Jobs in Birchwood

Exams Officer
Location: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire
Salary: £35,000 – £42,000 FTE (dependent on experience)
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
About the Role
We are seeking a highly organised, detail-oriented and proactive Exams Officer to lead the administration and delivery of all internal and external examinations. This is a pivotal role within the school, ensuring examinations are conducted efficiently, securely and in full compliance with Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) regulations and awarding body requirements.
The successful candidate will oversee the complete examination cycle, working closely with senior leaders, teaching staff, students, parents, invigilators and external examination boards to deliver an outstanding examinations service.
Key ResponsibilitiesExamination Administration
Manage all aspects of the examinations process, including entries, amendments, withdrawals and certification claims.
Coordinate and administer GCSE, A-Level, vocational and internal examinations.
Produce and manage examination timetables, seating plans and room allocations.
Ensure the secure receipt, storage and distribution of examination materials.
Organise results days and support post-results services, including reviews of marking and appeals.Compliance and Quality Assurance
Ensure full compliance with JCQ regulations and awarding body requirements.
Maintain accurate examination records, policies and procedures.
Monitor changes in examination regulations and communicate updates to relevant staff.
Prepare for and support any inspections or audits relating to examinations.Access Arrangements and Student Support
Work closely with the SEND team to coordinate access arrangements and reasonable adjustments.
Process special consideration applications where appropriate.
Ensure all candidates receive the support they are entitled to during examinations.Invigilator Management
Recruit, train, brief and deploy examination invigilators.
Manage invigilation schedules and ensure adequate staffing for all examination sessions.
Provide ongoing support and guidance to the invigilation team.Stakeholder Communication
Act as the primary point of contact for examination boards and awarding organisations.
Communicate examination information clearly and effectively to staff, students and parents.
Support teaching staff with examination entries, coursework submissions and assessment deadlines.Data and Reporting
Maintain accurate examination data using the school's Management Information System (MIS).
Produce reports and analysis for senior leadership as required.
Ensure deadlines are met and records are maintained to the highest standard.Person SpecificationEssential
Previous experience in an Exams Officer, Exams Administrator or similar role.
Strong knowledge of JCQ regulations and examination processes.
Excellent organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple deadlines.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Experience using school MIS systems such as Arbor, SIMS, Bromcom or equivalent.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.Desirable
Experience working within a secondary school or further education setting.
Knowledge of access arrangements and examination concessions.
Experience managing or training invigilators.
Understanding of assessment and qualifications frameworks.What We Offer
Competitive salary of £35,000–£42,000 FTE.
Local Government Pension Scheme.
Ongoing professional development and training.
Supportive and collaborative working environment.
Opportunity to play a key role in supporting student achievement and success.Safeguarding StatementThe school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and relevant pre-employment checks