Head of Examinations (Senior School)

Description

Purpose of Role
The appointee is engaged to lead and manage the efficient administration of all aspects of external
examinations within the Senior School in accordance with JCQ Regulations, including line management
of administrative staff and invigilators.
The successful candidate reports to the Assistant Head responsible for timetable, assessment and data
and will work closely with the Head of Secondary who is Head of Centre at Star International School
Mirdif.
ISP Principles
Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply,
their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore,
we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding issues and acting and following up on all concerns
appropriately.
Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences
and promote the well-being of self and others.
Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most
difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and
professional development and school improvement.
ISP Head of Examinations (Senior School) Key Responsibilities
1. Communication
The management and quality assurance of all communications with:
● staff and examination boards on the purchase and distribution of examination and assessment
materials;
● all examination boards and any other official bodies on the management of all examination
issues;
● relevant members of staff throughout school regarding examination issues; and
● UK examination boards by attending training courses and meetings as necessary and keeping up
to date with developments in examination administration.
2. Personnel Management
As Exams Officer to:
● manage the training of invigilators and roster them for examination sessions;
● line manage, direct the Lead Invigilator and with the Lead Invigilator monitor the performance of
the invigilation team; and train the department to carry out administrative support tasks
concerning examinations.
3. Procurement
The management of the administration of procurement and distribution of:
● all examination materials from examination agencies and exam boards; and
● examination stationery supplies for examination use.
4. Pre-Examinations Procedures
The management of the administration of all pre-examination procedures by:
● being responsible for all aspects of organisation and administrating external examinations in
accordance with the relevant regulations;
● managing and maintaining a database of examination students;
● liaising with the Heads of Department on entries and estimated grades;
● management of the examination entries to relevant examination board;
● invoicing and costing of examination fees to candidates;
● booking of facilities/equipment for examinations, including requirements for students with
access arrangements;
● planning and distributing examination timetables for candidates and staff including the
production of timetables with clashes resolved;
● ensuring the examination materials are checked and securely stored on arrival; and
● liaising with the Learning Support department on the access arrangements for examinations.
● briefing candidates/staff/parents/carers on examination regulations and requirements.
5. Examinations Procedures
The management of the implementation of all examination procedures by:
● managing the smooth operation of the examinations, including setting up rooms with
examination conditions and the dispatch of scripts, with assistance from the Lead Invigilators
and a team of invigilators;
● representing the Examinations Centre to meet with Inspectors from Examination Boards for
examination inspection;
● being the key holder to the safe to keep and retrieve the exam papers;
● ensuring that all access arrangements are strictly adhered to during examinations;
● advising staff and invigilators and making decisions on examination protocol and issues;
● managing the storage and dispatch of completed exam papers to the relevant examination
boards/markers; and
● Liaising with examination boards and the relevant courier company on tracking of examination
scripts.
6. Post -Examinations Procedures
The management and the administration of all post-examination procedures by:
● managing the Results Plus Direct service;
● distributing and dealing with issues that arise when results are published;
● preparing a summary of results for the SSLT;
● management of the post-results services for A level and GCSE remarks, re-moderation of papers,
certification, retakes in November and Summer sessions, and invoicing parents on such services;
● issuing of examination certificates for students;
● maintaining records of certificates issued and storing unclaimed certificates; and
● maintaining records of results.
7. General
● Demonstrate a positive attitude to the students and their needs;
● Have a commitment to punctual timekeeping and good attendance;
● Display a positive attitude to colleagues, parents and students;
● Maintain a standard of personal presentation befitting the role;
● Be responsible for reporting any concerns about a child to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
● Be able to engage, enthuse and inspire others.
● Have high levels of personal integrity and honesty.
● Proven ability to use initiative, assume responsibility for tasks and projects and to resolve
problems.
● Enjoy personal challenges and can give support to others.
● Have a sense of humour.
● Very well organised and can multitask at busy times of the year.
● Able to stay calm in pressured situations.
● Good planning skills and ability to prioritise workload to meet deadlines.
● Excellent communication skills - will be required to speak with parents, students, teachers,
admin team.
● Can adapt quickly to changes to exam regulations and processes.
● Experience with data preferable.
● Undertake relevant training and development opportunities.
ISP Leadership Competencies
You consistently demonstrate and role-model the ISP Leadership Competencies in all that you do.
1. Collaboration. Takes an active part in leading their school or region; is cooperative and a genuine
team player, developing positive, supportive relationships with colleagues to solve problems and
maximise opportunities.
2. Learning & Getting Better. Continually demonstrates personal commitment and passion for
learning and getting better using evidence and feedback; supporting others in their continual
learning, development and growth.
3. Innovation Leadership. Is good at creating an environment where ideas for learning initiatives
and services are generated and is able to motivate and inspire others through the process of
creation through to completion.
4. Outcome driven. Can be counted on to find solutions. Is consistently looking to exceed goals and
is focused on KPIs.
5. Resilience. Can deal with setbacks and challenges calmly and effectively.
6. Community Focus. Is committed to meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of our
students and their families.
7. Integrity & Ethical Management. Has the ability to work ethically and with integrity; helps
others feel valued; upholds and models the ISP Vision, Purpose and Principles.
8. Leading & Inspiring Others. Supports, encourages and inspires students, colleagues and teams
so that they give their best.
9. Understanding People. Is a very good judge of talent, can objectively articulate the strengths
and motivations of people inside or outside the organisation.
10. Influencing & Communication. Consistently informs, influences and inspires students, parents
and colleagues through timely and effective communication.
11. Agile. Responds and adapts to changing circumstances; manages and solves problems by
providing solutions in a climate of ambiguity.
12. Strategic, Commercial & Financial Awareness. Has the ability to apply understanding of the
business and industry to improve effectiveness and profitability.
13. Planning & Decision Making. Makes decisions on the best course of action and then plans,
organises, prioritises and balances resources to achieve the desired outcome.
14. Diversity & Equity. Has the sensitivity, awareness and skill to understand the values, behaviours,
attitudes and practices across cultures that supports all children and adults to learn and work
effectively.
ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles (must be included on all role profiles)
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects
all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting
procedures and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’
employment history.