My Burford Catherine Bishop

Examinations Manager, Catherine Bishop has been working in education for 30 years. She reflects on her Burford journey and how she has become a vital part of the Burford team.

Where to begin. Being the Examinations officer is, some would say, quietly one of the most stressful jobs in education. I’m not sure I agree with that, but it definitely can have its moments!

Honestly? It’s a quietly great role. It’s not glamorous, but it’s meaningful, organised, and satisfying.

Here are a few of the best bits:

I like to think I’m the calm in the chaos. When everyone else is panicking about dates, entries, access arrangements, or exam clashes, I’m the person who actually knows what’s going on. I like structure and order; it’s in my nature. There’s something very satisfying about timetables lining up, papers arriving sealed and correct, registers matching perfectly, and sessions running smoothly. However, everything is high stakes and time-critical. That can be quite a pressure.

There are clear cycles to my year: busy exam seasons and mock exams, with calmer planning periods in between. I start planning the summer exams in December! There are a lot of logistics to be sorted out. Exam seasons mean early mornings, late finishes, and not much downtime.

My role involves a lot of problem-solving. Sorting a last-minute timetable change, a missing candidate, or a surprise room issue feels like defusing a tiny bomb. It’s very satisfying. It’s an essential role without being constantly in the spotlight — low drama but very important.

I make fairness happen. My role is at the heart of exam integrity; access arrangements, special consideration, and the secure handling of exam papers all make a tangible impact on students’ chances.

I’m the reassuring presence before exams and the one who quietly steps in when things go wrong. When students and parents are anxious, I absorb the pressure and help steady the situation.

If everything runs smoothly, no one notices. If one thing goes wrong, suddenly it’s very noticeable and very urgent.

At times, I need to be the person who says “no”, upholds regulations, and reminds others that rules are there for a reason. It may not always be the most popular part of the role, but it is an important one.

Results days are extremely busy but always a highlight. Seeing the students’ hard work come to fruition is wonderful. That second when a student opens the envelope, freezes, then breathes — you can literally see the tension drain out of them. Or the unexpected wins: the student who was convinced they’d failed and then does way better than predicted? Absolute magic! Results days are definitely emotionally intense. When the students and parents have all left the building, I can sit down quietly, exhausted but proud that we did it.

Seeing the students succeed and move on to the next stage of their lives is what it’s all about for me.

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