Guidance

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.

• From: Standards and Testing Agency
• Published: 3 April 2014
• Last updated: 7 December 2023 — See all updates

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.

Published 3 April 2014
Last updated 7 December 2023 + show all updates

1. 7 December 2023

   Capita's website for marker applications has changed to: www.capita.com/careers/explore-our-opportunities/education

2. 1 December 2023

   Capita's website for marker applications has changed to: https://content.capita.com/educationcareers

3. 28 November 2023

   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.

4. 5 October 2023

   Updated the month in which this page will be updated with the recruitment process for 2024 (November rather than October).

5. 3 May 2023

   Edited 'Apply to be a marker' section to reflect the close of recruitment for the 2023 KS2 tests.

6. 12 December 2022

   Updated the criteria and application information for becoming a marker. Removed science.

7. 5 May 2022

   Edited 'Apply to be a marker' section to reflect the close of recruitment for the 2022 KS2 tests.

8. 29 September 2021

   Updates to how to become a marker.

9. 12 October 2020

   Updated for the 2021 marker recruitment activity.

10. 20 January 2020

    Science sampling test section amended to reflect email to coders (markers) to apply to code the 2020 science sampling tests.

11. 17 October 2019

    Updated for the 2019/2020 test cycle.

12. 30 October 2018

    Updated for the 2018 to 2019 test cycle.

13. 21 March 2018

    Changed to reflect the completion of marker recruitment for the 2018 tests.

14. 27 February 2018

    Changed to reflect the completion or marker recruitment for the 2018 science sampling tests.

15. 14 November 2017

    Updated for the 2017 to 2018 test cycle.

16. 27 June 2017

    Dates amended to reflect current marker recruitment opportunities.

17. 12 June 2014

    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...'.

18. 3 April 2014

    First published.