Examinations Assistant

Job Description

Job Title: Examinations Assistant

Grade: Scale 4 Point 7 - 8 (£25,584 - £25,992) (pro rate = £21,933 - £22,283)

37 hours per week for 39 weeks + 5.7 weeks for annual leave/holiday.

Reports to: Examinations Officer and Assistant Headteacher i/c Exams
Liaison with: All internal and external stakeholders

Job Purpose:

The Examinations Assistant will provide vital administrative support to the Examinations Officer, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of all internal and external examinations. This role requires excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work under pressure, particularly during examination periods. The role will also support compliance with Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) regulations and awarding body requirements to maintain the integrity and security of the examination process.

Key Responsibilities:

· Assist the Examinations Officer in the preparation, organisation, and administration of all internal and external examinations.

· Ensure accurate entry of student data for exam registrations, verifying details with subject leaders and senior staff as required.

· Support in ensuring compliance with JCQ regulations and awarding body requirements.

· Liaise with awarding bodies to meet regulatory deadlines and ensure compliance with examination policies.

· Support in the production and distribution of examination timetables for students and staff.

· Maintain and update accurate records of exam entries, amendments, and certification.

· Assist in the preparation of information and documentation required for inspections, audits, and quality assurance visits.

· Support the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) in implementing examination access arrangements and reasonable adjustments for eligible candidates, ensuring appropriate rooming and resourcing.

· Assist in the secure handling and storage of examination papers and other confidential materials in line with regulatory requirements.

Examination Logistics:

· Assist in the preparation and organisation of examination venues, ensuring correct seating plans, exam papers, and materials are in place.

· Support the deployment of invigilators, ensuring appropriate cover is in place for all exams and assisting with training where required.

· Ensure examination conditions comply with JCQ regulations and other relevant guidelines.

· Assist in resolving examination timetable clashes and arranging appropriate alternative provisions.

· Ensure all candidates receive accurate and timely information regarding their examination entries, timetables, and regulations.

. Securely handle and store examination papers and other confidential materials in line with regulatory requirements.

Results and Post-Examination Processes:

· Assist in the distribution of examination results to students and staff in accordance with JCQ regulations.

· Support with post-results services, including appeals, remarks, and certification distribution.

· Maintain records of post-results enquiries and liaise with awarding bodies as required.

· Support with the retention, collection, and distribution of certificates to students.

General Administration and Support:

· Maintain up-to-date knowledge of examination regulations, policies, and procedures.

· Provide administrative support for mock exams and assessments throughout the academic year.

· Assist in responding to queries from students, parents, and staff regarding examinations.

· Support the Examinations Officer in maintaining accurate records of exam-related finances, such as fees and re-sits.

· Assist in the administration of internal school-based assessments conducted under examination conditions.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills & Qualifications:

· Strong administrative experience, preferably in an educational setting.

· Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.

· High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

· Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.

· Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

· Good written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

· Experience of working within a school or examination environment.

· Knowledge of JCQ regulations and examination processes.

· Familiarity with school management systems (e.g., SIMS or equivalent).

Additional Information:

· The role may require some flexibility with working hours, particularly during examination periods.

· The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check in line with the school's Safeguarding Policy.

Working Hours

37 hours per week, Monday to Friday for 43 weeks of the year, with 30 minutes for lunch. These are normal school days (term time). Holidays would be expected to be taken during school holidays. There is a smart dress code for staff.

Reasonable requests for part time hours would be considered outside of core hours/of the external exam season.

Closing Date for Applications: 17th March 2025

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert prior to the closing date for applications in the event that a suitable candidate is identified and appointed before that date.

If you have the requisite skills and experience to meet our criteria, we would look forward to receiving your application. To obtain further information please contact Dr Alick Robertson on 01268 784721 or via email at arobertson@sweynepark.com. To download an application form, please click on the link below.

The Sweyne Park School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant's appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced clearance by the Disclosure & Barring Service.

We reserve the right to close applications early in the event that a suitable candidate is identified.

Information about the School

Welcome to The Sweyne Park School, we are a larger than average mixed, 11-18 comprehensive school. The School became an academy on 1st April 2013 and opened its Sixth Form in September 2014.

Our school is a safe and happy environment and central to our school is a belief in respect - respect for yourself, respect for others and respect for the environment. We believe that our focus on respect leads to high expectations and excellent discipline, and this in turn leads to the highest possible achievement for each individual pupil. In December 2018 we were the first Secondary School in the East of England to achieve the prestigious Rights Respecting Gold Award.

At Sweyne Park we are determined to provide first class teaching and learning for all our pupils. This aim is supported by our commitment to recruiting and retaining the very best staff, and our nationally recognised programme of staff training. We do our utmost to ensure our pupils achieve strong examination results and progress on to high quality destinations. We provide a broad and balanced academic curriculum with a wide range of cultural, artistic, sporting and social opportunities. We are committed to very strong partnerships between home, school and community members. We believe that the whole community can contribute to motivating and supporting pupils’ progress. In October 2017, the Sweyne Park School and Glebe Primary formed a Multi-Academy Trust, the Rayleigh Schools Trust (“The RST”).