Exams Officer North Secondary School

Position: Exams Officer for North Secondary School
An Exams Officer is responsible for the planning, administration, and secure delivery of examinations in a school, college, or training centre, ensuring all exams run fairly and in line with awarding-body regulations.

Core Responsibilities

Exam administration

Enter candidates for exams accurately and on time

Manage exam timetables, rooms, seating plans, and invigilation

Liaise with awarding bodies (e.g. JCQ, AQA, Pearson, OCR, WJEC)

Compliance & regulations

Ensure exams follow strict exam-board and JCQ rules

Maintain exam security (papers, storage, access)

Manage access arrangements and reasonable adjustments

During exams

Brief and supervise invigilators

Handle incidents, emergencies, and malpractice procedures

Ensure correct conduct and reporting

Post-exam duties

Dispatch scripts securely

Manage results days, enquiries about results (EARs), and appeals

Oversee certificates distribution and records retention

Data & communication

Maintain accurate candidate records

Communicate clearly with staff, students, parents, and exam boards

Key Skills & Attributes

Excellent organisation and attention to detail

Strong administrative and IT skills

Ability to work under pressure and meet fixed deadlines

Clear communication and diplomacy

Integrity and understanding of confidentiality

Qualifications & Experience

No single required qualification, but:

GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths are usually expected

Experience in school administration is highly valued

Training in JCQ regulations and exam-board systems (e.g. A2C, EDI)

Many Exams Officers gain certification through local authorities or professional bodies

Working Pattern

Often term-time plus, with peak workloads during exam seasons (e.g. May–June, January)

Can involve early starts and occasional extended hours during exams