Assessment Support assistant

The London Academy for Applied Technology (LAAT) is a dynamic and rapidly growing higher education institution delivering undergraduate programmes in Business, in partnership with Plymouth Marjon University. LAAT is committed to widening participation and delivering an outstanding student experience underpinned by high-quality teaching and robust governance.

Job Purpose

The Assessment Support Assistant plays a vital role in the management and coordination of academic assessments across all the campuses at LAAT. This position mainly supports the Assessment Lead and the academic team inclusive of the Module Leads in delivering robust and compliant assessment processes. The role is essential in ensuring that assessment practices are consistent, secure, and aligned with institutional and awarding body standards, while also supporting students through timely, accurate, and fair assessment services. Extended duties undertaken by this role includes playing a vital part in enhancing the student experience by providing high-quality welfare support, academic coordination, and frontline assistance to students across our programmes. Working across assessments, student support, and academic operations, you will be the first point of contact for student queries, concerns, and needs-supporting students to thrive both personally and academically.

Key Responsibilities Assessment Planning and Coordination

• Coordinate the preparation, distribution, and secure storage of all assessment and examination materials.
• Work with academic staff to ensure that all assessments (e.g., coursework briefs, examination papers, marking schemes) are submitted, reviewed, and approved in a timely manner.
• Assist to maintain assessment and submission calendars for all programmes and levels of study, communicating key dates to staff and students.

Examination Administration

• Organise and oversee the logistical setup of all in person and online exams, ensuring venues, invigilators, and materials are arranged in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Act as a primary point of contact for invigilators, providing training, documentation, and guidance where required.
• Ensure the secure handling and return of completed exam scripts, and oversee their tracking, storage, and access in line with institutional policy.
• Provide administrative support during exam periods, including the production of exam timetables, seating plans, and attendance registers.

Assessment Record Management

• Ensure timely collection and recording of marks into the student records system.
• Work closely with academic staff to validate and cross check marks and feedback before release to students.
• Track late submissions, extensions, and mitigating circumstances, ensuring documentation is accurate and processed promptly.
• Prepare reports on student performance data and outcomes to support academic quality reviews and board reporting.

Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure assessment processes meet internal and external academic standards (OfS).
• Support internal audits and external reviews by providing documentation, reports, and procedural evidence.
• Monitor compliance with academic regulations, assessment policies, and deadlines across all departments.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in assessment processes, including digitisation and process mapping.

Academic and Assessment Support

• Support students with assessment related queries, including extensions, mitigating circumstances, deferrals, and appeals.
• Liaise with the Assessments Lead to coordinate submission processes, review requests, and track outcomes.
• Help communicate assessment policies to students and ensure students understand academic expectations.

Programme and Module Coordination

• Assist Module Leads in academic progression tracking and the Program Lead, in delivering key academic operations such as induction, registration, etc.
• Provide administrative and operational support to Module Leaders, including help with attendance monitoring, assessment timetables, and student communication.
• Support the organisation of programme specific events, such as student briefings and feedback sessions.

Student Welfare & Support

• Serve as the first point of contact for students seeking non academic advice or wellbeing support.
• Offer friendly, confidential guidance on a range of issues including attendance, personal difficulties, finance, accommodation, and mental health.
• Refer students to internal or external support services as appropriate, ensuring timely follow up.
• Proactively monitor student engagement, escalating concerns in line with safeguarding and retention protocols.

Data, Records, and Reporting

• Maintain accurate, up to date student records using institutional systems Student Information Systems.
• Identify at risk students using engagement or performance data and produce reports for relevant stakeholders.
• Support the institution's quality assurance processes by helping to capture student feedback and improve service delivery.

Key Skills & Experience Required

Essential:

• Experience in an assessment based, student support, academic services, or advisory role in a further or higher education setting.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and empathy skills when working with diverse student populations.
• Organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Strong IT skills including use of MS Office, and confidence in learning new student record systems.
• A student first mindset with a calm, solution focused approach under pressure.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with UK higher education systems, policies, and regulatory standards.
• Experience supporting academic assessment processes or student casework.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, disability support, or mental health services in an educational context.
• Experience working with international students or under represented groups.

Benefits

• Structured onboarding and mentoring programme.
• Clear career progression pathway into Lecturer or Academic Coordinator roles.
• Support for professional teaching qualifications (HEA Fellowship, PGCert).
• Access to ongoing CPD and staff development activities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Pension scheme.
• Flexible working and generous annual leave.