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- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Creative Arts team, shaping education for thousands of learners.
- Company: Join AQA, the UK's largest provider of academic qualifications, dedicated to advancing education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health insurance, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a national impact on Creative Arts education and influence future generations.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and expert knowledge in Creative Arts specifications.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a vibrant network of colleagues and excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 53000 £ per year.
At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.
Contract type: 2 year fixed term contract
Location: Manchester, Milton Keynes or London
Salary: Manchester £46,500–£53,300; Milton Keynes or London £48,000–£55,500
Working arrangements: Hybrid – at least one day a week in the office, regular customer visits with national travel and occasional overnight stays.
Lead people with clarity, purpose and impact, helping your team thrive while shaping the future of education. This is your opportunity to take Creative Arts beyond the classroom and shape how thousands of teachers and students experience the subjects. With assessment reform on the horizon, you will influence the future of education and make a national impact with AQA.
You will be joining the industry leader for Creative Arts at GCSE and A Level, supporting hundreds of thousands of learners each year. Our Creative Arts team support teachers of Art and Design, Music, Media Studies, Dance and Drama. With over 40 Subject Matter Experts in our Subject Support departments, you'll join a vibrant network of colleagues to work with, learn from and share ideas with.
Purpose of the role: As a visible ambassador for AQA Creative Arts, you will build trust and confidence with diverse stakeholders, working with schools and communities across varied cultural and creative landscapes to ensure our qualifications reflect the diversity of learners. You will be part of a culture where every voice contributes to how we design and deliver our offer.
Key responsibilities:
- Demonstrable and recent experience of leading a department
- Expert knowledge of Creative Arts specifications, assessment practice and NEA.
- Proven leadership experience, and credibility with teachers, including coaching and building team capability at scale.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, adapting your style under pressure and in ambiguous situations.
- Ability to engage and inspire external stakeholders, building confidence with diverse audiences.
- A platform to influence education nationally and represent AQA at key events.
Career development and professional growth in a leading education charity. Comprehensive benefits including Bupa Health Insurance, Health Care Cash Plan, Life Assurance and an Electric Vehicle Leasing scheme, generous company pension contributions up to 11.5% and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas.
Make your mark on Creative Arts education — join AQA and help shape the future.
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be unable to maintain an Associate role with AQA or any other exam board.
AQA is an independent charity that sets and marks over half of all GCSEs and A-levels in the UK every year. Our purpose is to advance education by helping students and teachers to realise their potential. As part of AQA, you’ll very quickly appreciate the determination and unwavering passion to deliver this goal in everything we do. To help drive these ambitions, AQA invests in the development of its people by offering a range of professional development and learning opportunities leading to over 50% of our permanent roles being filled internally.
Reasonable Adjustments: If you have any requirements for reasonable adjustments in relation to the application, interview or the prospective job, please contact Faye Harrison (she/her) at fharrison@aqa.org.uk or on 07813 724161. We are asking for this information to make the process as equitable as possible for each candidate. Please note that Faye will not be able to assist you with enquiries regarding Temporary vacancies or non-recruitment enquiries. If you have query regarding Temporary vacancies, please contact: temprecruit@aqa.org.uk.
Smart Working: We’re operating a smart working model. This allows for our colleagues to work from two days a week in one of our offices across England.
Equality, diversity and inclusion: 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.
Conflict of Interest: Please note that due to the confidential nature of our work, we are unable to employ people for our temporary roles who are currently a candidate for Key Stage 4 and 5 public examinations.
Safeguarding: AQA is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk. We’re dedicated to reducing the risk of employing or contracting any person intent on abusing their position of trust, along with identifying and responding to any incident of alleged abuse from its employees or associates fairly and swiftly.
For more information on safeguarding at AQA please visit the AQA website.
Contact: Temporary roles: temprecruit@aqa.org.uk Permanent and Fixed Term roles: opportunities@aqa.org.uk
Subject Lead Creative Arts in Manchester employer: AQA Recruiting
Contact Detail:
AQA Recruiting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Subject Lead Creative Arts in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in Creative Arts. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching AQA and its impact on Creative Arts education. Show us you’re passionate about shaping the future of education and how your experience aligns with our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Subject Lead, you'll need to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Get comfortable sharing your ideas clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Subject Lead Creative Arts in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Subject Lead – Creative Arts role. Highlight your leadership experience and expertise in Creative Arts specifications. 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 advancing education and how you can make an impact in the Creative Arts. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've engaged and inspired others in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA Recruiting
✨Know Your Creative Arts Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and specifications in Creative Arts. Familiarise yourself with AQA's qualifications and how they impact teachers and students. This will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or department in the past. Highlight your ability to coach and inspire others, as this role requires strong leadership to help your team thrive.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you can build trust and confidence with diverse stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your experience in engaging with schools and communities, and how you can represent AQA effectively at key events.
✨Communicate Clearly Under Pressure
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially in high-pressure situations. This role demands excellent communication skills, so consider mock interviews to refine your presentation style.
