Position:                     Exams Officer

Working hours:         Term time plus three weeks, 37 hours p/w (on average)

Start date:                  September 2024 

Contract:                    Permanent

Salary:                        Actual salary £32,988 – £35,275 per annum based on Grade 10 (depending on experience)

Deadline:                    9am, on Monday 1st July 2024

The post:

 We are looking for a highly efficient and experienced administrator to take the lead on planning and delivery of all public and internal examinations at Didcot Girls’ School. The post holder must have strong organisation skills, an attention to detail and ability to work under pressure. They will be expected to work on their own initiative, organising and prioritising their work schedule as appropriate.

The successful applicant will lead on the supervision of students through the examination process. Excellent communication skills and confidence in dealing with a variety of stakeholders is essential. The post holder will work closely with staff, students and parents. Applicants will be asked to demonstrate previous experience of working in a responsible, and complex, administrative role. Knowledge and experience of the examination process and/or working in a school is desirable.

The post holder will be expected to work on results days, and during parts of the summer to support with processing results, results analysis and deal with enquiries. The role is supported by an experienced school data lead. The successful candidate will be appointed within the salary range that reflects their skills and experience.

The contractual hours reflect the total hours over the year, with the hours worked at different times of the year being based on the needs of the school which are greater during the public and internal exam periods.

Visits and enquiries prior to interview are warmly welcomed and can be arranged by contacting Jane Emmott, Trust Data Lead, at: jemmott@ridgewayeducation.com

The School

Didcot Girls’ School is a dynamic school. In November 2022, the school was judged as continuing to be Outstanding. As Ofsted recognised, we invest in all of our staff:

“Leaders support staff very well. They have established a collaborative and respectful working environment. With the trust, they provide highly valued training and leadership programmes. Staff are exceptionally proud to work at the school.”

Ofsted also noted the high standards within the school and commented that “Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary”

We are a values-driven school, committed to high quality teaching and learning and respectful relationships within an inclusive learning community. Developing stimulating and student-centred teaching and learning is at the centre of our school development work. We work hard to ensure that all girls’ education enables our students to develop confidence, leadership skills and high levels of aspiration.

We are committed to continuous professional development and have wide-ranging training and development opportunities. We are also mindful of the competing demands people face in their lives and make every effort to accommodate flexible working.

Summer 2023 GCSE results were superb with 85% of all students achieving 4+ in English and Maths, and 71% doing the same at 5+.  Results at A level in the mixed sixth form shared with our partner school, St Birinus School, are also extremely strong with 34% of grades awarded as A* or A and 66% achieving Grades A*-B. These results place us as one of the highest performing schools in the county. Didcot Girls’ School is also in the top 3% of state schools in the country based on National Performance Tables data. Didcot Girls’ School has also been named as one of the top ten comprehensive schools in south-east England by the Sunday Times Parent Power performance table for 2023-24.

RET – Ridgeway Education Trust

As a member of Ridgeway Education Trust, Didcot Girls’ School (Ofsted Outstanding November 2022) works in close partnership with St Birinus School (Ofsted Good, February 2020) . The two schools share a 400 strong mixed Didcot Sixth Form (Ofsted Outstanding, November 2022) which is based predominantly at St Birinus.  

Employing great staff is key to the success of our school: the Headteacher is actively involved in every interview process.  

We understand that valuing and developing our staff is the best way to release and realise their potential. In return, we seek staff who are passionate about working with young people, resilient, and with a truly growth mindset. If this is you, we look forward to hearing from you!  

Didcot Girls’ School is a Family Friendly School, committed to supporting our staff so that they can carve out a professional and personal life that is fulfilling and balanced.  

RET SCITT

Didcot Girls’ School plays a key role in teacher training, as founding partners in our own SCITT (RET SCITT), we are working with Teach First and Orchard Learning Alliance to provide outstanding teacher training across both secondary and primary phases. This provides opportunities for our teachers to help develop the next generation of teachers whilst also ensuring that teacher development remains a core part of our ethos. 

This ethos allows us to maintain our track record of highly successful fast-track career progression, leadership development and excellent CPD. There is the possibility of leadership responsibility on appointment for the right candidate. The school's place as a leading school in Ridgeway Education Trust also provides the opportunity for school improvement and leadership work across trust schools in the future.

Application process

Please be aware that Didcot Girls' School reserves the right to interview on receipt of applications and appoint prior to the published closing date. Therefore early application is recommended. 

Ridgeway Education Trust is committed to safeguarding, equality and promoting the welfare of children and expects staff working in all its schools to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to satisfactory enhanced DBS, references and pre-employment safeguarding checks.  All Leadership roles will require a Section 128 check.  The possession of a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an applicant from obtaining a post. All cases are considered confidentially and according to the nature of the role and information disclosed.  

To view our Safeguarding policy, please visit our website: https://www.didcotgirls.oxon.sch.uk/265/school-policies

 Please be aware that you will be required to bring your original degree certificate, proof of residence and photographic ID, as applicable, to interview and online searches may be made for shortlisted candidates, as part of due diligence checks.

Didcot Girls’ School is a Family Friendly School, committed to supporting our staff so that they can carve out a professional and personal life that is fulfilling and balanced. 

Our RET Staff Charter summarises the commitment we make to all staff who join and work at Ridgeway Education Trust.

We are committed to expressing our values of high-quality learning, respectful relationships and an inclusive environment in the day-to-day experience of staff and students throughout the school.

Didot Girls’ School is an equal opportunities employer.

Our RET Staff Charter summarises the commitment we make to all staff who join and work at Ridgeway Education Trust.

We are committed to expressing our values of high-quality learning, respectful relationships and an inclusive environment in the day-to-day experience of staff and students throughout the school.

Didot Girls’ School is an equal opportunities employer.