NCA KS2 Specialist Marker

Reference:NCA/Specialist Marker 

Specialist Marker (SpM)

Specialist markers are responsible for marking an allocation of pupil responses that have been classified as specialist. Subject-specific knowledge is essential and specialist markers are required to use professional judgement to interpret pupil responses and accurately apply the mark scheme to the most challenging items on a paper. Specialist markers complete their allocation of marking in accordance with set procedures and deadlines and work under the direction of a Team Leader (TL). Marking is completed remotely at home using an onscreen marking system. Duties are undertaken under the conditions, timeframes and arrangements set by the Marking Workstream Team (MWT) and the Standards and Testing Agency (STA).

Specialist markers can seek to move through the marking hierarchy one rank at a time and within the same subject. Should opportunities for progression arise, the marker must have previously completed an entire test cycle and have been identified for promotion through the final marker grading process to be eligible for promotion.

Role Specific Services and Expectations

·       Completing familiarisation activities on the required onscreen marking system.

·       Participating in and successfully completing all mandatory training to the required standard.

·       Successfully qualifying for live marking of specialist items.

·       Demonstrating the ability to apply the mark scheme accurately, consistently and to the required standard throughout the marking window by meeting required quality thresholds.

·       Conducting marking in line with processes, procedures and deadlines as defined in the agreed marking plan.

·       Staying in close communication with the Team Leader and positively engaging with their instructions, advice and feedback.

Core Services and Expectations 

·       Being able to participate in and lead marking activities, such as virtual training and onscreen marking, in a private place. 

·       Maintaining confidentiality in all aspects of the role, ensuring that test security and pupil information is not compromised.

·       Acting at all times in a way which will not bring Pearson, its clients, its employees and its representatives into disrepute. Not disclosing any information about any aspect of work with Pearson, e.g. on forums, social networking sites etc.

·       Acknowledging and responding to all contact from the Team Leaders and other senior members of the marking hierarchy, direct reports, the MWT and any other Pearson team, in a timely manner.

·       Following the appropriate routes of escalation for queries and concerns, as required. Direct escalation to the STA is not to be made. 

·       Conducting (within reason) administrative tasks that Pearson employees/representatives require as part of this role. 

·       Completing/passing all the relevant eLearning online training modules.

Competencies Required 

·       Have a high level of subject knowledge in order to apply the mark scheme to mark pupil responses for items classified as specialist.

·       Have the motivation to succeed and to proactively engage in training.

·       Have the ability to work well under pressure and adhere to all deadlines.

·       Have organisational and administrative skills, good forward planning and time management skills, and attention to detail.

·       Have effective interpersonal and communication skills.

·       Be IT literate.

Experience and Qualifications Required

  • Have a degree or equivalent qualification.
  • Have Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a valid Teacher Reference Number (TRN).
  • Be a primary school teacher, or a secondary school teacher in the subject being applied for.
  • Have a minimum of one full academic year’s teaching experience within the current English National Curriculum.
  • Have recent experience teaching Key Stage 2.
  • Ideally have been a subject leader in a primary school for the subject applied for.
  • Have subject-specific expertise and knowledge for the contracted subject to mark pupil responses for items classified as specialist.

 

Teachers in private schools are not eligible for consideration unless they have experience as a qualified teacher in the state sector.

 If you have any queries with your application please be advised to contact the NCA Marker helpdesk by email using KS2NCAMarker@pearson.com or by phone using 0808 169 0904.

Application Information

 Pearson have recently acquired the contract to deliver all primary school national curriculum assessment (NCA) tests in England from 2026. These tests are:

Statutory Key Stage 1 (KS1):

  • Phonics screening check  

Optional Key Stage 1 (KS1):

  • English grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS)
  • English reading
  • Mathematics

Statutory Key Stage 2 (KS2):

  • English GPS
  • English reading
  • Mathematics 

We will manage the end-to-end process for these tests which involves the printing, distribution, and collation of over nine million test papers annually for KS1 and KS2 tests as well as administering the marking of four million KS2 test papers annually.

As part of this contract, we will require a team of markers of various ranks to deliver all marking requirements for KS2 English reading, English GPS and Mathematics. We recognise that markers play an important role in supporting the test cycle, and their role is to ensure consistent application of national standards when marking pupil assessments. 

The job description below provides a detailed breakdown of The Regular Marker role we offer. Please refer to these job descriptions before proceeding with your application. 

 If you have any queries with your application please be advised to contact the NCA Marker helpdesk by email using KS2NCAMarker@pearson.com or by phone using 0808 169 0904.


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Application Options

To take advantage of this opportunity complete our online application

If you have any further queries, or you need any additional support with your application, please contact the Associate Helpdesk team via the Pearson Support Portal.