Exams Officer (Maternity Cover) in Hampshire, Portsmouth

About The Role

Location: Southsea, Portsmouth

Salary: Band 8 (£32,596 - £39,152)

Contract: 1 Year FTC

Start date: 01/07/2026

Weeks Worked: TTO + 2 (41 Weeks)

At Ark Charter Academy, we know that high-quality systems and rigorous compliance are essential to student success. We are seeking a highly organised and committed Exams Officer (Maternity Cover) to oversee the planning, coordination, and delivery of all internal and external examinations at the academy. This is a key role for a detail-focused professional who takes pride in accuracy, collaboration, and ensuring that every examination is conducted with integrity and care.

The Exams Officer will lead all aspects of the examinations process, working closely with the Vice Principal and Principal to ensure full compliance with JCQ regulations and the requirements of awarding bodies. You will be responsible for managing the exams cycle from start to finish, including entries, access arrangements, invigilation, exam delivery, and post results services. Acting as the main point of contact for awarding organisations, you will coordinate with staff, students, parents, and external agencies to ensure all processes run smoothly and securely. A significant part of the role involves recruiting, training, and managing invigilators, as well as ensuring that all exam materials, data, and scripts are handled in line with regulatory and data protection requirements. You will also support the academy in preventing and reporting malpractice and contribute to the ongoing development of exam-related policies and procedures. As part of the wider Ark network, you will work collaboratively with colleagues across the trust, sharing best practice and supporting consistent, high-quality exam administration.

Our ideal candidate will be:

• Exceptionally well-organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Knowledgeable about (or keen to develop expertise in) JCQ regulations and awarding body processes.
• Confident working with senior leaders, staff, students, parents, and external partners.
• Calm, professional, and solution focused, particularly during busy exam periods.
• Experienced in managing confidential information securely and accurately.
• Capable of leading and supporting a team of invigilators effectively.
• Committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Aligned with Ark’s mission and values, with a strong belief in fairness, opportunity, and student success.

Benefits

• Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
• 10 inset days (of which at least one is dedicated to staff wellbeing).
• A behaviour policy that ensures disruption-free learning.
• Development opportunities for future leaders.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Up to £3,000 relocation costs to move to the south coast (dependent on the role).
• Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers.
• Interest‑free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
• Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.

About Us

Ark Charter Academy is a happy and vibrant school located in the heart of Portsmouth. We believe that every young person should feel a sense of belonging to our school community and enjoy their learning. We inspire and support our students so they can become the very best they can in every single way. With love and care, we develop motivation both inside and outside the classroom, encouraging an appetite for learning in a safe and stimulating Christian environment. We want our students to become the leaders and game‑changers of the future. To achieve this we offer an academic curriculum that strives to expose all pupils to the richness of education, allowing them to experience a diversity of subjects during their time with us. Our teachers and support staff work hard every day to inspire each and every student to develop skills which will help them to achieve their full potential. We pride ourselves in recognising hard work and rewarding it accordingly, providing opportunities for professional and personal growth in school and across the wider Ark network.

Diversity and inclusion

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.

Safeguarding statement

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend on the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.