Examinations Officer Part time
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Pupils show an acute sense of respect for each other. ISI Inspection
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Pupils of all ages have a mature understanding of, and respect for, cultural diversity and tolerance of individual differences. ISI Inspection
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HEADMASTER’S WELCOME Thank you for your interest in a position at the Royal Grammar School Guildford. The RGS boasts a diverse, vibrant community of individuals in both teaching and support roles who take pride in the success of their School. The School’s success presents itself in its most recent GCSE and A level results (74% at Grade 8/9 and 75% at Grade A/A* respectively in 2023); in the large number of student applications year on year (consistently four applications for every place); the ISI inspection report in which the RGS was rated ‘Excellent’ across all aspects of School life; in the range of sporting achievements and in the staff who are proud to say that they work here.
Our boys are “excellent listeners who contribute to discussion with great respect” and “display excellent attitudes to their learning” (ISI report, February 2022). The academic standards in the School are excellent and the curriculum is enriched by an extensive extra-curricular programme in which all academic staff are expected to participate; sports and the arts are an important element in School life. The benefits of working here go beyond those listed in the job description; if you accept an offer of employment, you would be joining a staff body that collaborates professionally and socially across all departments. The RGS is an exciting place in which to be a member of staff; I look forward to receiving an application from you.
HEADMASTER
Examinations Officer Overview The Exams Officer plays a pivotal role in the School, running public examinations such as GCSEs and A Levels, university admissions tests and internal examinations encompassing mock examinations, end of year examinations and baseline tests (MidYIS and ALIS). The Exams office ensures the exam provision operates within the regulations of the awarding bodies and provides a calm and nurturing environment for our pupils to sit their examinations. The Exams Officer liaises with the Senior Management Team, Heads of Departments, Pastoral staff, IT Support, Facilities and several other key departments within the School to meet our exam needs. Pupils depend on the Exams Office to ensure they are fully briefed in preparation for exams; as such, communication with pupils and parents is an important part of the role. Due to the nature of this role, it is a requirement to work flexibly, particularly during the peak examination period in the summer. It is expected that you will often be required to work hours over and above the contracted 24 hours per week with compensating time off in lieu, taken in agreement with your line manager at mutually convenient times.
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Pupils show an acute sense of respect for each other and were unanimous in their belief that diversity is a normal part of life.
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ISI Inspection
Person Specification • • • • • • • • • •
Attention to detail Ability to work to deadlines Coping with pressure Organised Building relationships with key stakeholders Pragmatic/problem solver Decisive Ability to manage a team Strong interpersonal skills. Willingness and ability to deal with occasional difficult situations.
Skills and Experience • • • •
Strong IT skills Prior experience of exams administration Prior experience of working within schools Strong knowledge of examination systems, examination board requirements and regulatory framework
JOB DESCRIPTION & PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS Job Title:
Examinations Officer
Responsible to:
Assistant Head (Curriculum)
Responsible for: Examinations Assistant
Job Purpose The main role of the Examinations Officer is to ensure the smooth, successful and cost-effective running of all aspects of the examination system.
Key Responsibilities •
All administration related to external and internal examinations and assessments, and University admission tests.
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Coordinate arrangements for examination entries and fees where appropriate; invigilation and conduct of examinations; storage and security of examination papers and storage of scripts.
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In conjunction with the Database Manager, be responsible for the regular maintenance of accurate up-to-date data relating to public examination entries and results.
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To liaise with JCQ and the Awarding Bodies regarding any examination issues which arise, for example rules and regulations, complaints, withdrawals and enquiries regarding results.
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To act on behalf of, and be the main point of contact for, the Centre in matters relating to the general administration of Awarding Body examinations and assessments.
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Lead and manage the examinations team; and ensure that the invigilation team is fully staffed.
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Ensure the invigilation team is trained and updated on all relevant changes to the ICE booklet, holding regular meetings to discuss exam matters.
Key Responsibilities (cont.) •
Manage the arrangements for the timetabling, rooming, seating, resourcing and invigilation of examinations in accordance with the regulations.
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Liaise with the Senior Management Team, Heads of Year and Heads of Department on all relevant examination matters, particularly examination specifications, NEAs, estimated entries, entries and re-sits.
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Liaise with the Head of Learning Support to ensure the effective communication of needs and maintaining a working knowledge of Access Arrangements.
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Attend such meetings and training sessions as deemed necessary in carrying out the role of Examinations Officer; and in particular those organised by JCQ and the Awarding Bodies.
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Liaise with Finance to ensure fees are paid as instructed and at the time specified by the Awarding Bodies.
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To be familiar with the JCQ rules and regulations and ensure the Centre is compliant with the CAIE/JCQ regulations and Awarding Body requirements in order to ensure the security and integrity of assessments at all times. This extends to managing inspection visits.
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Manage and administer the receipt, distribution and retention of examination certificates according to the regulations.
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To work proactively to avoid malpractice among students and staff before, during and after examinations have taken place.
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To manage the post-results process.
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To ensure that all RGS policies concerning examinations remain up to date.
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To maintain the Examinations page on SharePoint.
WORKING AT THE RGS Your career at the RGS begins with a warm welcome and comprehensive induction. You will be introduced to department colleagues, key people within the School and fellow new starters from across the departments. Opportunities to get involved in wider school activities are many and varied; sporting fixtures, theatre productions and field trips to name just a few. Then there are the social groups set up by and for colleagues which include a running group, book club, theatre trips, football and a wind band. However you choose to get involved, you are guaranteed to find yourself among like-minded individuals.
Sadaf Khan Teacher of Chemistry, joined 2022 What's the best thing about working at the RGS? Enthusiastic students and caring colleagues. If you could give one bit of advice to your younger self what would it be? Travel more!
Nicola Strivens Teacher of Learning Support, joined 2017 What do you love about your department? That we work as a team and recognise one another's expertise. We look to each other for support and guidance. If you could give one bit of advice to your younger self what would it be? You won't know if you don't try.
Matthew Baggs Head of Lower School, joined 2022 What's the best thing about working at the RGS? The enthusiastic, positive pupils who have a real desire to learn.
If you could give one bit of advice to your younger self what would it be? Do what you enjoy, not what you feel you should do.
BENEFITS In addition to joining a successful and sociable staff body you will also receive the following benefits: Hours of work
An average of 24 hours per week over the year. The majority of this will be worked during term time and the post holder must have the flexibility required to cover busier periods. Attendance for key examination dates is required.
Remuneration
£34K - £42K FTE
Fee reduction
Fee reduction for son(s) of staff is available (after a qualifying period and subject to success at the entrance examination).
Annual Leave
28 days leave plus bank holidays pro rata.
Private healthcare
Private medical cover is available for all staff. This is paid for by the School, but is a taxable benefit so there is an indirect cost to the individual.
Pension
All support staff are automatically enrolled into the company pension scheme. The level of contribution by the individual is 5% the School will contribute 10%.
Commuting Loan
Interest-free loans are available for rail season ticket holders.
Gym
Use of on-site gym at certain times of the day.
Dining
A choice of hot lunches, a delicious salad bar and range of desserts are provided daily in the staff dining room during term time.
Employee Assistance Programme
A free, confidential counselling & wellbeing support service that can support you, your partner or spouse, and dependent children over 16 still living at home.
ABOUT THE ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL The RGS is a kind, inclusive, tolerant community where diverse opportunity, personal development, high achievement and collaborative partnership define who we are.
Our values of inclusivity, scholarship, integrity, respect, courage and collaboration underpin all we do. Boys come to the RGS from around 140 different schools in Surrey and the neighbouring home counties and this number is growing each year. We regularly receive four applications for every place. The RGS curriculum aims to combine breadth with balance. In the first three years all boys study a broad range of subjects, choosing options at the end of their third year which sees them sitting ten GCSE subjects including English Language, English Literature, a Modern Foreign Language, Mathematics, three separate sciences and a humanities subject. From the Third Form, a Tutor Period is introduced during which boys study Information Technology, Problem Solving, First Aid, Health Education and Study Skills. It is also during this time that initial careers and higher education guidance is given which then continues throughout the boys’ time at the School.
The RGS boasts a thriving Sixth Form with all boys studying four subjects in the Lower Sixth and then continuing with three or four subjects to A Level in the Upper Sixth. This is complemented by a range of General Studies courses which are co-educational, organised jointly with Guildford High School. All boys are encouraged to engage in independent research and activities throughout their time in the School via our Scholarship for all programme. Whilst not curricular, there is an expectation that staff will support this provision as their experience and expertise enables.
All members of the teaching staff help with co- and extra-curricular activities, of which there is an impressively wide range. Music, Art and Drama all flourish with performances, exhibitions and workshops. There is a well-equipped auditorium, a large Art School and a purpose built Music Department. We have a very active clubs and societies programme that takes place before, during and after school each day. All the Third Form take part in our curricular, weekly expedition and adventure programme, EXAD. We have five Field Days per year and also offer overseas expeditions, a large Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme and numerous sports tours. Staff are invited to attend and support all of these events.
WHY WORK IN GUILDFORD? Guildford is a vibrant and exciting place in which to live. Rich in history, it is a welcoming town with a flourishing and varied cultural life. Entertainment is diverse with a number of lively and nationally renowned venues including G Live, the Yvonne Arnaud theatre and the eclectic Electric Theatre. There are outstanding sport and leisure facilities which include the state-of-the-art training venues and sports complexes of Surrey Sports Park and Guildford Spectrum. Guildford offers one of the south east’s best shopping experiences with the iconic High Street combining exclusive and popular national chains as well as a number of independent retailers. Dining options cater for every taste and budget with local traditional and gastro pubs in nearby Surrey villages drawing customers from a wide area. Educationally, Guildford is thriving. RGS Guildford and Guildford High School are regularly ranked in the top ten single-sex schools in the country. RGS also enjoys close links with other girls’ schools, Tormead School and St Catherine’s, Bramley. The University of Surrey was awarded ‘University of the Year for Graduate Employment’ by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022. Guildford has the advantage of being very accessible and enjoys excellent transport links. London is just over a 30-mile drive via the A3 and well served by trains (just 29 minutes to Clapham Junction and 39 minutes to London Waterloo). International airports London Gatwick and London Heathrow are only 30 minutes from the town.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are close by; the Surrey Hills and North Downs are on the School's doorstep and provide opportunities to enjoy the stunning countryside; the south coast is approximately one hour by car.
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The town of Guildford, which I, who have seen so many, many towns, think it is the prettiest, and…most happylooking, that I ever saw in my life. William Cobbett
GUILDFORD The setting: The Surrey Hills North Downs South Downs Picturesque villages The south coast
The North Downs
Travel by rail: Clapham Junction 29 minutes London Waterloo 39 minutes Portsmouth Harbour 60 minutes Gatwick Airport 45 minutes
Guildford Castle
Travel by road: London 32 miles via the A3; Heathrow 22 miles; Gatwick 34 miles via A3 and M25; Portsmouth 44 miles; Brighton 59 miles
Abbot’s Hospital
SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN & SECURITY OF DISCLOSURE INFORMATION The Royal Grammar School Guildford meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to an enhanced criminal record check from the DBS before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. It is of fundamental importance to The Royal Grammar School to ensure, so far as possible, that those who take up appointments do not pose a risk to the children in its care.
APPLICATIONS We are proactively committed to creating a diverse staff body, which reflects the community that we teach. At RGS we value diversity and inclusion; we want to attract the best people for the roles available. This is regardless of age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, socioeconomic status or religious beliefs.
Please note: applications will be considered on receipt and we reserve the right to close applications early.
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Royal Grammar School Guildford Royal Grammar School Guildford is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales, Company Number 10874615. Registered Office High Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3BB. Registered Charity Number 1177353