PIRLS 2026 – Scorer (Marker) Job Description
Background
The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, known as PIRLS is an international comparative study that assesses and compares the reading performance of pupils at about age 10, or year five in England, every five years across about 60 countries. It provides internationally comparative data on pupils’ achievement in reading, and how their performance is related to their attitudes, gender and background. Find out more about PIRLS at https://www.iea.nl/studies/iea/pirls
Pearson is appointed as the National Centre to administer PIRLS 2026 in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Purpose & Responsibilities
The PIRLS 2026 Main Study is taking place during May-July 2026, and we are looking for suitable candidates to carry out the scoring of the pupil responses to the PIRLS reading assessments. Responses in PIRLS are assigned a score rather than a mark. Detailed scoring guides and training will be provided. All scoring and training will take place online and remotely.
The roles and responsibilities of a PIRLS scorer include, but are not limited to:
- Attending and participating in online scorer training and discussions throughout the working day
- Being available Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00 during the scoring window Monday 20 July 2026 – Friday 7 August 2026
- Scoring own allocation of pupil responses consistently and ensuring overall standards are maintained
- Demonstrating the ability to apply the scoring guide correctly and to the internationally agreed standard through the scoring of quality assurance samples and designated reliability items
- Completing allocated scoring remotely each day and ensuring all deadlines for scoring are met
- Adhering to the key dates and instructions about scoring provided by Pearson
- Completing all administrative tasks as required and meeting deadlines
- Providing feedback on the scoring process at the end of scoring window
- Maintaining confidentiality in relation to all the work carried out for the PIRLS assessments so the test security is not compromised
Candidate Profile
Qualifications and Experience
- A Degree in English or appropriate alternative
- Experience in teaching primary reading/literacy/English
- Previous experience of marking external assessments online is desirable
Further Skills and Qualities
Candidates must:
- Be able to give full concentration to complex tasks for extended periods
- Have a willingness to accept instructions and work within a pre-existing framework.
- Have good attention to detail
- Be able to work well as part of a team
- Be able to analyse complex written material
- Have an excellent understanding of English
You will be expected to be available for training and scoring between 09:00 and 17:00 Monday to Friday, Monday 20 July 2026 – Friday 7 August 2026.
- All coding must take place in the UK.
- Payment will be £150 per day of training and scoring completed.
Application Information We have a number of opportunities available for teaching professionals to join our growing teams of examiners, moderators and verifiers.
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Closing date: 07 June 2026 at midnight
