Exams Officer

Job description / Role

Job overview

Join our team at Star International School Mirdif

Position: Exams Officer (with experience in careers education)
Start date: January 5, 2026
Contract type: Full-time, permanent
Location: Mirdif, Dubai
Reports to: Assistant Principal (Timetabling, Assessment, and Data); Head of Secondary

Support. Coordinate. Go beyond.

Introduction

At Star International School Mirdif, we are proud to grow the future leaders and global citizens of tomorrow — young people who will go beyond and change our world for the better. Through amazing learning experiences and personalised pathways, we ensure every member of our Star Family achieves their personal best — both inside and beyond the classroom.

ISP principles

Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.

Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.

Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.

Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.

Job purpose

To lead and manage the effective administration of all external examinations in accordance with JCQ regulations and school policy, ensuring smooth and compliant exam operations. In addition, the role involves leading and developing a high-impact Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme that inspires and supports pupils (Years 7–11) in making informed and ambitious career and education choices.

Key responsibilities

A. Exams Officer

1. Communication & stakeholder management
   Act as the primary liaison with examination boards, JCQ, and internal departments.
   Communicate key information and updates regarding examinations to staff, students, and parents.
   Attend relevant training and briefings to stay updated on changes in exam administration and JCQ regulations.
2. Personnel & invigilator management
   Recruit, train, and manage invigilators.
   Supervise the Lead Invigilator and ensure quality assurance of the invigilation team.
   Oversee exam-specific admin support tasks across departments.
3. Exam materials & procurement
   Manage procurement and secure storage of all exam materials.
   Maintain adequate supplies of exam stationery and ensure proper distribution.
4. Pre-examination administration
   Organise all aspects of external exams, ensuring compliance with JCQ regulations.
   Manage entries, estimated grades, and communications with Heads of Department.
   Produce and distribute timetables; resolve clashes and accommodate access arrangements.
   Brief candidates and staff on exam regulations and expectations.
   Maintain a secure database of candidate information.
5. Examination delivery
   Ensure secure and smooth conduct of exams, including room setup, access arrangements, and dispatch of completed scripts.
   Act as point of contact for JCQ inspectors during inspections.
   Uphold strict compliance with access arrangements and examination protocols.
6. Post-examination procedures
   Oversee results processing and distribution.
   Coordinate post-results services (remarks, re-moderations, certifications).
   Liaise with parents on results services and manage related invoicing.
   Maintain accurate records of certificates and results.

B. Careers Counsellor

1. Careers advice & pupil guidance
   Act as the central point of contact for careers information and guidance.
   Conduct one-on-one and group career counselling sessions across all year groups.
   Guide students on post-16 options, applications, interview techniques, and employability skills.
   Administer and analyse careers-related questionnaires and psychometric tests.
   Track and report leaver destination data.
2. Programme development & coordination
   Develop, implement, and monitor the school’s Careers Guidance programme aligned with the 8 Gatsby Benchmarks.
   Work with Assistant Headteacher, Heads of Year, and PSHE leaders to integrate careers education across the curriculum.
   Manage the careers section of the school website and ensure accurate, up-to-date content.
3. Employer engagement & work experience
   Build and sustain links with local and international employers, colleges, apprenticeship providers, and universities.
   Organise employer visits, talks, and work experience placements.
   Lead alumni engagement and develop a network to support careers education.
4. Leadership, management & reporting
   Manage and review careers-related policies and provision.
   Lead internal and external careers advisers, monitoring quality and impact.
   Support SLT with careers strategy, self-evaluation, and reporting for school improvement and inspection purposes.
   Oversee the careers budget and ensure efficient use of resources.
5. CPD & professionalism
   Stay informed on CEIAG trends and maintain personal CPD.
   Share best practices and provide careers-related training and support to staff.

General responsibilities

• Uphold a professional, courteous, and supportive presence within the school community.
• Promote safeguarding and report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Ensure timely and professional communication with students, parents, and staff.
• Be flexible and responsive to evolving demands and responsibilities within the role.
• Contribute positively to the wider school development plan.

Person specification

Education & training: Bachelor’s degree; understanding of KS3/KS4 curriculum; Careers Leader training (or willingness to complete it)

Experience: Preferably a year’s experience in a similar role in a school with a proven track record in exam administration and/or careers guidance; experience managing staff and coordinating events

Skills & abilities: Strong ICT, data handling, and administrative skills; exceptional communication and organisational abilities

Attributes: Reliable, flexible, proactive, and resilient; high personal integrity; calm under pressure; sense of humour; positive attitude

Professional knowledge: Knowledge of JCQ regulations; awareness of Gatsby Benchmarks and careers education best practices

Interpersonal skills: Ability to engage and inspire students; build partnerships with external stakeholders; collaborate effectively with colleagues

Hours of work

7:15 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Thursday and 7:15 am to 12 noon on Friday. However, during external exam times, evening and weekend work will be expected with appropriate time off in lieu.

Holidays

45 calendar days’ annual leave per school year - this can never be taken during an exam or results period.

Commitment to safeguarding principles

Star International School and ISP are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures and satisfactory criminal background checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Star International School and ISP are committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of age, disability status, socio-economic background, or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.