Head of Quality and Accreditation in Guildford

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and fostering a collaborative working environment. The Head of Qualification Quality & Accreditation leads the work that ensures GCSEs and A-levels are approved first time. This role is based in Manchester, with hybrid working (two days per week in office) and a salary range of £72,000 – £80,000.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead the quality assurance and accreditation support function across qualification development.
• Review and quality‑assure specifications, assessment strategies and Specimen Assessment Materials, identifying risks, inconsistencies and gaps, and provide clear, actionable feedback.
• Ensure complete alignment across all materials before submission and steer a “right first time” approach to accreditation, reducing rework.
• Design, implement and continuously refine quality assurance approaches that are robust, proportionate and scalable to support qualification development at scale.
• Collaborate closely with qualification development, assessment design, product and compliance teams to maintain a joined‑up approach.
• Engage with Ofqual and support accreditation activity where required.
• Lead and develop a small specialist team, influencing more widely across the organisation.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience working within regulatory frameworks, ideally in a qualification development or accreditation environment.
• Subject‑matter expertise in qualification design, quality and accreditation, demonstrated through experience of developing or assuring qualification materials.
• Experience designing and implementing quality assurance approaches, rather than operating within established processes.
• Track record of working with specifications, assessment strategies and specimen materials within a regulated environment.
• Demonstrable attention to detail, with evidence of identifying and resolving misalignment across complex documentation.
• Ability to review materials critically and provide feedback that is clear, practical and actionable.
• Sound judgment in applying quality standards consistently, with a capacity to take a proportionate approach when appropriate.

Benefits:

• Impact and influence on the development and accreditation of national qualifications.
• Opportunity to establish and evolve a new quality and accreditation function.
• Exposure to senior stakeholders across AQA and external regulatory bodies.
• Hybrid working with approximately two days per week in the office.
• 35‑hour working week supporting a sustainable and balanced approach to work.
• 25 days’ annual leave, rising to 30 days with service, plus bank holidays and a Christmas closure.
• AQA pension contribution of 6% to 11.5% (depending on personal contribution).
• Private medical insurance, life assurance and a health cash plan.
• Ongoing development opportunities and access to learning and progression.
• Inclusive employee networks: LGBTQ+, Empowering Women, Interfaith, Parents and Carers, Neurodiversity, Ethnic Diversity.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

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