Image copyright WJEC Image caption Roderic Gillespie started his job as chief executive of the WJEC in June 2018

The chief executive of Wales' examining body will leave the role just 11 months after starting, it has been announced.

Roderic Gillespie, who took up the post as head of the WJEC in June 2018, will step down in May.

The WJEC said interim leadership plans were being finalised and it was confident in "ensuring the safe delivery of summer examinations".

The National Education Union (NEU) said it was "surprised and concerned" by the announcement at "a critical time".

Mr Gillespie, who succeeded Gareth Price, had made the "difficult decision" to leave to "pursue a career closer to home", the WJEC said.

When he was appointed, Welsh language teaching union UCAC said it was disappointed by the appointment of a non-Welsh speaker.

Mr Gillespie was previously an assessment director with Cambridge International, and before that worked for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

A WJEC statement said: "Interim leadership arrangements are currently being finalised, fully supported by Roderic.

"Our primary objective is to ensure the safe delivery of summer examinations.

"The WJEC board and executive team are confident that we have robust procedures and processes in place to ensure that this is achieved."

NEU Wales secretary David Evans said: "With the new curriculum about to be announced, this is a critical time for education - and exams - in Wales.

"Our children and young people, together with education professionals, will want to know that everything is being done to ensure there is no disruption.

"We look forward to working with the next chief exec."

Analysis

By BBC Wales education correspondent Bethan Lewis

The WJEC is one of the most important organisations in Welsh education.

As qualifications in Wales and England have become increasingly distinct - summed up by the different grading systems at GCSE - the WJEC now more or less has a monopoly in providing A-levels and GCSEs for Wales' schools and colleges.

Roderic Gillespie formerly had a key role developing qualifications as Scotland introduced its new curriculum - and a similar task faces the WJEC over the coming years.

But equally important for the business is its Eduqas brand, which provides qualifications in England.

The hunt for a new boss will have to take those different demands into account.

There may also be further lobbying from some that the ability to speak Welsh should be a key requirement.

It leaves the body poised for another drawn-out recruitment process ahead of the summer exams.