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- Tasks: Lead the Geography subject area, shaping education for thousands of learners.
- Company: Join AQA, a market leader in Geography education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health insurance, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a national impact on education while inspiring teachers and students.
- Qualifications: Experience leading a Geography department and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with extensive travel and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 53000 £ per year.
Contract type: 24 months 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 Geography beyond the classroom and shape how thousands of teachers and learners experience the subject. 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 market leader for Geography at GCSE and A Level, supporting thousands of learners each year. 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. We’re looking for someone who brings fresh ideas and perspectives to enhance our culture and thrives in an environment where priorities shift and adaptability is key.
Purpose of the role
You will lead the Geography subject area, combining subject expertise with strategic leadership to strengthen customer engagement, influence product growth and deliver clear, measurable outcomes that demonstrate impact on engagement and growth in a competitive market. You’ll be a visible ambassador for AQA Geography, building trust and confidence with diverse stakeholders.
Key responsibilities
- Setting and delivering measurable plans for Geography that align with AQA’s strategy and reform priorities, with defined targets for engagement, retention and growth.
- Leading and developing a small team of Geography specialists to build capability, foster collaboration and drive continuous improvement.
- Designing and executing customer engagement strategies using insight and data and representing AQA externally at conferences and stakeholder events.
- Building long-term relationships with schools and stakeholders.
You’ll thrive in this role if you have:
- Demonstrable and recent experience leading a Geography or Humanities department, with a strong understanding of both GCSE and A Level specifications and assessment practice, with credibility among teachers.
- Proven leadership experience, including coaching and building team capability at scale.
- Commercial awareness and a customer-centric mindset, with examples of turning insight into action that delivers measurable outcomes.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, adapting your style under pressure and in ambiguous situations.
- Confidence in using data and metrics to define success, monitor progress and adjust plans at pace.
- Ability to engage and inspire external stakeholders, building confidence with diverse audiences.
What’s in it for you
- 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.
- An environment that values culture, inviting new perspectives and innovative approaches to improve how we support teachers and students.
Diversity and inclusion statement
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.
Make your mark on Geography 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: Tuesday 10th February 2026
Selection and Interview Process
- Short application questionnaire
- First stage: Teams Interviews with a pre-set scenario – 16th and 18 February 2026
- Second stage: Face to Face with a presentation – 23rd and 24th February 2026 in Manchester or 20th February 2026 in London
(Train travel for those applying for other locations will be reimbursed)
Onboarding expectations: The expected start date will align with teacher notice periods or earlier if feasible. Please note that an Enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate. Successful candidates will be unable to maintain an Associate role with AQA or any other exam board.
Reference code: Pro22
Recruitment Agencies
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.
Subject Lead Geography in Manchester employer: AQA Recruiting
Contact Detail:
AQA Recruiting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Subject Lead Geography in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend education conferences and local events where you can meet teachers and stakeholders. This is your chance to showcase your passion for Geography and make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Be prepared for interviews by researching AQA and their approach to Geography education. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've led teams in the past, especially in a Geography or Humanities context. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining AQA and making a difference in Geography education.
We think you need these skills to ace Subject Lead Geography in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Subject Lead – Geography role. Highlight your experience leading a Geography or Humanities department and any relevant achievements that showcase your leadership skills and subject expertise.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to demonstrate your understanding of AQA's mission and how your background aligns with our goals in shaping the future of education.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key, make sure your application reflects your ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from sharing examples of your past successes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA Recruiting
✨Know Your Geography Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest GCSE and A Level specifications and assessment practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your expertise and credibility, which is crucial for a Subject Lead role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you coached others or drove improvements. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and develop a small team of Geography specialists.
✨Engage with Data
Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions and drive customer engagement strategies. Highlight any measurable outcomes you've achieved through your insights, as this aligns perfectly with the role's focus on impact and growth.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can build trust with diverse stakeholders. Prepare to share your experiences in engaging with teachers and communities, as well as how you’ve adapted your communication style to suit different audiences.
