🎖️Exams Office Community Awards and Winners 2026 🏆
Celebrating Excellence in the Exams Community – 2026 Award Winners
Recognising the people who make a difference.
There are so many people working behind the scenes to make examinations happen successfully, and at Exam Officers & Data Solutions Ltd, we believe those people deserve to be recognised.
That is why we were delighted to be part of the judging panel for this year’s Exam Office Community Awards.
We asked the guardians online exams office community of over 3500 members to nominate an invigilator and/or line manager that has made a difference to them. Choosing the winners was no easy task. We received some truly outstanding nominations, each highlighting people who make a real difference to exam staff, candidates and the wider exams function.
After much discussion and careful consideration, we are delighted to introduce our two winners.
🏆 Invigilator of the Year – Louise Bryer
Nominated by Sarah (Exams Officer)
A huge congratulations to Louise, our Invigilator of the Year!
Louise’s nomination really stood out to the judging panel.
She was described as someone who consistently brings her A-game to every invigilation session, supporting fellow invigilators, sharing her knowledge and experience and going above and beyond to help her team.
One of the things that particularly impressed us was Louise’s initiative in creating an Invigilator Handbook. This has become a valuable resource that has helped bring consistency and confidence across the team.
But it was Louise’s approach to candidates that really captured our attention.
She expertly manages complex exam rooms with a wide range of access arrangements and candidate requirements, yet remains calm, professional, kind and caring. She takes the time to reassure candidates and build genuine rapport with them, helping them to feel comfortable and confident during what can be an incredibly stressful experience.
In fact, her impact is so great that candidates have apparently been disappointed when they arrive at Louise’s room and discover she is not there!
Her nomination also highlighted the support she provides to her Exams Officer. From practical help and encouragement to anticipating potential problems and quietly resolving them before they escalate.
And, of course, we could not overlook the daily motivational memes and essential chocolate supply!
Louise’s positivity, empathy, professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond make a real difference during the busiest and most challenging periods of the exam season.
Congratulations, Louise!
Your award is thoroughly deserved and recognises the professionalism, kindness, knowledge and support you bring to both candidates and colleagues.
🏆 Line Manager of the Year – Kathy Jones
Nominated by Rebecca (Exams Manager)
A huge congratulations to Kathy, our Line Manager of the Year!
Kathy’s nomination highlighted something that can make an enormous difference to an Exams Officer and their team – having a line manager who genuinely understands, supports and champions the exams function.
Kathy was recognised for consistently ensuring that the exams team’s work is understood, valued and properly prioritised at senior level.
She takes the time to listen, advocates effectively on behalf of her team and ensures they have the resources, clarity and backing needed to deliver a compliant and successful exam series.
Her calm and steady leadership during the busiest and most demanding periods of the academic year was also highlighted. She is approachable and proactive, regularly checking in and providing practical support where it is needed most.
But what really stood out to the judging panel was Kathy’s leadership style.
She leads with kindness, empathy and professionalism, recognising the human side of exams work and understanding the pressures that come with the role.
She actively encourages professional development and growth, helping people build confidence and expertise. Through guidance, encouragement and simply being available to talk things through, she empowers her team to thrive.
Her trust in the team creates accountability, pride and a positive working environment.
The impact of Kathy’s leadership goes far beyond the smooth running of exams. She has helped create a positive and collaborative culture where people feel trusted, respected and supported to perform at their best.
Congratulations, Kathy!
Your award recognises the very real difference you make to your team, the exams function and the people you support.
Celebrating Every Nominee
Although there are two winners, we also want to take a moment to recognise every single person who was nominated.
The standard of nominations was exceptional, and it was fantastic to read about the dedication, professionalism, kindness and commitment that exists across the exams community.
Whether you are an Exams Officer, Invigilator, line manager, senior leader, administrator or one of the many people who supports exams behind the scenes, what you do matters.
Exams do not happen by accident.
They happen because of the people who plan, organise, support, reassure, problem-solve and keep everything moving, often under considerable pressure.
And much of that work happens quietly, without recognition.
That is why awards such as these are so important.
They give us an opportunity to stop, recognise the contribution people make and celebrate the difference they have on the experience of both exam staff and students.
A huge thank you to everyone working in exams To everyone across the exams community who works tirelessly to make each exam series happen: Thank you.
Your knowledge, resilience, professionalism and commitment make an enormous difference.
And to our two winners, Louise and Kathy – congratulations!
We are delighted to celebrate your achievements and shine a light on the difference you make.
You are both very worthy winners.
Keep celebrating with us
We will be sharing more about our winners across our social media channels over the coming days, so make sure you follow Exam Officers & Data Solutions Ltd and join the exams community as we continue to celebrate the fantastic people working across the sector.
Exam Officers & Data Solutions Ltd
Supporting, training and championing support staff within the eduction sector.
These awards are kindly sponsored by:
Exam Officers and Data Solutions Ltd – A globally recognised training provider in the education sector:
Exams Officer Training | School Data Manager Training | Access Arrangements
Inclusion Compass – A provider of specialist assessment and inclusion support for schools, colleges and training providers.
Exams Guardians – A free online community for exams professionals.
Exams Office Support & Community for Exam Officers
All nominations were reviewed by the Nominations Team made up from a representative of each of the award sponsors. The judging panel agreed upon an overall winner for each award.