Marking Administrator

• locations
• Manchester

• time type
• Full time

• posted on
• Posted 2 Days Ago

• time left to apply
• End Date: October 21, 2025 (11 days left to apply)

• job requisition id
• R7092

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Administrator – Marking Team 

Permanent 

Manchester: £23,280 – 24,000 

Hybrid Working 

Are you ready to play a key role in delivering accurate and timely exam results? As an Administrator in the Marking team at AQA, you’ll be part of a collaborative and dynamic team that ensures the smooth running of our marking processes. This is your opportunity to make a real impact in a role that values integrity, adaptability, and teamwork. 

You’ll support the delivery of approximately eleven million exam papers across three series each year. You’ll help ensure that marking is accurate, timely, and compliant, contributing directly to AQA’s mission of delivering fair and reliable assessments for learners of all abilities.

In this role, you'll be responsible for: 

• Supporting the preparation and coordination of subject specialists (associates) to ensure timely and accurate marking

• Providing excellent customer service to associates via Puzzel and CRM systems

• Training and leading small groups of temporary staff during peak periods to deliver key marking processes

You’ll thrive in this role if you: 

• Demonstrate strong organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently

• Deliver excellent customer service and communicate clearly using systems like Puzzel and CRM

• Stay adaptable and resilient when handling unexpected challenges

• Lead and support small teams with confidence

• Maintain a sharp eye for detail and a strong focus on quality

This role offers you: 

• Exposure to impactful work that supports learners across the country

• Opportunities for growth and development within a supportive team

• a working week of 35 hours

• 25 days annual leave with extra days at the end of December and Bank Holidays on top

• A collaborative culture that values integrity and continuous improvement

• The chance to contribute to meaningful change and innovation

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application Process 

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

Application deadline: 23:59 on Monday 20 October

Interviews will be conducted in person in the Manchester office in the week beginning 27 October 2025 and will involve a task to assess your communication and attention to detail.

Onboarding will include a comprehensive induction and training programme.

#CRE23 

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

The Marking Administrator plays a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of the marking processes. This role involves providing high-quality administrative support to associates, managing queries, and maintaining accurate data. The role requires a proactive and organised approach to task management, particularly during peak periods, where responsibilities include training and coordinating temporary staff to meet critical deadlines. Outside of series, the postholder contributes to process improvement initiatives and may support other operational teams. This is a varied and collaborative role that supports the delivery of accurate and timely results, contributing to the overall success of the marking function.Landscape:

The Marking Team is responsible for managing and delivering approximately eleven million exam papers across three series each year. With a core team of thirty-four dedicated permanent staff, supported by a large seasonal workforce during the summer, they operate across three key platforms: CMI, E2, and MEP.

Administrators play a pivotal role in planning and preparing for delivery, monitoring progress, and proactively resolving issues to ensure marking stays on track. The team demonstrates a strong sense of ownership and accountability, working collaboratively to meet tight deadlines and uphold high standards.

By building trusted relationships and using data intelligently, the team ensures results are delivered accurately and on time. Their work supports associates, learners, and internal teams, and they collaborate closely with CRM and Puzzle to drive continuous improvement. The team embodies values of integrity, adaptability, and teamwork, consistently striving to deliver a reliable and learner-focused service.

Activities:

Support the preparation and coordination of associates to ensure timely and accurate marking

Provide excellent customer service to associates via puzzel and CRM systems

Train and lead small groups of temporary staff during peak periods to deliver key marking processes

Monitor progress and escalate issues to ensure deadlines and quality standards are achieved

Contribute to departmental plans and continuous improvement initiatives

Ensuring marking activities are compliant with AQA’s conditions of recognition

Contribute actively to marking-related initiatives, including project work, team meetings, and collaborative activities that support delivery goals

Collaborate closely with internal teams such as Customer Services, Associate Management, Operational Data, Reconciliation and Print and Logistics to ensure smooth delivery of marking processes

To be successful in this role, you will need to:

.

Demonstrate strong organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently, especially during busy marking periods.

Deliver excellent customer service and communicate clearly with associates and internal teams using systems like Puzzel and CRM.

Stay adaptable and resilient, remaining calm and flexible when handling unexpected challenges or changes.

Lead and support small teams with confidence, working collaboratively to ensure smooth delivery of marking processes.

Maintain a sharp eye for detail and a strong focus on quality to ensure marking meets compliance and performance standards.

Contribute to continuous improvement, actively supporting process enhancements and departmental initiatives outside of series.

Take proactive ownership of decisions, assessing situations quickly and resolving issues effectively.

Work independently with confidence, while also being a reliable team player who contributes positively to team goals.

Own your goals and personal development, seeking feedback and opportunities to gain experience within the role.

Use strong IT skills, confidently navigating multiple systems and tools to manage data, solve problems, and support delivery.

About Us

AQA is an independent charity that sets and marks over half of all GCSEs and A-levels in the UK every year. Our purpose is to advance education by helping students and teachers to realise their potential. As part of AQA, you’ll very quickly appreciate the determination and unwavering passion to deliver this goal in everything we do. To help drive these ambitions, AQA invests in the development of its people by offering a range of professional development and learning opportunities leading to over 50% of our permanent roles being filled internally.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you have any requirements for reasonable adjustments in relation to the application, interview or the prospective job, please contact Faye Harrison (she/her) at fharrison@aqa.org.uk or on

07813 724161. We are asking for this information to make the process as equitable as possible for each candidate. Please note that Faye will not be able to assist you with enquiries regarding Temporary vacancies or non-recruitment enquiries. If you have query regarding Temporary vacancies, please contact:

temprecruit@aqa.org.uk

Smart Working

We’re operating a smart working model. This allows for our colleagues to work from two days a week in one of our offices across England.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone - regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background - is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.

Conflict of Interest

Please note that due to the confidential nature of our work, we are unable to employ people for our temporary roles who are currently a candidate for Key Stage 4 and 5 public examinations.

Safeguarding

AQA is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk. We’re dedicated to reducing the risk of employing or contracting any person intent on abusing their position of trust, along with identifying and responding to any incident of alleged abuse from its employees or associates fairly and swiftly.

For more information on safeguarding at AQA please visit the AQA website here. 

Contact

Temporary roles: temprecruit@aqa.org.uk
Permanent and Fixed Term roles: opportunities@aqa.org.uk