Key stage 2 English and mathematics tests: how to become a marker

Criteria for becoming a marker

Markers for the 20242023 national curriculum tests are recruited by Capita, the Standards and Testing Agency’s external supplier. Capita manages the relationship with markersmarkers. andCapita worksis working with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), which leadsis leading on delivering keyKS2 stage 2 (KS2) marking.

Each KS2 test subject’s marking hierarchy is distinct, meaning that all markers must start at the entry level and work up through the hierarchy. All new markers enter the marking hierarchy for a given test subject by one of two entry-levelentry level marker roles. Other roles in the marking hierarchy are offered to applicable markers by Capita, based on marker performance and grading. Markers can only progress through the hierarchy one marking role at a time.

The two types of entry level markers are ‘regular markers’ and ‘specialist markers’

Regular markers must either be:

• an undergraduate, undertaking the final year of a recognised course in primary school teaching
• a graduate, undertaking a recognised postgraduate course in primary school teaching or a postgraduate teacher training programme in secondary school teaching, specialising in the subject or curricular area they are contracted to mark
• a primary school teacher
• a secondary school teacher, specialising in the subject or curricular area they are contracted to mark
• a marker who meets the criteria for a specialist marker but has not obtained a position as a specialist marker due to oversubscription

Regular markers are required to use professional judgement and subject specific knowledge to accurately apply the mark scheme.

Specialist markers must have qualified teacher status with a minimum of one full academic year’s teaching, preferably at primary school. They are required to use professional judgement and subject specific knowledge to interpret pupil responses and accurately apply the mark scheme.

All markers will need to be able to work accurately at speed and demonstrate a positive approach to pupils’ work.

Apply to be a marker

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Marker training

Approved applicants will receive full training on the 2024marking testprocess cycleand how to apply the mark scheme accurately. This will include mandatory online e-learning, virtual mark scheme training, and ongoing support from 1a Decembermarking 2023.supervisor.

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