26 May 2026
Chances are if you are an Exams Manager/Officer you are running on caffeine and adrenaline with little patience for anything unnecessary right now.
As we move through the exam season things can often feel more of a struggle, with mental exhaustion pushed aside until our scheduled summer break. We are still in the midst of questions though and that needs us to stay on the ball.
So here’s a gentle reminder…Stay calm. Stay organised. Stay compliant. Don’t miss anything.
You are not looking to be perfect, but to stay in control. You cannot control every situation, but you can stay in control of your systems and your routines. This way you stay on top of the priorities that are most important and you avoid things escalating.
June is often the time when problems tend to feel more challenging. Why? It is not because we ease up on our grip of things. It is because our brains and bodies have been experiencing almost constant ‘high alert’. This is the time when mental overload can put things most at risk.
The answer is not to do more or be more, but to try and simplify our processes:
I am a fan of…
- Doing the high priority tasks first
- Writing down things that need doing
- Using tried and tested routines to make sure I don’t miss anything
- Calling on others to support and check things that need another pair of eyes
One of the biggest lessons I have learned in this role is that staying calm has ripples.
Students pick up on it. Staff pick up on it. Even in the middle of exam chaos, the exams office often becomes the place everyone looks to for reassurance and answers.
That doesn’t mean we never feel stressed - of course we do. But our reliable systems create the stability we all need when things get a bit tricky.
And as we head towards final exams, make a few notes of what worked well this year, and what might benefit from a tweak.
- Have there been some sticking points that caused you particular stress?
- Were there any pressure points that could do with a refresh?
- What worked well, and what didn’t – and why is that?
By reviewing the good, the bad and the ugly now, whilst it’s still fresh in your mind you will make next exam season even smoother. If it saves you even one or two headaches, then it’s got to be worth doing.
Most people in school never fully see the level of organisation, compliance, problem-solving, and emotional strength that this role requires. That may be because you portray yourself as someone who is capable and sorted, but we do not all stay like that when under pressure.
So, if you are feeling tired at this point in the year, that is understandable. Allow yourself some slack. I understand the huge responsibility you carry for your students and your school.
You will get through this by staying calm, taking a breath when things get sticky, having confidence in your systems and keeping control of the things that matter.
And when the last paper finally leaves the building, take a moment to acknowledge what you’ve achieved this exam season. All of your fellow exam officers will join you in seeking space for themselves again.
Thank you for all that you do and all that you are.
See you at the NAEO Summer Conference!
I work with schools to prepare their students for the mental challenge of exams. I offer 1-day CPD workshops and Inset Days Training for schools to help build Teacher and Student Resilience to exam stress.
Want me to work with your staff on Exam Stress and Thinking Skills? Download my CPD pack at www.geraldinejozefiak.com/cpd
Contact me at hello@geraldinejozefiak.com