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.

Project Assistant

Permanent Milton Keynes
Salary:
Hybrid working (min 2 days per week in office increased office attendance during exam delivery periods)

If you enjoy working with data and systems value accuracy and want a role where your work genuinely supports learners this could be the opportunity youve been looking for.

As a Project Assistant in AQAs EAssessment Delivery team youll support the secure and accurate delivery of live examination series. Working closely with Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers youll play a handson role across systems data and reporting to ensure exams are delivered smoothly securely and on time.

This role goes beyond traditional administration. Accuracy sits at its core with responsibility for checking validating and reconciling data across secure systems often to live delivery timescales. Alongside this youll build practical project delivery skills and benefit from a clear progression pathway into Assistant Project Manager and beyond.

Whats in it for you

By joining AQA a leading independent education charity youll play a part in work that makes a real difference for millions of learners while building skills that support your longterm career.

Youll join a team that actively invests in learning development and progression including:

• A clearly defined career pathway into project management roles
• Fully funded PRINCE2 Foundation training and continuous improvement qualifications (e.g. Lean / Six Sigma)
• Coaching and mentoring from experienced project professionals
• Structured onthejob training in Power BI reporting data validation and analytical insight

Youll also benefit from AQAs wider rewards package including:

• 25 days annual leave plus Christmas office closure and bank holidays
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Free onsite parking
• An excellent pension scheme
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme including wellbeing and financial support

What youll do:

• Support the delivery of live limited live and pilot exam series across multiple systems
• Prepare check and validate data ensuring accuracy and integrity throughout delivery
• Maintain trackers risk logs action plans and project documentation
• Produce reports and dashboards to support delivery and decisionmaking
• Update work instructions and contribute to continuous improvement activity

What youll bring.

• An interest in building a longterm career in project management
• Confidence using IT systems and working with data
• A logical methodical approach with strong attention to detail
• The ability to prioritise work and remain calm under pressure
• A strong focus on teamwork quality and accountability

At AQA we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyoneregardless of religion ethnicity gender identity or expression age disability sexual orientation or backgroundis valued respected and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language avoid stereotypes and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Ready to make an impact

If youre looking for a role where you can build strong technical and project delivery skills in a supportive structured environment wed love to hear from you.

How do I apply

Read the full job description below then upload your most recent CV with a cover letter explaining how your skills and experience match what we are looking for.

Applications will close at 23:59 on Wednesday 6th May 2026

Interviews will be face to face in the Milton Keynes office on 21st & 22nd May 2026

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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 Project Assistant supports the successful delivery of examination projects across AQA Global by assisting Assistant Project Managers with the planning set-up delivery and completion of exam series. The role ensures that systems data and documentation are accurate secure and delivered on time. By working closely with operational and technical teams the Project Assistant helps deliver high-quality digital assessments that support learners and customers role sits within the E-Assessment Delivery (EAD) team which is responsible for delivering eMarker projects for AQA Global and external customers. The Project Assistant is an individual contributor role with no direct reports and reports to an Assistant Project Manager. The role works closely with colleagues across Scanning Centre Operations Electronic Script Processing Reconciliation and Technology to support end-to-end exam delivery. The role has a strong operational focus supporting live delivery system readiness and continuous improvement within agreed governance and security frameworks.

Activities:
Support the delivery of live limited-live and pilot examination projects across multiple exam series.
Set up examinations within the eMarker system ensuring accuracy and readiness for delivery.
Prepare deliver and review clear work instructions and supporting project documentation.
Carry out pre-live testing to confirm systems and data are functioning as expected.
Receive convert upload check and export data accurately and securely.
Monitor exam series on a daily basis identifying issues and escalating risks where required.
Run reports to track progress performance and delivery risks.
Handle secure examination materials in line with AQA governance and security policies.
Liaise with internal teams to support effective project delivery and provide cover for colleagues when required.
Identify and contribute ideas to improve processes ways of working and operational efficiency.

To be successful in this role you will need to demonstrate:
Essential Criteria
Ability to support the delivery of multiple tasks or systems accurately at the same time.
Strong attention to detail with a methodical and organised approach to work.
Clear communication and relationship-building skills when working with internal stakeholders.
Confidence using Microsoft Office applications including Excel for working with data and reports.
Ability to follow defined processes governance and security controls in a regulated environment.
Demonstrates AQA values through collaborative responsible and inclusive ways of working.

Desierable Criteria
Experience using Microsoft Access or Power BI.
Experience working with reporting tools such as SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).
Awareness of data formats such as XML.