Jill Duffy to step down as OCR head

Jill Duffy is planning to step down as Group Managing Director for UK Education at Cambridge University Press & Assessment in September 2025. 

In that role, Jill will have spent seven years at the helm of OCR, one of the UK’s leading exam boards. 

Jill will take on new non-executive positions, as she steps back from full-time executive leadership. She already serves as a governor of Oxford Brookes University. 

Under Jill’s leadership, OCR has transformed, grown, led change in the sector, and introduced innovations such as digital exams and a new GCSE in Natural History. 

OCR has become well known for listening to and engaging students and teachers, with surveys confirming the exam board’s status as the UK’s most responsive to customers. 

OCR’s recent Striking the Balance report is a typical example, engaging thousands of students, teachers and experts while offering bold and pragmatic ideas for reform at 11-16 -- proposals that put learners first. 

Jill has championed new vocational qualifications, such as Cambridge Nationals and Cambridge Technicals, helping raise their status with a sector-wide ‘vocational results day’.  

Jill Duffy, Group Managing Director for UK Education at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said: “I’ve loved this job. It’s a privilege to work with such a talented team of people who really care for and connect with students, teachers and society. 

“The OCR role was, and is, in many ways, my dream role.  It brings together my passion for education making a difference in young people’s lives, and in making an organisation work for the benefit of all. 

“I’m glad to stay in the role until next September, and to ensure we have a smooth transition. 

“I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family, on the tennis court and in a range of non-exec roles. I’ll miss my brilliant colleagues at OCR, CEM and across Cambridge.

“I’m hugely grateful to Peter Phillips for all his support. I’m looking forward to my final year at this wonderful organisation.”

Peter Phillips, Chief Executive of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said: 

“Jill Duffy has achieved a huge amount for education in her seven years at Cambridge. 

“Her commitment to learners, expertise in the sector and personal leadership have been outstanding. Jill’s relentless focus on doing what’s right for students and for teachers is an inspiration to everyone who works with her, and I'm delighted that she will be staying with us until later in 2025 to ensure the best possible transition. 

“Working with her teams, Jill has helped improve education in the UK, and made a significant contribution to the mission of Cambridge University Press & Assessment.”

The search for Jill’s successor starts this week. 

Read the full announcement on Cambridge University Press & Assessment.