Key stage 2 English and mathematics tests: how to become a marker
Guidance about how to become a marker for the key stage 2 (KS2) English and mathematics tests.
Markers for the national curriculum tests are recruited by Capita, the Standards and Testing Agency’s external supplier. Capita manages the relationship with markers and works with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), which leads on delivering key 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-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.
All markers will need to be able to work accurately at speed and demonstrate a positive approach to pupils’ work.
If you have not marked in the past three test cycles and are interested in applying to be a marker, or for more information on how to access role profiles and read the employment criteria, please visit Capita’s website.
Please note: If you are subject to a ban or prohibition order, you will not be offered a contract.
Updates to this page
Last updated 7 December 2023 + show all updates
-
Capita's website for marker applications has changed to: www.capita.com/careers/explore-our-opportunities/education
-
Capita's website for marker applications has changed to: https://content.capita.com/educationcareers
-
Updated for the academic year 2023 to 2024. To avoid duplication and ensure potential future markers have all the important information they need in one place, we migrated any details about the criteria for becoming a marker, marker training and the application process to Capita's marker recruitment landing page at www.capita-sta.co.uk.
-
Updated the month in which this page will be updated with the recruitment process for 2024 (November rather than October).
-
Edited 'Apply to be a marker' section to reflect the close of recruitment for the 2023 KS2 tests.
-
Updated the criteria and application information for becoming a marker. Removed science.
-
Edited 'Apply to be a marker' section to reflect the close of recruitment for the 2022 KS2 tests.
-
Updates to how to become a marker.
-
Updated for the 2021 marker recruitment activity.
-
Science sampling test section amended to reflect email to coders (markers) to apply to code the 2020 science sampling tests.
-
Updated for the 2019/2020 test cycle.
-
Updated for the 2018 to 2019 test cycle.
-
Changed to reflect the completion of marker recruitment for the 2018 tests.
-
Changed to reflect the completion or marker recruitment for the 2018 science sampling tests.
-
Updated for the 2017 to 2018 test cycle.
-
Dates amended to reflect current marker recruitment opportunities.
-
The reference to assessing the accuracy of marking (penultimate paragraph) has been amended from '...two more times during the marking period...' to '...throughout the marking period...'.
-
First published.