Meet Claire Everett-Ellis: Ensuring Exams Run Smoothly
Behind the calm and orderly atmosphere of an exam hall lies the intricate, high-pressure world of the Exams Officer—a role Claire has embodied at Bancroft’s School since October 2019.
We caught up with Claire during a brief pause between the 16+ entrance exams and the upcoming 11+, which felt like the perfect moment to find out more about her work at Bancroft’s.
Claire’s Role
Her work certainly involves much more than the exam season – requiring year-round coordination of entrance exams, policies, and access arrangements. On exam days, the preparation starts early, to ensure everything runs smoothly, from briefing invigilators to creating a calm environment for students – “I want them to go into that room as relaxed as possible.”
“Exams are important, but they’re not the be-all and end-all. There will always be more opportunities ahead.”
Claire’s role goes well beyond logistics; it’s about supporting students. “I know what it’s like to sit in an exam room” she shares. Whether it’s offering calming advice or hyping students up with fist pumps before an exam, Claire prioritises their well-being. “It’s about giving them the best opportunity to achieve the highest grade they can.”
A Team Effort
Claire highlights the collaborative spirit at Bancroft’s as key to her work. “I work closely with so many departments—academic, pastoral, admissions.” She particularly values colleagues like Zeyana in the Admissions Department, noting, “Without her, I couldn’t run exams.”
Outside of her day to day responsibilities, Claire uses her free time to attend or pop along to see the events that go on in the school. She recalled, “I don’t always get the opportunity, but when I do I like to see what our pupils are doing. I went to Robot Wars not long ago which was a good one, and some of the events happening during Harry Potter Week.”
