Overview

Principal Examiner for iAL Economics. We are currently recruiting for two Principal Examiners for the iAL Economics subject and papers.

About Pearson: At Pearson we’re committed to a world that’s always learning. We are bold thinkers and stand-out innovators who motivate each other to explore new frontiers in an environment that supports and inspires us to be better.

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 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 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 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/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

In addition to Pearson’s core service expectations, there are role-specific services and expectations:

• Ensuring the timely delivery of 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; participate in others such as appeals against results and post-series reviews. You may 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 Pearson marking system.
• 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 paper versions and 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, and participating in awarding activities as required.
• Completing the Senior Assessment Associate review process and attending follow-up meetings as 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:

• 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: 20 October 2025 at midnight

Closing date may be updated by Pearson. Please refer to the official posting for the latest closing date.