Joshua Gardiner

Learning and Assessment Design Specialist with over six years' experience developing curricula, designing assessment frameworks, and contributing to quality assurance across international and digital learning environments.

Currently working as both an ESOL Writing Examiner and Exam Writer for NOCN, with direct experience designing and evaluating CEFR-aligned assessments for high-stakes academic English qualifications. Strong understanding of assessment validity, reliability, standardisation, and moderation processes within regulated frameworks.

Proven ability to design scalable learning products, align content to defined standards, and contribute to the development of robust, high-quality certification and assessment systems.

Academic English Exam Writer

National Open College Network (The NOCN Group) (Remote) Sheffield March 2026 – Present

• Develop CEFR-aligned assessment materials for Academic English qualifications, including writing, listening, reading and speaking exam papers and supporting documentation.

• Contribute to the design of valid and reliable assessment instruments aligned with qualification specifications.

• Apply principles of assessment design, including construct validity, task authenticity, and level appropriateness.

• Collaborate with awarding body processes developing standardised, high-quality assessment materials.

ESOL Writing Examiner

National Open College Network (The NOCN Group) (Remote) Sheffield October 2023 – Present

• Assess high-stakes written examinations using CEFR-aligned criteria to ensure validity, reliability, and fairness.

• Apply standardisation protocols to maintain consistency across national marking processes.

• Participate in moderation activities, supporting benchmarking and quality assurance.

• Provide detailed, criteria-referenced evaluation aligned with qualification frameworks.

Learning & Curriculum Designer

Perk Academy | Online English School (Remote) Greenwich January 2020 – Present

• Design structured, CEFR-aligned learning programmes with integrated assessment frameworks and progression.

• Develop assessment tools including writing tasks, marking criteria, and feedback systems.

• Utilise digital learning products and create modular learning pathways.

• Implement quality assurance processes to ensure consistency and learner outcomes.

• Use learner performance data to refine curriculum and assessment design.

Senior English Language Teacher (Academic Programmes & Assessment)

Influential English School (Remote) London January 2021 – Present

• Support assessment and academic administration, including attendance tracking, assessment records, and progression monitoring.

• Coordinate monthly assessment cycles (IELTS mock exams), ensuring compliance with formal procedures.

• Manage VLE systems (VEDAMO), including enrolments, permissions, and digital assessment workflows.

• Develop and maintain structured assessment tracking systems to ensure accurate data and reporting.

• Support quality assurance processes and external inspection preparation (e.g. British Council compliance).

• Respond to high volumes of student and staff queries, ensuring clear, timely, and accurate communication.

Curriculum Lead & Teacher (KS2)

St. Anthony’s Catholic Primary School & Nursery (On-Site) Slough September 2021 – December 2023

• Led the design and implementation of a whole-school curriculum aligned with national standards

• Developed assessment tools and progression frameworks to support consistent evaluation

• Delivered CPD on curriculum and assessment practices

• Ensured alignment between curriculum intent, implementation, and impact.

Curriculum Content Developer (EdTech)

Bedrock Learning Ltd (Remote) Norwich July 2022 – October 2022

• Developed curriculum-aligned digital learning materials used across UK primary schools.

• Collaborated with editorial and curriculum teams to ensure consistency, accessibility and quality standards.

• Produced materials aligned with national curriculum outcomes and learner progression frameworks.

Deakin University

Transforming Digital Learning: Learning Design Meets Service Design

University of Leeds and Institute of Coding

How To Create Great Online Content

University of Cambridge

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with QTS (2019)

Anglia Ruskin University

BA (Hons) Education and Childhood Studies – First Class Honours (2017)

The TEFL Academy (Ofqual-regulated)

Qualifi Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language – Distinction (2020)

Qualifi Level 5 Certificate in Teaching Practice (TEFL) (2024)