About This Role
External Examiner (EE)
BTEC Higher Nationals
Purpose of this Role
- Affirm national standards have been achieved and upheld
- Monitor through external examiner sampling and visit activities, centres' compliance with Pearson quality assurance expectations for RQF BTEC Higher National programmes
- Support centres during the sampling process
- Support centres in the delivery of BTEC Higher National programmes to national standards
Key Accountabilities
- Covering a defined range of programmes within a sector, the External Examiner (EE) will:
- Undertake sampling of assessed student work within defined parameters and rules to establish that centres are assessing learning outcomes in accordance with Pearson standards for its Higher National qualifications
- Provide sampling-related support and development to centres
- Produce reports for centres and Pearson on the sampling undertaken, outcomes reached, and support provided
- Apply appropriate sanctions in consultation with the team leader where it is deemed assessment outcomes are not consistent with the published national standards being met
- Produce targeted actions for centres to assist with remedial actions where national standards are not being upheld
- Support centres to understand and implement identified actions
- Facilitate the Senior External Examiner (SEE) in sourcing materials for training and standardisation
- Report back to Pearson and centres following EE activity within agreed service-level agreements
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the work of Technical and Professional Assessment in relation to this role
Previous Experience:
Essential:
- Deep understanding of delivering and assessing BTEC Higher National qualifications in the subject area. Recent experience with HN development, delivery or assessment is preferrable
- Hold a qualification at least at Level 6 and a full and relevant competence qualification / professional body membership for working in the sector
- Participation annually in online training and standardisation and successful completion of the set standardisation activity
Desirable:
- Evidence of recent Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in the sector
- A willingness to use technology-based approaches to communication and centre support
Skills and Knowledge
Essential:
- Excellent communication, written, verbal, IT and interpersonal skills
- Good working knowledge of the specifications that comprise the area of expertise for the role
- A customer-focused approach
- The need to meet deadlines
- Develop and monitor clear action plans
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Desirable:
Word processing and intermediate Excel skills
About Pearson
We value the power of inclusive culture and embed diversity and inclusion in everything we do. Pearson promotes a company culture where differences are embraced as strengths, opportunities are equal and accessible, consideration and respect are the norm. Through our talent, we believe that diversity and inclusion make us a more innovative and vibrant company. People are at the centre of our company. We are committed to a sustainable environment and workplace ecosystem where talent can learn, grow, and thrive. 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.
Core Responsibilities
- Deliver high-quality, engaging lessons aligned to the required curriculum.
- Create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment for diverse learners.
- Assess student progress rigorously and provide timely, constructive feedback.
- Participate actively in broader school life, including extra-curricular programs.
- Collaborate with departmental colleagues to elevate instructional strategies.
Candidate Requirements
- A recognized teaching qualification (e.g., PGCE, QTS, or equivalent).
- A minimum of 2 years verifiable post-qualification teaching experience.
- Demonstrable track record of excellent student outcomes.
- A bachelor's degree directly related to your teaching specialization.
- Clear criminal record check spanning the last 10 years of residency.