SLT Insights

Why Senior Leaders should champion their teachers becoming examiners

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, one of the most impactful ways to support professional development and raise standards within your school is by encouraging your teaching staff to become examiners.

Becoming an examiner offers teachers a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of assessment frameworks, marking criteria, and national standards. It’s not just about grading papers—it’s about gaining insight into how students are evaluated, which in turn enhances classroom practice. Teachers who mark exams often report a sharper focus on what constitutes high-quality student responses, leading to more targeted teaching and improved outcomes.

But the benefits extend beyond the individual. Schools with examiner-trained staff often see a ripple effect: departments become more assessment-literate, moderation becomes more robust, and students benefit from clearer guidance and feedback. It’s a win-win for teaching quality and student achievement.

From a leadership perspective, supporting staff to become examiners is a strategic move. It signals a commitment to continuous professional development and excellence in teaching. It also helps retain ambitious educators who value growth and challenge. And with AQA offering flexible, remote marking options, the workload is manageable and can be tailored around school commitments.

So, if you're a headteacher looking to invest in your staff and raise standards across the board, consider making examiner training part of your CPD strategy. It’s a powerful way to build expertise, boost morale, and ultimately, improve outcomes for your students.

If you're serious about driving results, improving data accuracy, and retaining great teachers — supporting your staff to become examiners is a strategic move you can't afford to overlook.

Schools that consistently perform at the highest level often have 25+ examiners on staff. That’s not a coincidence — it’s a leading indicator. These schools understand that examiner experience transforms teaching, strengthens internal assessment, and builds a culture of professional excellence.

Here’s what your school gains:

• Sharper data, smarter decisions
  Examiners bring precision to mock exams and internal assessments. That means more reliable data, more targeted interventions, and better outcomes.
• Teaching to the standard
  Your teachers gain direct insight into national expectations and marking criteria. They see how top-performing institutions teach - and bring that knowledge back to your classrooms.
• Retention through recognition
  Teachers feel valued, developed, and trusted. Examiner experience is a powerful form of CPD that boosts confidence and morale - reducing your reliance on costly external training.
• A culture of expertise
  When your staff understand the exam process inside out, your whole school benefits. You build internal capacity, reduce dependency, and raise the bar for teaching and learning.

Support your teachers. Strengthen your school.

Watch the video to hear directly from senior leaders and examiners Examiner Benefits from Head of Centre or find out more about how your team members can become examiners themselves.