agreements.
• Mark live candidate responses to assure quality in a supervisory capacity when required.
• Prepare materials necessary for standardization sessions and provide support to supervisors and examiners.
• Sample initial marking by supervisors/examiners and conduct backreading using Pearson’s marking system to address specific issues.
• Track supervisors’ and examiners’ progress and review responses for clarifications.
• Serve as a senior escalation point during quality assurance processes and support multiple paper versions throughout the contract period.
• After standardization and marking, report to the assessment team, providing supervisor/examiner feedback as directed.
• Contribute to awarding activities by preparing reports, recommending grade boundaries, participating in awarding meetings, and other related tasks.
• Engage in self-review processes reflecting on challenges and successes in conjunction with the Senior Assessment Associate and attend follow-up meetings with the assessment team.
• Generate reports concerning series and candidate performance and assist in composing responses to complaints as required.

Core Expectations

• Uphold Pearson's reputation by acting professionally and ethically at all times.
• Familiarize with and follow all relevant Pearson policies before performing activities.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding centers and learners.
• Attend required training, meetings, and complete all tasks within designated deadlines.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusivity in professional interactions representing Pearson.
• Maintain personal IT resources compatible with Pearson software, including secure internet access and email.
• Communicate efficiently and raise any concerns about malpractice, administration issues, or safeguarding.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrated experience in quality assurance and assessment practices.
• Familiarity with moderation or marking regulated qualifications.
• Strong communication and coordination skills, including the ability to conduct training such as standardizations.
• Extensive knowledge of specialist specifications, including internal and external requirements.
• A history of leading or supporting critical quality assurance tasks.

Preferred Qualifications

• High proficiency in IT.
• Leadership experience connected to qualification delivery.
• Understanding of regulatory compliance and reporting within regulated sectors.
• Experience in report writing.
• Prior experience working on iAL and roles such as Team Leader or Principal Examiner.

Qualifications

• Degree qualification.
• UK recognized teaching qualification with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Additional Information

If necessary, Pearson may request evidence of qualifications after a successful application.

Applications are open until 30 September 2026 at midnight. Multiple opportunities exist for education professionals to become part of Pearson’s teams of examiners, moderators, and verifiers.