Job Description

Pearson Plc

England

Job type:

Full Time, Part Time, Permanent

Start date:

08 November 2025

Apply by:

7 November 2025

Job overview

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: Test Administrator (Scotland)

TIMSS 2027 Field Trial, March 2026
PIRLS 2026 Main Study, May-June 2026

Background

Pearson is responsible for the delivery of two international assessment studies in schools in Scotland:

PIRLS. The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) assesses the reading achievement of pupils at about age 10 (P5 in Scotland), every five years across about 60 countries. In addition to reading achievement, PIRLS gathers information on how pupils' performance is related to their attitudes, gender and background. PIRLS includes questionnaires for pupils, teachers, headteachers, and parents/carers which together provide rich contextual data for interpreting the assessment.

TIMSS. The Trends in Maths and Science Study (TIMSS) assesses performance in maths and science of pupils at ages 10 and 14 (P5 and S2 in Scotland) every four years across about 60 countries. It provides internationally comparative data on pupils' achievement in maths and science, and how their performance is related to their attitudes, gender and background. In addition to the assessment, TIMSS includes questionnaires for pupils, teachers, headteachers, and parents/carers, which together provide valuable contextual data and perspectives on the teaching of mathematics and science.

Pearson is recruiting external Test Administrators to administer these studies in schools in Scotland.
More information is available online:
https://www.pearson.com/pirls26scotland

https://www.pearson.com/timss27scotland

In each study, the pupil assessment is delivered online and is split into two assessment sections followed by a questionnaire section. Test Administrators (TAs) will therefore need to be confident using technology. Training will be provided on accessing and using the online platforms, and schools are asked to have an IT technician available on the day. Online training is mandatory to ensure standardisation in delivery.

Purpose

Test Administrators (TAs) administer the pupil online assessments and questionnaires within designated schools, ensuring that international procedures are adhered to in full. They will be trained remotely and must complete pre-training activities and attend a live training/Q&A session in the two to three weeks prior to each test window. Preparation includes reading the TA manual and completing short online assessments on the pre-training materials.

TAs will be trained and contracted separately for each study, allowing participation in one or both studies depending on availability and geographic demand.

Main Responsibilities

Liaise with the School Coordinator or Headteacher regarding test day arrangements (room bookings, layout, IT access).

Ensure there are enough computers/laptops on the assessment day.

Ensure that pupils are sitting their assigned online assessments.

Administer the assessments and pupil questionnaires according to international standards, maintaining security at all times.

Ensure correct session timing and record start/end times.

Record pupil participation and complete administrative paperwork as required.

Return administration documents to Pearson after completion.

Remind schools to complete teacher, school, and parent/carer questionnaires by the test date.

Set up and administer Pearson-supplied devices (laptops) when required.

Relevant Experience

Experience teaching or working in a school classroom.

Confident using IT applications, especially for online assessments.

Experience invigilating tests or examinations.

Competencies Required

Ability to adhere to procedural standards.

Confidence troubleshooting common technology issues.

Excellent verbal communication skills.

Good organisational and administrative skills.

Ability to identify, communicate, and escalate issues effectively.

Ability to work to agreed timeframes.

Essential Requirements

Availability for at least one of the studies:

TIMSS: Remote training in February 2026; availability Mon-Fri (min. 3 days/week), 2 March-2 April 2026.

PIRLS: Remote training in April 2026; availability Mon-Fri (min. 3 days/week), 6 May-19 June 2026.

Typical school hours: 08:00-13:00.

Car and driving licence (use of public transport encouraged where practical).

Current Scottish PVG scheme certificate covering work with children (verification or application support provided).

Commitment to pupil safeguarding and welfare.

Desirable Requirements
Occasional overnight stays may be required to reach schools by 08:00. Expenses will be paid. Applicants should indicate overnight availability on their Expression of Interest form.

Work to be Contracted
Contracts will be issued for one or both studies based on availability, demand, and proximity to schools.

Application Guidance
Classroom-based experience is essential.

In the Occupation Experience section of the application form:

Select "Yes" for "Do you have vocational or industrial/occupational experience in the sector(s) for which you are applying?"

Choose "Work based Experience - Classroom based experience" from the drop-down list.

The vacancy preference will show as TIMSS; use this preference in the drop-down menus.

About

Pearson Plc

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Pearson Plc

80 Strand
London
WC2R 0RL
United Kingdom

+44 207 190 4900 Please note that you are wholly responsible for fact checking in respect of the information provided by schools. Please also check for the latest visa and work permit requirements that may apply. Tes is not responsible for the content of advertisements or the policies adopted by advertising schools. Tes asks that all schools follow

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