Having trouble seeing this email? Please see the online version

28 March 2025
Dear Colleague,

 At the start of the academic year, we changed our international sampling strategy to improve efficiency and ensure reliable and valid results. I’m getting in touch to inform you of some further improvements, which will be effective from 1 April 2025, based on your valuable feedback.

These changes will better support you and ensure consistent standards across all programmes.  

Overview of changes

1. New 0-25 Learner Cohort Size - This group will now receive a remote sample of 6, allowing for more tailored support and accurate assessment.

2. Removal of high and low-risk categories - We are moving to 'standard' (6 samples) and 'enhanced' (9 samples) sizes, simplifying the process and making it easier to manage.

3. Removal of “assessor by proxy” - all your assessors should be sampled over time in line with all other qualification suites, using the risk-based professional judgement of your International Standards Verifier on which assessors to sample first.  

0-25 Learners

26-100 Learners

101-200 learners
Samples Size
Standard
6*
9
12
Sample Size
Enhanced
(Default sample size +3additinal samples above the standard sample size. Required following a first visit block)
9(6+3)
12(9+3)
12(12+3)
* if 5 learners or less, sample each learner
Selecting the sample 

The sampling sizes listed above are the minimum that must be sampled by the ISV. To ensure safe certification across programmes, our ISVs will use their professional judgement and may select additional samples as required, based on risk.  

When completing sampling, the sample must include all available grades, and over time, the assessment decisions of all assessors, across all units, and all assessment locations.  

What does each sample look like? 

Each sample is one piece of learner work. This will normally be the work produced for an assignment brief, which generally covers one learning aim. ISVs will not be sampling full units.

Large centre approach 

If you are a large centre, with 201+ learners per programme, the following sampling strategy will apply:  

  • for programmes on the standard sampling size, an additional 12 samples will be completed for each additional 100 learners  
  • for programmes on the enhanced sampling size, an additional 15 samples will be completed for each additional 100 learners.  
  • This approach keeps standards consistent across programmes / centres. 
     
Remote or physical visits 

All International sampling will be completed remotely as default. Physical visits will be agreed by exception, based on specific centre needs or support required.

Frequency of verification  

The frequency of verification is based on risk and will be increased as needed to support your centre. The following centres will generally have two samples:

  • new centres  
  • existing centres running a new qualification 
  • programmes which have received a verification outcome of a ‘block’ on the first sample. These programmes will also then be subject to an Enhanced sample size.
     
All other qualifications will receive one sample per year, unless other risk factors are identified.

Further support

We are committed to supporting you through these changes and ensuring a smooth transition. If you have any questions, please contact us through the Pearson support portal.



Kind regards, 

Andy Pollard
Senior Delivery Manager 
Vocational Assessment - WBL & EPA

Pearson Customer Services

The Lighthouse, Manchester, M50 3BF

Unsubscribe