As we step into 2026, this is an ideal moment to reflect on the progress made by the NAEO during 2025 and reaffirm our commitment to raising the profile and status of the exams officer role.
In this month's message, we analyse the NAEO's progress against the five strategic aims set in December 2024, and the outcomes from the annual survey which have highlighted additional areas which must be addressed during 2026.
Here are the aims set in December 2024:
1. Establishing a national job description and interview guidance
Progress:
- A national job description is now available on the NAEO and The Exams Office websites and will be updated annually.
- Sample interview questions will be published at the start of the summer term to assist senior leaders (where applicable) in appointing exams officers ahead of the new academic year.
2. Mandatory induction for new exams officers
Progress:
- An annually updated online certificated induction module is available via The Exams Office Hub.
- A framework for centre-based induction will be introduced for senior leaders ahead of the 2026/27 academic year.
3. Access to professional development and appraisal
Progress:
- JCQ regulations now require exams officers to access Continuing Professional Development (CPD), following NAEO’s request.
- The Secretary of State has endorsed the Exams Officer Professional Standards.
- Over 1,500 exams officers have completed these standards since January 2025.
- An online, certificated key skills training and assessment platform will be launched during the spring term 2026.
4. Clear expectations from awarding bodies
Progress:
- NAEO continues to lobby awarding bodies to publish exams officer requirements on their websites.
5. Succession planning and support during absences
Progress:
- JCQ regulations now include succession planning as part of contingency arrangements.
- NAEO is working with associations representing heads of centres and senior leaders to ensure successful implementation.
Insights from the annual exams officer survey
Positive Developments:
- Improved salaries.
- Manageable exam volumes.
- Enhanced professional development opportunities.
- High awareness of JCQ cyber security guidance.
Key challenges:
- Limited support during peak periods.
- Additional responsibilities and administrative tasks.
- Term-time-only contracts with short notice periods.
- Insufficient collaboration with SENCOs, affecting access arrangements.
- Senior leaders lacking knowledge of JCQ regulations, undermining compliance.
- Exams officers feeling undervalued.
- Inadequate contingency and succession planning in most centres.
Our focus for 2026
To address these challenges, in addition to the aims detailed above, the NAEO will also prioritise:
- Improving training and leadership engagement.
- Strengthening contingency planning.
- Tackling regional inequalities in CPD.
- Ensuring exams officers receive the support needed to deliver examinations effectively.
- Securing recognition for the vital role exams officers play in maintaining compliance and operational resilience.
Summary
The progress made in 2025 is a testament to the dedication of exams officers and the collaborative efforts across the sector. In 2026, we will build on these achievements, address the challenges highlighted, and continue working towards a system where exams officers are fully supported, valued, and recognised for their critical contribution in maintaining the highest possible standards within their centre’s examination system.