Myles McGinley to head Cambridge's OCR exam board 01 April 2025

Myles McGinley is to succeed Jill Duffy as Managing Director for UK Education at Cambridge University Press & Assessment, which includes leading OCR, one of the UK's major exam boards.

Myles will take on the role in September 2025, when Jill steps down.

Myles has worked at Cambridge since 2019 as OCR’s Responsible Officer and Director of Regulation.

He brings over 20 years of leadership experience in education, assessment and publishing at Pearson, Oxford University Press, Schoolsnet, as well as at Cambridge. He started his career as an English teacher.

An advocate for an open, inclusive and rigorous education system, Myles brings deep expertise across academic and vocational qualifications, learning and teacher support.

Myles will join the Executive Board of Cambridge University Press & Assessment – one of the world's most impactful education organisations, reaching 100 million learners across more than 170 countries.

Leading public debate

In recent years, OCR has transformed, grown, led change in the sector, and introduced innovations such as digital exams and a new GCSE in Natural History.

Jill and Myles have helped OCR to become an influential voice for reform. That includes 2024's Striking the Balance report, which made the case for reducing the volume and intensity of exams at 16 - a proposal adopted in the recent Curriculum and Assessment Review interim report.

Myles McGinley said: "It's an honour to take on this role. Cambridge has a brilliant UK Education team with the energy and ambition to lead further change for the good of students, teachers and the country.

"It's been a pleasure working with Jill over the last six years, and I remain inspired by her leadership, vision, focus on students and teachers, and the inclusive culture she has created here. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to build on these strengths."

Jill Duffy said: "Cambridge and OCR have a very bright future. Myles is tremendously talented, knowledgeable and has proven his ability to lead change. I'm excited to support the transition with him over the coming months."

Peter Phillips, Chief Executive of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said: "I'm delighted to appoint someone as talented as Myles to follow Jill's exceptional leadership. This is a key moment for education in the UK. Myles and the team will continue Cambridge's commitment to improving opportunities for students across the country."

Beyond OCR, the UK Education group includes the Cambridge Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring, which uses data to provide schools with insights to better support learners.