Pay is ‘most significant concern’ for Scotland’s exam markers, new report finds

Two thirds of markers who grade school students’ exam papers think the job does not pay enough, a new survey has found.

After suffering “challenges” in recruiting and retaining exam markers, bosses at the Scottish Qualifications Authority commissioned new research into the problem.

And pay was identified as the “most significant concern”, with 66% of markers surveyed saying the work does not pay enough.

A report prepared for the exam body said that the Scottish Government should “increase marker pay in line with inflation, and ensure that marker pay is increased annually”.

It comes after the exams body in “recent years has faced challenges in recruiting and retaining markers, including a decline in marker availability across subjects”.

Every year the SQA recruits around 7,500 individual markers – usually teachers and lecturers – to grade the papers and work submitted by students across Scotland.

The SQA report added while pay was “not the primary motivation for marking” many of those who grade exam papers “felt the financial reward had diminished to the point of questioning its value”.

This was especially said to be the case after pay rises for teachers meant the money earned from marking could be taxed at a higher level.

The report added that since 2013 pay increases for marking have “lagged behind inflation and teacher salary growth” – with some of the markers surveyed reporting “effective pay rates falling below minimum wage”.

This “contributed to feelings of markers being undervalued”, the report said, with “some suggestions that markers have become less invested, or apply less rigour” to the job as a result.

With the report stating that the “most frequently suggested improvement in increasing marker recruitment and retention was increasing pay” the SQA has said it will “explore ways to better recognise and appreciate markers’ contributions within existing budget constraints”.

The research, which saw 768 recent markers surveyed, found almost three fifths (57%) identified workload pressures as a major drawback to doing the work.

However, 96% reported the job improved their understanding of subjects – with nine out of 10 (89%) saying as a result their students benefited from their marking work.

Chief examining officer Donna Stewart said: “This research demonstrates the professionalism and dedication of our marking community.

“Our markers are committed professionals who understand the vital importance of their role in maintaining standards and ensuring fairness for Scotland’s learners.

“Whilst we celebrate these positive findings, we are equally committed to addressing the challenges they have highlighted.”

The report was published ahead of the launch of Scotland’s new exams body, Qualifications Scotland, next month.

Ms Stewart added: “Despite the challenges identified, the findings show that marking provides valuable professional development opportunities that ultimately benefit teaching practice and student outcomes across the country.

“SQA – and in-turn Qualifications Scotland – recognises that addressing these challenges requires collaborative effort with education partners across the whole country.

“Our organisation is committed to working constructively with all stakeholders to ensure that Scotland’s marking system remains robust, fair, and attractive to the dedicated professionals who deliver it.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “This report recognises the vital work by teachers and lecturers to support the approach to marking qualifications.

“Responses demonstrate the value of the marking process and the professional learning benefits it brings, helping improve teaching practice and enabling pupils to receive their qualifications.

“The latest pay offer for Scotland’s teachers reflects our gratitude for the immense hard work they do to ensure that all children and young people can thrive in their education.

“We welcome that the teaching unions are recommending to their members to accept the offer and hope that teachers will do so.”