The Exam Man Podcast

Recent Episodes

LINSEY ARMSTRONG-SMITH: Exams at Shiplake College – The Exam Man

In this special pre – exam season episode, we chew the fat about all things exams with super experienced Exams Officer Linsey Armstrong-Smith. Linsey shares how she found her way into her current role at Shiplake College in Oxfordshire, what she thinks are the skills and mindset needed to thrive in the role, as well as what she loves and finds challenging about working in exams. We also dig into how she’s gearing up for the looming summer exam season, and she shares her wisdom – and summer survival tips – from her varied career so far. Whether you’re a seasoned EO or just starting out in the role, you’ll find plenty to relate to in this chat with Linsey!#exams #gcses #alevels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1. LINSEY ARMSTRONG-SMITH: Exams at Shiplake College 36:10
2. JCQ with baubles on 45:36
3. RESULTS SPECIAL: "Contingency mindset", adrenaline junkies & introducing My Big Year 43:58
4. SPECIAL EPISODE: Ofqual in the house 25:14
5. ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! What we've learned about podcasting 37:21

The Exam Man is the original, leading podcast all about the business of exams. The audience spans those with an interest in exams, assessment, and education in the UK and beyond, as well as students, families and policy makers. John and Sophie bring two decades of experience working within and with schools to provide listeners with insights and musings on all things assessment.

For the 2024/ 2025 academic year we brought in a variety of voices from across exams, education and beyond on a weekly basis, tackling the issues of the moment and looking forward. We also shared the experience of what it all involves when you’re knee deep in a summer exam season, interviewing exams officers in a variety of settings. We explored what we can do to build an excellent assessment system for children, schools, universities, families, and employers, as well as offering a light-hearted take on the business of running and sitting exams. The comprehensive back catalogue of episodes is now an excellent and evergreen companion to anyone running or sitting exams.

As we move into the 2025/ 2026 academic year, the podcast will release episodes more sporadically in the form of special, long-form episodes, but will provide the same dose of education, fun and solidarity that weekly listeners have come to expect! The Exam Man can be found wherever you like to get your podcasts or at its own website, where you can also find useful blogs following each episode.