Colfe’s is one of London’s oldest schools. It takes its name from Reverend Abraham Colfe, Vicar of Lewisham, who re-founded the school in 1652. In his will, he entrusted the care of the School to the Leathersellers’ Livery Company, which governs the school to this day. A former grammar school, Colfe’s is a fully co-educational day school with over 1300 pupils in all from ages 3 to 18. Colfe’s is welcoming environment with a deep feeling of community pride among its students, parents, staff and alumni. Academic standards are high: students perform well with many going on to top universities. Excellent pastoral care gives pupils the tools they need to learn and to live, supporting them at school and preparing them for life beyond. 

Colfe’s is more inclusive than many independent schools, more than 10% of pupils in a typical Sixth Form year group come from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and the School is committed to widening access still further.

Description

The Assistant Examinations and Administration Officer supports the effective delivery of all internal and external examinations, ensuring full compliance with awarding body and regulatory requirements (e.g. JCQ). The post-holder will deputise for the Examinations Officer as required.

Outside peak examination periods, the role will contribute to wider administrative functions across the School, providing flexible, high-quality support aligned to operational needs.

Job specification

Administration

Working around the needs of the seasonal requirements of the examinations role, administrative assistance elsewhere in the school will also form an important part of the position. The details of this are to be confirmed and will depend on the skillset and availability of the candidate allied to the needs of the school.

Assistant Examinations Officer

Administration of internal and external examinations

·         Assist with the organisation, preparation and delivery of all examinations (A-level, GCSE/IGCSE, BTEC, mocks and internal end-of-year exams).

·         Maintain effective communication with awarding bodies, staff, students and parents ensuring that all queries are dealt with in a timely manner

·         Keep up to date with the JCQ/CAIE regulations and attend training as required

·         Help to prepare exam entries accurately and on time

·         Administration of coursework units

·         Help ensure the secure storage of exam papers and confidential materials

·         Organise exam stationery and exam room books

Access Arrangements

·         Work with the Head of Learning Support and Examinations Officer in the processing of access arrangements online applications

·         Organise rooming and invigilation for candidates requiring access arrangements such as readers, scribes or word processors

Invigilation Management

·         Support the Exams Officer in the recruitment and training of new invigilators

·         Organise the scheduling and booking of invigilators for each exam period

Mocks exams/Internal exams

·         Assist in organising mock exam periods and briefing students for these exams

·         Have responsibility for the organising of internal end-of-year exams for Years 7-10, as well as help to manage and organise the Year 12 end-of-year exams. Work with Assistant Head, Director of Studies who is in charge of organising the invigilation timetable.

Results and Post-Result Services

·         Help the Exams Officer in preparation for A-level and GCSE results days including the main results period in August

·        Help with the production and collation of candidate result envelopes

·         Advise students and parents in relation to post-result services (Access to Scripts and Review of Results) that are available after the release of results and support Exams Officer will post- result services

Deputising for the Exams Officer

·        If required, to deputise for any aspect of the Examinations Officer role

Cover

·         Support the Exams Officer with arranging daily teaching cover, as needed

Person Specification

Essential

·         Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines

·         Strong attention to detail and high levels of accuracy

·         Effective written and verbal communication skills

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel and Word) or equivalent systems

·         Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion

·         Flexible and responsive approach to work, particularly during peak periods

·         Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team

·         Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

Desirable

·         Experience of working in a school or examinations environment

·         Familiarity with JCQ regulations and examination systems (e.g. MIS such as iSAMS, SIMS)

·         Experience of coordinating or supporting events or schedules involving multiple stakeholders

·         Understanding of access arrangements processes

Personal Qualities

·         Calm and methodical under pressure

·         Reliable and conscientious with a strong sense of accountability

·         Professional, approachable and solutions-focused

·         Willingness to contribute flexibly to wider school life

Application procedure  

The recruitment process will require all applicants to complete an application form, accompanied by a letter of application and details of two referees, who will be contacted prior to interview, in accordance with the School’s Safer Recruitment procedures.  Colfe’s reserves the right to appoint to this post before the closing date of Wednesday 10th June at 10am.

Colfe’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.