ABOUT CATS GLOBAL SCHOOLS (CGS)
CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers.
With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts University College, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US, Canada and China.
Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well-developed links to over 40 top global universities.
We create a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to make a contribution to shape their world. This is made possible because of the commitment of our pioneering, persevering people who do the very best for our students.
CATS UFP mission
CATS UFP offers a comprehensive pre-university educational experience for international students aged 16+ from around the world. The programme prepares students for admission to universities in the UK and globally through a unique approach to assessment and examinations tailored to international learners.
Job Overview
The Assistant Director of CATS UFP, reporting directly to the Director of CATS UFP, plays a key role in managing the delivery of the University Foundation Programme across multiple Examination Centres. The role requires collaboration with the CATS UFP Examination Board, External Examiners, Examination Officers, Senior Academic Leaders and Higher Education Officers at partner schools. The Assistant Director will ensure that assessment processes are effectively designed, implemented, and aligned with CATS UFP standards, promoting high-quality outcomes for students.
Key Responsibilities
1. Assessment and Examination Management:
o Serve as a member of the CATS UFP Examination Board.
o Assist in the management of the UFP assessment process, including the appointment of External Examiners.
o Ensure all assessment materials are reviewed and approved by External Examiners prior to use.
o Liaise with schools online and in-person to assess their suitability for running the CATS UFP qualification.
o Oversee the upload of assessments and examinations to online platforms.
o Support the training of new and existing Examination Officers in using and administering selected online platforms.
o Liaise with Examination Officers to manage the running of examinations during the key examination periods
o Ensure moderation of all assessments and exam results, and support grade boundary setting in collaboration with Chief Examiners and the Examination Board.
o Manage appeals from Examination Centres related to assessments.
o Ensure data retention policies are followed, allowing access to relevant information in accordance with CGS and CATS UFP guidelines.
2. Leadership of Chief Examiners:
o Act as the main point of contact for Chief Examiners.
o Assist in the coordination of annual reviews, appointments, and appraisals of Chief Examiners.
o Ensure that Chief Examiners regularly review and update specifications and that all assessments are scrutinised by External Examiners.
o Liaise with Chief Examiners to address subject-specific concerns raised by Examination Centres.
3. Quality Assurance and Improvement:
o Support Examination Centres in developing and maintaining robust quality assurance systems and policies.
o Monitor the effectiveness of internal quality assurance functions within CATS UFP.
o Liaise with Chief Examiners and the Director of CATS UFP to arrange annual subject reviews and assist in the creation of assessment improvement plans.
o Actively seek and establish new partnerships and progression agreements with HEIs and HEOs
o Liaise with HEIs and HEOs to foster and maintain university partnerships and progression agreements.
4. External Relations and Reporting:
o Manage external quality assurance relationships by working closely with External Examiners.
o Produce annual reports and statements for the CATS UFP Examination Board on the quality of assessment processes.
5. Professional Development and Collaboration:
o Regularly review your personal performance, set targets, and take responsibility for continuous professional development.
o Foster a positive culture that recognises and celebrates achievements within the CATS UFP Team.
o Actively seek, support and coordinate professional development and training opportunities for staff who have responsibility for designing specification and assessment materials.
Key Skills and Attributes
Leadership: Ability to inspire and guide colleagues, promoting professional development.
Communication: Clear and persuasive communication, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Organisational Skills: Strong ability to problem solve, prioritise tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines; acting quickly when stakeholders require assistance.
Analytical Thinking: Capacity to analyse situations, assess risks, and implement appropriate solutions.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel) and experience with online assessment platforms.
Personal Qualities
Proactive and solution-focused.
Committed to upholding CATS UFP’s values and mission.
Able to maintain professionalism and composure under pressure.
BENEFITS
Cycle to work Scheme
Tech Scheme
Car Scheme
Free flu vaccine through Healthshield
Free eye tests
Financial wellbeing support via WageStream
Employee Assistance Programme
Group income protection
GP24: GP Access for all
Health Cash Plan
Death in Service
Long service awards
Employee referral scheme
Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values Pioneering, Persevering, People We pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools and employer of choice for all.
SAFEGUARDING
CGS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of children and young people. As such, appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced DBS from the Disclosures and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks which may include social media.