Applicant Information Pack Lead Exam Invigilator
A foreword from our Principal and Chief People Officer
Martin Walker - Principal Our vision is simple – to develop remarkable people. That applies not only to the pupils, but also to the staff in whom we invest. We take a pupil-centred approach at Berkhamsted; they are at the heart of our decision making and fuel our ambition to deliver excellence in all that we do. We aim high with integrity and are proud to have a collective growth mindset and a willingness to be adventurous through innovation, continual learning, and being a research-led school. This leads to an agility, the provision of outstanding CPD for staff, and the delivery of a forward-thinking curriculum that enables pupils to flourish both at, and beyond, Berkhamsted. The inherent joy that stems from learning, from being part of an ambitious and caring team, and from making progress inspires not only our pupils, but also our staff. Berkhamsted School also appreciates the significance of community within and beyond the school; we aim to serve others and have a positive impact through our community and charity work. Moreover, we focus not only on doing well and doing good for the pupils, but also through the pupils. This strong sense of purpose combined with an unwavering commitment to our values make this a special place to work. Our staff are so important to us that we have a Chief People Officer as one of our most senior members of staff; her role is to ensure the staff also flourish.
A foreword from our Principal and Chief People Officer
Tracey Evans - Chief People Officer Our staff are our most important asset at Berkhamsted; investing in their professional development with their wellbeing a key priority. We foster a working environment that firstly provides a sense of belonging and supports staff both professionally and personally. We offer a wide range of staff wellbeing initiatives. Colleagues can easily access financial, physical, emotional and social well-being support from school. We seek to enable all members of the school community to achieve their full potential in an environment characterised by equality, equity, respect and opportunity. We work hard at Berkhamsted, but we also know how to come together as a community and enjoy downtime, building relationships which last a lifetime and enrich our professional and personal experience.
History of Berkhamsted Schools Group Berkhamsted School is situated in the historic Hertfordshire town of Berkhamsted, a prosperous community surrounded by Chiltern countryside and within easy reach of London. Berkhamsted is a leading Independent School for pupils aged 3 to 18 years, the foundation of which dates back to 1541 (when John Incent, the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, successfully applied to King Henry the VIII for a license to purchase a piece of land for a ‘freescole’). In 1888 a Girls School was founded in Berkhamsted under the same governing body, and the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools merged to form a diamond school in 1997. The Prep School was also integrated at this stage, and the School became Berkhamsted Collegiate School. In 2011 the School merged with Heatherton House, a small independent day School for girls in Chesham Bois, and became the Berkhamsted Schools Group. Operating as a satellite Prep School, Heatherton provides a feed of Girls to the Berkhamsted Girls School every year. In 2012 Berkhamsted Schools Group acquired Haresfoot, a small proprietary prep school in Berkhamsted. This site now houses the Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Berkhamsted Day Nursery Limited, and Berkhamsted Prep takes children from age 7-11. Berkhamsted is the only School in the Herts, Beds and Bucks region, and one of only a small number of Schools in the country, to offer a ‘diamond’ structure that combines the best of both single-sex and co-educational teaching. Boys and Girls are taught together until the age of 11 (Berkhamsted Pre-Prep and Prep), separately from the age of 11-16 (Berkhamsted Boys and Berkhamsted Girls), before coming back together again in a joint sixth form (Berkhamsted Sixth).
Job Description Reporting to: Examinations Officers Hours of Work: Part-time, casual contract, 8:30 to 1:00, 1:00 – 5:00 as required Purpose: To lead the invigilation process for mock examinations (January and February) and Public examinations (May to June) in accordance with JCQ instructions for conducting examinations. Main Responsibilities include: To conduct examinations in accordance with the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), awarding body and Berkhamsted School regulations and procedures. To have a key role in upholding the integrity and security of the examination/ assessment process. Lead and support a team of invigilators during internal and external examinations. Carry out examination-related duties as directed by the Examinations Officer. Maintain the secure administration of examinations before, during and after each session.
The Lead Invigilator will: Before examinations Report to and receive a briefing from the Examinations Officer before each examination session. Brief invigilators on procedures and allocate duties.
Job Description Ensure examination papers and materials remain secure at all times. Check examination rooms are set up in accordance with JCQ requirements. Ensure approved access arrangements are in place and administered in line with regulations. Admit candidates, distribute the correct examination materials and ensure candidates comply with examination regulations.
During examinations Supervise candidates and maintain examination conditions throughout the session. Ensure invigilators remain vigilant, actively supervise candidates and follow examination procedures. Minimise disruption and address any issues, emergencies or irregularities in accordance with regulations. Complete attendance registers and maintain accurate records of any incidents. Coordinate invigilator duties during the examination and at its conclusion.
After examinations Instruct candidates to finish their examinations and collect all scripts and examination materials. Check scripts are correctly completed and reconcile attendance records.
Job Description Oversee the dismissal of candidates and invigilators, ensuring appropriate invigilation levels are maintained until all examination activities are complete, so that the invigilator ratio does not fall below 1:30. Return examination scripts and materials securely to the Examinations Officer.
Other tasks Undertake training, update and review sessions as required. Undertake relevant online invigilator training and assessment each academic year.
Person specification: Previous experience of invigilating examinations in a school environment (further training will also be provided). Reliable, flexible and readily available during main examination periods. Have effective communication and interpersonal skills. Be able to work effectively as part of a team and lead other invigilators. Remain calm, confident and professional when dealing with candidates and staff. Be able to follow procedures accurately and manage situations appropriately.
Job Description Have basic IT skills, including email, word processing and mobile communication.
General requirements Lead Invigilators are required to confirm their availability in advance of main examination periods. Lead Invigilators must confirm that the confidentiality and security requirements surrounding the invigilation process are known, understood and will be followed at all times.
Benefits Benefits We boast a competitive salary structure, alongside other benefits, which includes access to a comprehensive pension scheme. The wellbeing of our staff is a priority. We have a developed programme for staff with initiatives and support in the areas of Economic, Physical, Emotional and Social wellbeing. Free classes and advisory services. memberships and discounted rates in local establishments, together with cycle to work scheme, free on-site parking, free daily lunch, and fee reduction for staff's children are examples of some of the non-contractual benefits on offer in this programme.
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Safeguarding and Child Protection Benefits Berkhamsted is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding. A copy of the School’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy can be found HERE The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and visitors to adopt a child centred and coordinated approach to child protection and safeguarding. Berkhamsted Schools Group is a registered charity dedicated to education: 310630.
Application and Next Steps The closing date for applications is 28 September 2026 It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children; applicants must be willing to undertake a number of safeguarding checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS). This post is also subject to receipt of written references which must be satisfactory to Berkhamsted Schools Group, along with documentary evidence of qualifications. A background screening service including a review of candidate’s online presence will be carried out as part of the recruitment process, by an independent third-party screening partner. Successful applicants will need to provide confirmation of permission to work in the UK. Please note that under the Immigration Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, the school has an obligation to ensure applicants have the right to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. (If it is found that those documents do not meet the legal requirement, an offer of employment will be withdrawn). Where the successful candidate has worked or been a resident overseas in the previous five years, such checks and confirmations as the school may require in accordance with statutory guidance. We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race. Candidates with a disability who are invited to interview should inform the School of any necessary reasonable adjustments or arrangements to assist them in attending the interview. If you have any questions relating to this role please contact the HR department at recruitment@berkhamsted.com Early applications are encouraged, and interviews may take place on a rolling basis. We reserve the right to extend or close the deadline.
Developing remarkable people