Manager Admissions Testing and Assessment Development

Are you passionate about educational assessment and team leadership? Renaissance's Admissions Testing team is the UK's leading provider of selection tests (11+) for over 200 grammar, independent, and fair-banding schools across England and Northern Ireland. We develop up to 35 innovative, high‑quality tests annually, from question development through to publication.

We're seeking a Manager of Admissions Testing & Assessment Development to lead our talented New Item Development Team, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional assessment solutions that make a real difference to students and schools.

What You'll Do

• Lead and inspire the Admissions Testing New Item Development Team
• Oversee question development and review activities to ensure test items are fit for purpose
• Lead the annual live test quality assurance programme
• Manage our pool of contractors (item writers, illustrators, curriculum consultants) specializing in 11+ content
• Partner with the Head of Admissions Testing to set annual targets for new item development and trialling volumes
• Ensure our item bank maintains appropriate capacity across all subjects, item types, and difficulty levels (including verbal, non‑verbal, and spatial reasoning)
• Maintain the highest security standards throughout test development
• Drive innovation in assessment development

What We're Looking For

• Experience in educational assessment development (particularly 11+ or similar examinations)
• Knowledge of GL Assessment products highly beneficial
• Proven leadership experience with an inclusive, coaching style
• High aptitude for both English and mathematics
• Exceptional attention to detail with a genuine passion for accuracy and quality
• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage schools, educators, and stakeholders
• Outstanding project management skills – confident managing multiple test development cycles simultaneously

Desirable

• Understanding of psychometric tests, particularly reasoning testing (verbal, non‑verbal, and spatial reasoning)

Additional information

This is a hybrid role based out of our office in Brentford, with the expectation of some travel to other offices as required for the team.

Benefits

• 25 days a year plus bank holidays (3 of which can be used for the Christmas shutdown)
• A day off for your birthday
• Workplace nursery scheme
• 5 volunteering days a year for causes of your choice
• Access to a benefits and discount platform with a wide range of discounts at retailers, leisure attractions, and restaurants
• BUPA healthcare, life assurance, permanent health insurance
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution – up to 8%
• Season ticket loan and employee assistance programme

Location

We are currently located in Brentford but will relocate to a more central London location later in 2026. Our current office is dog friendly.

We have an ongoing commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and have taken strides to become a more welcoming and inclusive workplace, including the introduction of our DEI Matters Network which is owned and driven by our staff.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We encourage and welcome applications from all underrepresented groups, as we believe and strive for community representation within our organisation.

If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format or would like us to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to apply or attend any interview, please contact us and we will talk this through with you.

All your information will be kept confidential according to GDPR guidelines. Please note that we can only consider applicants who already hold a full work permit.

This role is subject to DBS and background checks.