As 2025 draws to a close, it is important to reflect on the progress we have made over the past 12 months before setting our aims for 2026. While the NAEO’s objectives are not always tied to a single academic year, this year has seen significant achievements across several key areas.
Regulation changes
The NAEO continues to provide recommendations to JCQ and its awarding bodies to improve regulations and processes. For the 2025/26 academic year, we are pleased to confirm the following additions to JCQ’s General Regulations for Approved Centres:
- Succession planning for staff involved in examination and assessment administration
- Mandatory regular CPD for exams officers, such as attendance at an annual update course
- Increased responsibility for senior leaders to annually review, update, and communicate exams-related policies to relevant staff
Salary progress and recommendations
The NAEO continues to advocate for salaries that reflect the critical role of exams officers. Our campaign has encouraged decision-makers to recognise the importance of this position.
Recent data shows positive progress:
- 86.7% of exams officers now earn over £25,000 per year (up from 80.6% in 2024)
- 59.4% earn over £30,000 (up from 48.6% in 2024)
- 24.5% earn over £35,000 (up from 18.2% in 2024)
While salaries have improved, they remain below the level expected for the responsibilities exams officers undertake. The NAEO recommends:
- A starting salary of £27,000 for new exams officers
- A minimum of £32,000 for those with five or more years of experience
Salary progression should align with inflation and be linked to performance, including the achievement of CPD targets.
Creating a national salary scale remains challenging due to the varied nature of the role, which can involve managing multiple qualifications, diverse candidate needs, and complex arrangements such as access provisions and rooming.
Promoting professional standards
Exams officers are now required to complete annual CPD, placing them on par with SENCos and access arrangements assessors. We are proud that the Exams Officer Professional Standards have been formally recognised by the Department for Education through a message from Rt. Hon. Catherine McKinnell MP, Minister for School Standards.
These standards help exams officers demonstrate CPD completion and ensure compliance with JCQ requirements.
Strengthening stakeholder relationships
The NAEO continues to maintain strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Department for Education, Ofqual, JCQ, and awarding bodies.
During 2025, we have expanded collaboration with the special educational needs sector to support SENCos and reinforce the exams officer’s role in access arrangements. To advance this work, we are hosting two National SENCo Conferences in London and Manchester in early 2026.
We have also begun working with The Society of Heads to raise the profile of exams officers among heads of centres.
Engaging members and celebrating success
Membership remains free for all exams officers, and we delivered another successful Summer Conference at The Oval, London, on 30 June.
We proudly celebrated excellence through our awards:
- Exams Officer of the Year: Sarah Lake, Sibford School, Banbury
- International Exams Officer of the Year: Alexis Cheneau-Chateau, Jumeriah English Speaking School, Dubai
At members’ request, we introduced the Parcelforce Driver of the Year Award to recognise outstanding support in script dispatch. This award will be presented at The Exams Office National Exams Officer Conferences in January and February 2026.
Looking ahead to 2026
Our priorities for the coming year include:
- Elevating the role by encouraging centres to adopt the title Exams Manager
- Making the case for an exams assistant to provide support during peak periods and to support contingency and succession planning
- Urging stakeholders to audit training providers for quality and value
- Exploring the feasibility of an annual exams officer qualification
Summary
As we reflect on the progress made in 2025, I want to thank every member of our community for their dedication and professionalism. Your commitment ensures the integrity of the examination process and strengthens the reputation of our sector.
Looking ahead, 2026 will be a year of opportunity and growth. Together, we will continue to raise the profile of exams officers, advocate for fair recognition, and deliver initiatives that support your development and success.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your work matters, and the NAEO will remain steadfast in championing your role.