To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many unqualified teachers marked (a) A-level, (b) GCSE, (c) Key Stage 3 SATs and (d) Key Stage 2 SATs examination papers in each year since 2001. (163553)

The regulatory authorities for the public exams systems in England, Wales and Northern Ireland issue a joint code of practice which requires awarding bodies to ensure that candidates’ work is marked by suitably experienced and trained examiners. Data on examiners’ qualifications are not collected by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), which is the regulatory authority in England for GCSEs and A-levels.

The National Assessment Agency (NAA), which is responsible for the external marking of national curriculum tests, specifies the criteria for eligibility to be considered for employment as a test marker. Until 2003, these were the possession of a degree or equivalent, and to be a practising teacher. Since 2004, applicants with a degree and who are taking a Post Graduate Certificate of Education course have also been eligible. The NAA does not collect data about the details of test markers’ qualifications.

To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families (1) what guidance his Department has issued to exam boards on employing people overseas to mark exam papers; (163555)

The regulatory authorities issue a code of practice which requires awarding bodies to ensure that candidates' work is marked by suitably experienced and trained examiners. The awarding bodies are responsible for their own selection criteria in recruiting examiners to ensure that they fulfil that remit.