Principal Examiner iAL Physics
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£54,600
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role may qualify for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2114 is an eligible occupation, but we classified this role with low confidence (34% match). If the code is right — and Pearson is a licensed sponsor — it should qualify, but double-check the occupation eligibility rules against the actual role.
About the role
About Pearson
At 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.
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 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.
Role Specific Services and Expectations
As 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.
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.
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 with QTS.
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: 30 September 2026 at midnight
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Pearson, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
SOC 2114 · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · ~10k in sampleSimilar sponsored roles
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Browse more sponsored jobs at PearsonAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Pearson holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2114 going rate of £54,600. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.