Subject Sector Lead - Computer Science

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and supporting our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year, thanks to our dedicated staff.

This is a new opportunity — ready to shape the future of education? If you have demonstrable expertise in your subject and want to influence teaching and assessment across the UK, this role offers a chance to make a national impact. As a Subject Sector Lead, you will bring your subject expertise to curriculum and assessment reform, influencing policy, shaping qualifications, and ensuring assessments meet the needs of students, teachers, and employers.

Do you want to lead the way in digital skills assessment in a rapidly evolving world?

What will you be doing?

• You will serve as the subject expert in Computer Science, shaping qualifications and influencing national education policy.
• Staying ahead of curriculum changes and sector trends, you will guide AQA’s strategy, collaborate across departments, and build relationships with schools, MATs, professional bodies, and government contacts.
• Your voice will be integral in national conversations, reform initiatives, and shaping the future of education.
• With the digital economy growing rapidly, your role in Computer Science will help develop the skills of tomorrow’s workforce.

What’s in it for you?

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

What will help you succeed?

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

Ready to shape the future of assessment? We welcome diversity of thought and experience, especially from those with backgrounds in curriculum design, education policy, or sector advocacy. If you bring fresh perspectives and strategic insight, this is your opportunity to lead meaningful educational change.

To apply: Send your CV and a supporting statement outlining your motivation and transferable skills. If you seek flexible or part-time work, please specify this in your application.

Closing date: Sunday 22nd June 2025 - 23:59. Every application will receive a response.

Process: An initial pre-screening call will be arranged, followed by a first-stage interview via Microsoft Teams, and a final face-to-face interview. Interviews are expected in July, with onboarding between September and early 2026 depending on notice periods.

AQA is an equal opportunity employer. We foster an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.

Summary

The Subject Sector Lead plays a key role in shaping AQA’s influence and innovation within the subject sector. Working closely with the Head of Product, this role involves gathering and applying deep sector insights to inform product development, policy engagement, and strategic positioning. The role aims to establish AQA as a thought leader and ensure qualifications meet evolving needs.

You will bring your passion and experience to influence external stakeholders and shape the future of qualifications. The curriculum and assessment review seeks to modernize the national curriculum, making qualifications more inclusive and reflective of social, technological, and economic changes, while maintaining high standards and equity. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity to guide reform and keep qualifications relevant and inclusive.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Collaboration & Insight Development: Collaborate with the Head of Product to identify trends and lead AQA’s influencing strategy.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build relationships with educators, institutions, industry bodies, and regulators; gather market intelligence.
• Thought Leadership & Innovation: Produce insights, papers, and presentations; foster innovative approaches to qualification design.
• Policy & External Affairs Alignment: Support campaigns influencing government and policy; provide subject expertise for advocacy.
• Product Development Support: Offer sector insights to enhance qualification design and ensure market relevance.

To succeed, you need proven experience in subject research, education policy, or curriculum development, strong stakeholder skills, excellent communication, and a strategic, collaborative mindset. Desirable qualifications include degree-level education or equivalent experience, with additional experience in product development or assessment being advantageous.