At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of Science experts to enhance teacher support and shape education.
- Company: Join AQA, the UK's largest provider of academic qualifications.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health insurance, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working with travel across the UK and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a national impact on Science education and influence thousands of students' experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience leading a Science department and strong understanding of GCSE and A Level syllabuses.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 55500 £ per year.
At AQA, we are committed to advancing education and our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year, and it is our people who make this happen.
Join AQA as Subject Lead for Science. Due to recent announcements on assessment reform, we are expanding the AQA Science Subject Support team. This pivotal leadership role will guide a team of Science experts to deliver outstanding support for teachers and ensure AQA maintains its leading position in the GCSE and A Level market.
Why this role matters:
- This role is ideal for experienced educators who are looking to move beyond the classroom and now want to shape education more broadly through AQA.
- If you have recently led a Science team and taught GCSE and A Level Sciences and are passionate about shaping the future of education, consider joining the UK's leading awarding body.
- With increased investment in understanding and supporting our customers, this role offers a chance to make a tangible impact on AQA's flagship subject.
You will contribute to educational reform, influence subject-level policy, and drive forward our diverse support and product offerings.
Purpose:
As Subject Lead for Science, you will play a pivotal role in delivering AQA's Science curriculum strategy. You will ensure AQA remains the top choice for educators by enhancing our customer support and strengthening our subject-specific offerings.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and inspiring a team of four Science subject experts, coaching and developing them to deliver exceptional support.
- Acting as a primary point of contact for teachers, providing clear and accessible guidance on specifications and assessments.
- Collaborating with stakeholders across the UK to deliver impactful support materials and events.
- Working closely with Product Management to align classroom needs with AQA's product development.
- Representing AQA at conferences and events, sharing insights and building relationships with educators.
What's in it for you:
- Career Development: Lead and influence in your area of expertise with opportunities to represent AQA at national conferences.
- Transition your leadership and curriculum knowledge from the classroom to a national platform, shaping the future of education.
- Gain valuable insights into assessment content and delivery.
Personal Growth and Wellbeing:
- Bupa Health Insurance, Health Care Cash Plan, Life Assurance, and an Electric Vehicle Leasing scheme.
- Generous pension contributions of up to 11.5%.
- 25 days of annual leave increasing with service, plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas.
- Opportunities for volunteering leave and professional development.
To succeed in this role, you'll need:
- Recent experience leading a Science department or equivalent with a strong understanding of the GCSE and A Level syllabus.
- A deep knowledge of assessment processes and the wider educational landscape.
- Strong data interpretation skills to inform decision-making and enhance customer support.
- The ability to travel across the UK with occasional overnight stays.
- Excellent communication skills capable of presenting to diverse audiences and handling challenging conversations.
- Proven matrix management skills to influence a range of internal and external stakeholders.
An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role. Make your mark on Science education—join AQA and help shape the future.
Application Process:
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. Application deadline: Sunday 30th November 23:59.
Pre-screen call with the Recruiter followed by:
- First stage: Teams Interviews with a pre-set scenario - 8th and 9th December.
- Second stage: Face to Face with a presentation - 15th and 16th December.
Decisions will be made in time before year end. The successful candidate will ideally start on or before April 2026. The expected start date will align with teacher notice periods or earlier if feasible.
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 everyone—regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background—is 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.
Successful candidates will be unable to maintain an Associate role with AQA or any other exam board.
Subject Lead Science in Manchester employer: AQA Education
Contact Detail:
AQA Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Subject Lead Science in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who have ties with AQA. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about the role or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research AQA’s recent initiatives and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about shaping the future of Science education.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! Since you'll likely need to present during the interview process, grab a friend and run through your ideas. Make sure you can clearly communicate your vision for supporting teachers and enhancing student experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining AQA and making a difference in the education landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Subject Lead Science in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Subject Lead - Science role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant teaching roles, especially in GCSE and A Level Sciences. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at AQA!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about shaping education and how your expertise can help AQA maintain its leading position. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves presenting to diverse audiences, make sure to highlight your communication skills in your application. Share examples of how you've effectively engaged with teachers or stakeholders in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA Education
✨Know Your Science Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the GCSE and A Level Science syllabuses. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with AQA's mission and how you can influence educational reform. Show them you're not just knowledgeable but passionate about shaping the future of Science education.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Subject Lead, you'll be guiding a team of experts. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on coaching and developing others. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate, as this will be key to your success in the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Familiarise yourself with AQA's stakeholders and think about how you would engage with them. Be ready to discuss your experience in building relationships and collaborating with various groups. This will demonstrate your understanding of the importance of stakeholder engagement in delivering impactful support.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly and show that you're ready to tackle real-world issues.