Exams & Access Arrangements Assistant

Fortismere School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Fortismere School in Muswell Hill, North London, is seeking an organised Exams and Access Arrangements Assistant to support exam logistics and student access arrangements as part of a high-performing school community.

You will work closely with the Examinations Officer and SENDCo to ensure smooth internal and external exam series and manage the administrative framework for Access Arrangements, including data logging and equipment provisions. A DBS check is required.

Qualifications

• Strong administrative background with excellent organisational and IT skills.
• Experience in an educational setting or using school management systems (e.g. SIMS) is desirable.
• Able to troubleshoot operational challenges under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and safeguarding commitment.
• Enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references will be required.

Responsibilities

• Support exam operations, including venue preparation, invigilator briefing, room logistics, seating, paper handling, and post-exam security.
• Coordinate candidate testing and log data in SIMS; oversee SEND laptop provisions and software programmes.
• Assist with invigilator recruitment, scheduling and briefing during exam series.
• Communicate with parents, carers, students, and external agencies about exams and access arrangements.

Skills

Organisational skills

IT skills

Administrative experience

Communication skills

Tools

SIMS

Job description

Are you an organised, detail-oriented administrative professional looking for a dynamic role in secondary education? An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our high-performing school community as a Exams and Access Arrangements Assistant at Fortismere School. Fortismere is a high-attaining, mixed foundation secondary school in the heart of Muswell Hill, North London, with a strong tradition of excellence. Our school vision is one which sees education, and the opportunities we make available, as having the potential to transform the lives of our young people.

This is a vital dual-function role that combines high-level exam logistics with specialised student support administration. Working closely with our Examinations Officer and SENDCo, you will play a central part in the seamless running of all internal and external exam series while managing the administrative framework for student Access Arrangements (AA).

Key Responsibilities

Exam Operations: Assist with venue preparation, invigilator briefing, room logistics, seating plans, paper handling, and post-exam script security in compliance with JCQ regulations.

Access Arrangements Administration: Coordinate candidate testing, gather and file evidence of "normal way of working," log data on SIMS, and oversee SEND laptop provisions and specialised software programmes.

Invigilation Team Support: Help recruit, schedule, brief, and support venue invigilators during exam series.

Communication & Liaison: Serve as a key administrative point of contact for parents, carers, students, and external agencies regarding exams and access arrangements.

Important Information Regarding Working Hours & Flexibility

This post offers a 36-hour working week on a term-time plus contractual basis.

Please Note - High Level of Operational Flexibility Required:

Due to the nature of public and internal examination series, your standard daily hours will vary significantly during key exam seasons (principally May-June, alongside mock exam periods in late autumn/winter).

During peak exam periods, you will be required to work early morning shifts (e.g., from 7:30 am) to prepare venues, secure exam papers, and brief invigilator teams.

Late afternoon finishes may also be necessary to oversee script collection and dispatch.

While your average weekly working hours remain 36 hours, a high degree of personal flexibility to adjust your daily start and end times during busy periods is essential. Flexible working arrangements during peak periods are managed collaboratively, and reasonable adjustments will be considered for eligible candidates in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Attendance during August results weeks is required as part of the term-time plus arrangement.

About You

Strong general administrative background with excellent organisational and IT skills.

Experience working in an educational setting or using school management systems (e.g. SIMS) is highly desirable.

Adaptable, clear-headed under pressure, and able to troubleshoot operational challenges smoothly.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a supportive, professional approach.

Deep commitment to safeguarding, equality, and inclusion.

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references will be required for the successful applicant.