Training Qualifications UK - Functional Skills Principal Examiner (English)

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Training Qualifications UK - Functional Skills Principal Examiner (English)

Permanent Full-time

Location: Remote, United Kingdom

Reports to: Awarding Manager / Subject Chair

Salary: £30,000 - £36,000 DOE

Line management responsibilities: No

Closing date: 27/06/2025

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​**Application Instructions:

Please apply directly to Training Qualifications UK - Functional Skills Principal Examiner (English)

Applications submitted to AQA will be referred back to the sender**

Overview
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Training Qualifications UK is the fastest-growing Awarding Organisation in the UK, and a market leading End-Point Assessment Organisation. We work with over 500 schools, colleges, universities, and training providers across the world to provide qualification certificates, endorsements, and apprenticeships to over 150,000 learners.

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What’s the secret to our success? Simply put, we do things differently here!

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Our success comes from doing things differently. As we continue to expand our Functional Skills portfolio, we are seeking a skilled and experienced Principal Examiner in English to support with marking and awarding on of our externally assessed Functional Skills English qualifications (Entry Level 1 to Level 2).


The Principal Examiner plays a pivotal role in ensuring the validity, reliability, and fairness of TQUK's Functional Skills English assessments. This includes developing assessment materials, leading standardisation processes, and maintaining consistent marking standards across all levels from Entry Level 1 to Level 2.

​Key Responsibilities

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Assessment Development and Review

• Develop and refine question papers and corresponding mark schemes, ensuring alignment with the qualification specifications and assessment objectives.
• Collaborate with the Subject Chair and assessment teams to ensure content validity and appropriate level of demand across all assessment materials.
• Participate in Question Paper Evaluation Committee (QPEC) meetings to review and finalise assessment materials.

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Standardisation and Quality Assurance

• Lead standardisation meetings to establish and maintain consistent marking standards among examiners.
• Monitor the marking process by sampling scripts, providing feedback, and implementing corrective actions as necessary to uphold marking reliability.
• Utilise quality assurance techniques to ensure ongoing examiner compliance with established standards.

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Marking and Examiner Support

• Undertake script marking as required including sampling of candidate scripts to exemplify the application of the mark scheme.
• Provide guidance and support to assistant examiners, addressing queries and clarifying marking criteria.
• Assist in the training and mentoring of new examiners to ensure a thorough understanding of assessment standards and procedures.

Awarding and Reporting

• Contribute to the awarding process by recommending grade boundaries based on statistical data and examiner feedback.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on assessment performance, highlighting areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in post-results services, including reviews of marking and appeals, providing expert analysis and recommendations.

Regulatory Compliance and Continuous Improvement

• Ensure all assessment activities comply with Ofqual’s General Conditions of Recognition and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Engage in continuous professional development to stay abreast of changes in assessment practices and regulatory standards.
• Provide insights and recommendations for the ongoing development and enhancement of TQUK's Functional Skills English qualifications.

​Essentials Skills and Experience

• A degree in English or a related discipline, or relevant experience.
• Experience in teaching and assessing Functional Skills English qualifications.
• Experience of standardisation processes.
• Understanding of assessment principles, including validity, reliability, and fairness.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and motivate a team of examiners.
• Proficiency in using digital tools and platforms for assessment development and marking.

​Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience working with awarding organisations and familiarity with regulatory frameworks governing qualifications.
• Knowledge of recent developments and reforms in Functional Skills qualifications.
• Experience in statistical analysis related to assessment outcomes

Benefits

• Training, Qualifications & Apprenticeships. It’s what we do!
• 25 days annual leave plus 8 days Bank Holiday (33 in total)
• Additional annual leave day each year, after 2 years of continuous service (up to 28 days)
• An extra day off to celebrate your birthday
• Annual Loyalty Bonus
• Annual salary review
• Bupa Healthcare Benefits 
• EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) 
• NEST pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• A positive and supportive working environment
• Comprehensive onboarding
• A workplace that supports a healthy work/life balance

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Please see the full person specification for this role here.

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*We are an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Should you require any additional support during the recruitment process due to a disability, please contact us so we can assist you.*

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary