This snapshot, taken on
10/08/2011
, shows web content acquired for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search may not work in archived websites and contact details are likely to be out of date.
 
 
The UK Government Web Archive does not use cookies but some may be left in your browser from archived websites.

QCDA is closing as part of the Government's education reforms. We're updating our website to reflect our reducing remit until the site closes in autumn 2011. You can find removed content in the National Archives web archive.

Marking

Marking is at the heart of national curriculum tests. We're working with markers to mark over one million test scripts during a six-week window and deliver pupils' results to schools.

The marking process

Markers mark national curriculum tests according to the mark scheme. All markers receive training on how to apply the mark scheme. Markers must demonstrate they can apply the mark scheme accurately and consistently before they are approved to mark national curriculum test scripts.

There are different types of marker:

  • Markers mark pupils' test scripts according to the mark scheme and procedures.
  • Team leaders supervise six to 10 markers, check samples of marked test scripts against the mark scheme and advise on necessary adjustments.
  • Senior markers supervise and mentor a team of team leaders. They check samples of marked test scripts against the mark scheme and advise on necessary adjustments.
  • Marking programme leaders and deputy marking programme leaders supervise teams of senior markers, prepare and deliver the training programme for markers and ensure that the mark scheme is applied consistently.

Following mark scheme training, markers must mark a set of practice scripts, and after feedback on the accuracy of their marking, go on to mark a set of standardisation scripts. The marking of the standardisation scripts is assessed for accuracy against an agreed standard. The marker is then either approved for marking or given further guidance before being asked to mark a second set of scripts. Markers who do not mark the second set of scripts accurately are not approved to mark. Once approved markers have started work, their marking accuracy is assessed two more times during the marking period to check they are still marking to the agreed standard.

When marking is complete, pupils' total marks are converted to a national curriculum level using the level threshold marks. The level threshold tables are published on this website on results day.

Marked national curriculum test scripts are returned to schools after the level threshold tables are published and schools can request a review of the marking of tests scripts if appropriate. Further information on the review process is available in the Reviews section of this website.

Regulation and monitoring

Ofqual, the qualifications, tests and exams regulator for England, monitors national curriculum tests and the quality of marking to make sure pupils get the results they deserve.

Last modified: 17 Jan 2011