At AQA were committed to advancing education and were committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and its our people who make this happen.

Subject Sector Lead History

Permanent

Manchester Salary: 62000 - 72000

Milton Keynes and London Salary: 65000 - 75000

Hybrid withflexible and part-time options available

This is a brand new opportunity ready to shape the future of education

If you have demonstrable expertise in your subject and want to influence how its taught and assessed across the UK this is your opportunity to make a national impact. As a Subject Sector Lead you will bring your subject expertise to the heart of curriculum and assessment reform. You will influence policy shape qualifications and ensure that learner assessments reflect the real needs of students teachers and employers.

Motivated by a desire to enhance how history is taught and remembered in schools

What will you be doing

You will be the subject expert in History bringing your insight to shape qualifications and influence national education policy. You will stay ahead of curriculum changes and sector trends using that knowledge to guide AQAs thinking and direction. You will work closely with colleagues across product policy research and marketing to make sure your subject expertise is embedded in everything we do. You will also build strong relationships with schools MATs professional bodies and government contacts to keep us connected and informed. This is a role where your voice will matter. You will represent AQA in national conversations contribute to reform and help shape the future of education.

History continues to grow in popularity - your leadership will influence how the next generation understands the past.

Whats in it for you

• Purpose and profile: You will play a visible role in shaping the future of qualifications in your subject.
• Flexible working: Hybrid part-time and flexible options to support your lifestyle and commitments.
• Generous leave: 25 days rising to 30 days with service plus voluntary service days and discretionary leave over Christmas and New Year.
• Wellbeing support: Access to staff networks mental health resources BUPA healthcare and a supportive inclusive culture.
• Pension: Up to 11.5% employer pension contributions.
• Professional growth: Collaborate with policy experts researchers and product leaders in a dynamic forward-thinking environment.

What will help you succeed

• Demonstrable subject knowledge and a strong understanding of the education landscape.
• Experience in curriculum development assessment education policy or subject leadership.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strategic and collaborative thinker with the ability to build consensus and influence decision-making.
• A collaborative mindset and a passion for shaping the future of education.

Ready to shape the future of assessment

We actively welcome diversity of thought and experienceespecially from those whove gone beyond classroom teaching into curriculum design education policy or sector advocacy. If you bring fresh perspectives and a strategic mindset this is your opportunity to lead meaningful change in education.

To apply send your CV and a supporting statement outlining your motivation and transferable skills. If you are looking for flexible or part time working options please clarify on application in detail.

Closing date: Sunday 22nd June 2025 - 23.59

Every application will receive a response.

Process: One of the Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch to arrange an initial pre-screening call. The selection process includes a first-stage interview via Microsoft Teams followed by a final face-to-face interview. Interviews are expected to take place in July with onboarding between September and early 2026 depending on notice periods.

AQA is an equal opportunity employercommitted to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyoneregardless of religion ethnicity gender identity or expression age disability sexual orientation or backgroundis valued respected and supported to thrive.

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Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description

Summary

The Subject Sector Lead plays a pivotal role in shaping AQAs influence and innovation within the subject sector landscape. Working closely with the Head of Product (Subjects) this role is responsible for gathering and applying deep subject sector insights to inform product development policy engagement and strategic positioning. The role will help establish AQA as a thought leader in the education sector and ensure our qualifications and assessments meet evolving market and regulatory needs. As Subject Sector Lead you will bring your passion for the subject allied to a proven experience of influencing external stakeholders to shape the future of qualifications in the ongoing curriculum and assessment review seeks to modernize the national curriculum and ensure qualifications and assessments better reflect the breadth of student learning. The review highlights the need for a more balanced and inclusive system that responds to social technological and economic change while maintaining high standards and equity. For AQA this presents both a challenge and an opportunity to influence the direction of reform and ensure that its qualifications remain relevant inclusive and aligned with the future needs of learners educators and employers
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Collaboration & Insight Development
Collaborate with the Head of Product to identify emerging trends and insights across subject sectors.
Lead AQAs subject sector influencing strategy ensuring alignment with organisational goals.

Stakeholder Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders across the subject sector including educators academic institutions industry bodies and regulators.
Gather and synthesise market intelligence to understand current and future needs.

Thought Leadership & Innovation
Position AQA as a thought leader by producing and delivering high-quality insights positional papers and presentations.
Inspire innovative approaches to qualification and assessment design through sector research and collaboration.

Policy & External Affairs Alignment
Work closely with policy and external affairs teams to shape and support campaigns that influence government and regulatory policy.
Provide subject sector expertise to inform AQAs external positioning and advocacy efforts.

Product Development Support
Provide deep subject sector insight to internal teams to enhance the design development and quality assurance of new and existing qualifications.
Contribute to cross-functional product planning and review processes ensuring subject relevance and market alignment.

To be successful in this role you will need;
Proven experience in subject sector research education policy or curriculum development.
Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication with the ability to translate complex insights into actionable strategies.
Experience working in or with educational organisations awarding bodies or regulatory environments.
Strategic thinker with a collaborative mindset and a passion for educational impact.

Desirable Qualifications:
Degree-level education or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
Experience in product development or educational assessment is advantageous.