Overview

As we continue to transition to a digital environment, we are updating assessment delivery approaches to create a modern system that supports Senior Associates, strengthens associate capacity across the system, and delivers the best outcomes for learners. As part of a programme of modernisation, we are updating senior associate roles and responsibilities across our qualifications and inviting you to apply for one of these roles.

Role

Content Author & Principal Examiner

GCE A Level Chemistry 9CH0_01

About Pearson

At Pearson we are committed to a world that\'s always learning. We are bold thinkers and innovators who motivate each other to explore new frontiers in an environment that supports and inspires us to be better. We are the UK\'s largest awarding body and offer qualifications globally recognised and benchmarked, with educational excellence rooted in General and Vocational courses.

Purpose

Content Author is there to produce error-free, factually accurate assessments that align with the subject specification. Principal Examiner is there to ensure that the standards of externally assessed unit(s)/module(s)/component(s) are maintained and 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 maintain professional integrity. Essential requirements include:

• Act at all times in a way that 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 meetings or training sessions provided, relevant to your role, where requested by Pearson.
• Adhere to deadlines and ensure work is carried out to the best of an individual\'s ability.
• 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, appropriate malware/virus protection, a suitable internet connection, and a personal, secure email account.
• Communicate with Pearson and its centres in a timely manner for designated responsibilities.
• Raise any concerns if you suspect malpractice, maladministration, or safeguarding issues.

Role Specific Services and Expectations

In addition to core service expectations, you must consider and provide role-specific services and expectations, including:

• Ensure timely delivery of contracted unit(s)/module(s)/component(s).
• Update the mark scheme/guidance before the pre-standardisation meeting, considering actual candidates\' responses and feedback from supervisors/Examiners.
• Lead pre-standardisation and standardisation meetings; participate in appeals, post-series reviews, and, if required, represent Pearson at board hearings for examination appeals.
• Select and mark items for validity as agreed at the pre-standardisation meeting.
• Mark an allocation of live candidates\' responses for quality assurance as part of a supervisory role, where required.
• Prepare and collate materials for standardisation.
• Support supervisors and Examiners.
• Sample supervisors/Examiners\' initial marking and backread responses to target issues.
• Monitor the progress of supervisors/Examiners.
• Review responses for clarification.
• Act as a senior point of escalation across the quality assurance process.
• Provide support across several paper versions, including those introduced previously and during the contractual period.
• Monitor and report to the Assessment team after standardisation and marking, submitting a completed feedback form for each supervisor/Examiner as directed.
• Support awarding activities by writing reports to the Awarding Committee, recommending grade boundaries, and participating in awarding activities as required.
• Complete the Senior Assessment Associate review process and attend follow-up meetings with the assessment team as required.
• Submit reports on the series/candidate performance and provide 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 lead/co-ordinate training such as standardisation and other standards-related activities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the specification for your specialist sector, including internal and external requirements.
• Provide examples of leading or supporting essential quality assurance activities.

Desirable

• High level of IT proficiency.
• Leadership experience in delivering qualifications.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance and requirements.
• Experience in report writing within a regulated industry.

Experience and Qualifications

Qualifications required to apply depend on the qualification you are delivering. Please contact Pearson ahead of your application if requirements are not clear.

General Qualifications (e.g. GCSE/A Level)

• Degree.
• A UK recognised teaching qualification.

Note: upon successful application Pearson may ask you to provide proof of the qualifications required.

Application Information

We have opportunities available for teaching professionals to join our growing teams of examiners, moderators and verifiers.

Closing date: 07 November 2025 at midnight