Exams Officer

Are you an organised, detail-oriented administrative professional looking for a dynamic role in secondary education? An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our high-performing school community as a Exams and Access Arrangements Assistant at Fortismere School. Fortismere is a high-attaining, mixed foundation secondary school in the heart of Muswell Hill, North London, with a strong tradition of excellence. Our school vision is one which sees education, and the opportunities we make available, as having the potential to transform the lives of our young people. This is a vital dual-function role that combines high-level exam logistics with specialised student support administration. Working closely with our Examinations Officer and SENDCo, you will play a central part in the seamless running of all internal and external exam series while managing the administrative framework for student Access Arrangements (AA). Key Responsibilities Exam Operations: Assist with venue preparation, invigilator briefing, room logistics, seating plans, paper handling, and post-exam script security in compliance with JCQ regulations. Access Arrangements Administration: Coordinate candidate testing, gather and file evidence of "normal way of working," log data on SIMS, and oversee SEND laptop provisions and specialised software programmes. Invigilation Team Support: Help recruit, schedule, brief, and support venue invigilators during exam series. Communication & Liaison: Serve as a key administrative point of contact for parents, carers, students, and external agencies regarding exams and access arrangements. Important Information Regarding Working Hours & Flexibility This post offers a 36-hour working week on a term-time plus contractual basis. Please Note - High Level of Operational Flexibility Required: Due to the nature of public and internal examination series, your standard daily hours will vary significantly during key exam seasons (principally May-June, alongside mock exam periods in late autumn/winter). During peak exam periods, you will be required to work early morning shifts (e.g., from 7:30 am) to prepare venues, secure exam papers, and brief invigilator teams. Late afternoon finishes may also be necessary to oversee script collection and dispatch. While your average weekly working hours remain 36 hours, a high degree of personal flexibility to adjust your daily start and end times during busy periods is essential . Flexible working arrangements during peak periods are managed collaboratively, and reasonable adjustments will be considered for eligible candidates in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. Attendance during August results weeks is required as part of the term-time plus arrangement. About You Strong general administrative background with excellent organisational and IT skills. Experience working in an educational setting or using school management systems (e.g. SIMS) is highly desirable. Adaptable, clear-headed under pressure, and able to troubleshoot operational challenges smoothly. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a supportive, professional approach. Deep commitment to safeguarding, equality, and inclusion. How to Apply For further details, to download the full Job Description and Person Specification, or to request an application pack, please visit our school website or contact the HR department. Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references will be required for the successful applicant.