Head of Examinations & Inclusive Access

Dovetail and Slate; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Dovetail and Slate is recruiting a Head of Exams to lead a nationwide examinations service, ensuring compliant and high‑quality delivery across centres. You will oversee scheduling, centre operations and candidate experience while expanding national coverage.

The role requires senior operational leadership, budgeting and strong governance of JCQ regulations, with a commitment to inclusive support for neurodivergent learners and safeguarding across the service.

Qualifications

• Five years' experience in examinations or qualifications.
• Five years' management experience, including leading teams and complex service delivery.
• Experience managing operations across multiple sites or locations.
• Strong knowledge of examination regulations, compliance and examination processes.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting and cost control.
• Track record of establishing, developing or expanding operational services.
• Experience identifying and managing operational risks.
• Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills.
• Confidence managing senior stakeholders and external partners.
• Excellent written communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft 365.
• Commitment to inclusion, equity and providing appropriate support for neurodivergent learners.
• Experience within SEND or specialist education is desirable, but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation and development of examination services across multiple locations.
• Manage, motivate and develop examination centre teams, including centre and subject leads.
• Oversee examination planning, scheduling, logistics and delivery.
• Ensure compliance with JCQ requirements, examination regulations, relevant legislation and internal policies.
• Oversee reasonable adjustments to ensure candidates receive appropriate support during examinations.
• Manage appeals, misconduct investigations and examination-related issues fairly and consistently.
• Maintain oversight of operational risks, policies, procedures, databases and record keeping.
• Manage budgets, forecasting and expenditure in collaboration with finance colleagues.
• Analyse examination data, candidate numbers and results to inform operational decisions.
• Build strong relationships with awarding bodies, suppliers, delivery partners and other stakeholders.
• Lead the establishment of new examination centres and support the national expansion of the service.
• Promote continuous improvement, staff development and an excellent candidate experience.
• Take responsibility for safeguarding within the examination service.

Skills

People management

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Microsoft 365

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Dovetail and Slate is recruiting a Head of Exams to lead a nationwide examinations service, ensuring compliant and high‑quality delivery across centres. You will oversee scheduling, centre operations and candidate experience while expanding national coverage.

The role requires senior operational leadership, budgeting and strong governance of JCQ regulations, with a commitment to inclusive support for neurodivergent learners and safeguarding across the service.