Articles

Exams

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  • 24 Feb 2026

    Why you should be known as an exams manager and not an exams officer

    Please download this article if you would like to share it with your senior leadership team/line manager

    The NAEO believes that anyone responsible for the day‑to‑day management, administration and delivery of examinations and assessments within a school, college or other educational setting should be recognised as an Exams Manager, not an Exams Officer.

    Although some centres already use this title, most staff carrying out these responsibilities are still referred to as Exams Officers – a title that no longer reflects the level of responsibility and expertise required. This needs to change.

    The sample job description [see Job Description], created by the NAEO in partnership with The Exams Office, outlines the key responsibilities of individuals who manage, administer and deliver examinations and assessments within their centre.

    This article sets out those responsibilities in detail, providing a clear reference point for discussions with senior leaders about the true nature of the role.

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  • 16 Jan 2026

    The Education Record app - Information for exams officers

    Please download this article if you would like to share it with your senior leadership team/line manager

    On 8 January, the Department for Education announced the national pilot of the Education Record app. This is intended to modernise how young people access their exam results once they have left school.

    By using the app, young people will be able to enrol in their post-16 destination more easily, and have access to their results for life, providing employers with clear, accurate information on a job candidate’s education history without relying on paper certificates which can be easily lost.

    The Education Record is designed to support the transition from key stage 4 to 5 and to provide students with secure, digital access to their education records

    This article sets out the involvement of exams officers and answers a range of frequently asked questions.

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  • 02 Jan 2026

    The outcomes from the annual exams officer survey

    Please download this article if you would like to share it with your senior leadership team/line manager

    The 2025 exams officer survey took place between 29 September and 31 October 2025, with 1400 exams officers providing responses. This represents 20-25% of all exams officers.

    It should be noted that new exams officers are less likely to participate, and therefore, the feedback is more representative of those established within the role.

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  • 23 Nov 2025

    Why exams officers should not invigilate during an exam series

    Please download this article if you would like to share it with your senior leadership team/line manager

    In recent years, a growing number of exams officers have been asked to take on invigilation duties during an exam series. This shift is driven by several factors including recruitment challenges, contingency planning measures and cost-saving measures.

    This article explores the circumstances under which an exams officer may be required to invigilate and examines the potential risks and implications of undertaking the role of invigilator during an exam series.

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  • 17 Oct 2025

    Reconsidering the job title: Exams Officer vs Exams Manager

    Please download this article if you would like to share it with your senior leadership team/line manager

    In recent years, the scope and complexity of the Exams Officer role has grown significantly. In response, the National Association of Examinations Officers (NAEO) is encouraging senior leaders and key stakeholders to reflect on whether the title Exams Officer still accurately represents the responsibilities of the role.

    The NAEO proposes that it may be time to reclassify the position as Exams Manager.

    While some may view a change in title as merely symbolic, the NAEO argues that aligning the job title with the actual duties is an important step toward elevating the role’s status and recognition within the education sector. The current title may undervalue the strategic, compliance-driven, and operational responsibilities now expected of exams professionals.

    This article outlines ten key factors supporting the case for recognising Exams Officers as Exams Managers.

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Legal Services

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  • 01 May 2023

    Disability Rights

    Many of the cases we see and advise on involve individuals with disabilities. This could involve clients who have developed health issues or who have been employed with long-standing health issues, but need support in their roles.

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  • 31 Mar 2023

    Tribunal claims and their time limits

    Litigation should be a last resort. Most issues that arise during employment can be resolved, either informally, or by using a more formal grievance process and appeal process.  However, it is important to understand that time limits apply to Employment Tribunal claims regardless of how long internal procedures are taking.

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  • 01 Mar 2023

    What to expect from an annual appraisal?

    Annual appraisals (also known as performance reviews) are part of the employer’s performance review strategy. The purpose of an annual appraisal is to inform decisions around pay and promotions, to encourage professional development and to help with target setting.

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  • 01 Dec 2022

    The Dos and Don'ts of Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures

    Raising a grievance or being subjected to a disciplinary process can be a stressful process and they are not always easy to navigate. We hope you find some of these do’s and don’ts useful, should you ever have to experience either of these processes.

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  • 31 Oct 2022

    Managing your invigilators: How to approach holiday pay

    Holiday pay for part-time, term-time workers or those with irregular hours is not typically straightforward. Each holiday pay case will be different and so will require a careful examination of all the circumstances.

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