On your marks.

Having marked several hundred exam scripts you may have thought the hard work was over. But you'll still need to return the marks you awarded for each script to your awarding body so they can start collating and analysing them.

Get to know your awarding body

Each awarding body has a slightly different procedure for submitting examiner marks. The procedure will have been outlined during the Standardisation Day you attended before you started marking. Don't forget to look back through the paperwork sent to you.

Among all of this you'll find a set of instructions for returning marks. These are usually easily identifiable - either titled 'How to mark' or 'Information for markers'.

If you are unable to find any information on returning marks, contact your Team Leader or telephone your awarding body's helpline.

Returning marks

As an examiner you'll usually return your marks

• by transferring the script totals onto mark sheets which you'll post back to the awarding body
• typing them into an online form found at the awarding body's website

• by submitting them over the phone to the exam mark collection team

Phone or internet mark returns need no paperwork but you'll need to know the correct phone number or website address to get your marks in. Check your returning mark instructions for these and any passwords you'll need to use.

Postal mark returns require an official mark sheet. Before you start, check you have a ready supply of these personalised with candidate or pupil details to keep you going through the entire marking period.

If your awarding body only sent you limited stock then order more. It isn't outside the realms of possibility that you could use up your paperwork on changed entries.

Your marker instructions, or the official form itself, will tell you how to order more and from whom. Allow two to three days for these to arrive by post.

Stationery and envelopes

Once you've submitted your marks you'll have to return any forms and the marked scripts to the awarding body.

Your awarding body will give you the envelopes to use. Don't be tempted to use any envelopes left over from last year. Awarding bodies may change their official returns stationery each exam session - envelope colours or pre-written return addresses may change.

Sending it all back

If your returns procedure requires you to return scripts through a courier, then check before you send exactly what the despatch instructions are and whether you will collect a signature from the driver as proof of posting.

For more details on the script despatch service, contact your awarding body or go to www.qcda.gov.uk.