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- Tasks: Lead the Religious Studies subject area and shape education for thousands of learners.
- Company: Join AQA, the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health insurance, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a national impact on education and inspire future generations.
- Qualifications: Experience leading a Religious Studies department and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a vibrant network of colleagues and career growth potential.
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: 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 Religious Studies 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 Religious Studies at GCSE, 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.
Purpose of the role
You will lead the Religious Studies 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. As a visible ambassador for AQA Religious Studies, 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 shapes how we design and deliver our offer.
Key responsibilities
- Demonstrable and recent experience leading a Religious Studies department.
- You don’t need a background in Philosophy for this role, though an interest is always welcome.
- Proven leadership experience, 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 Religious Studies 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 Religious Studies and Philosophy in Manchester employer: AQA Recruiting
Contact Detail:
AQA Recruiting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Subject Lead Religious Studies and Philosophy in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with AQA. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching AQA's recent initiatives in Religious Studies. Show us that you're not just passionate about the subject but also about how it fits into AQA's mission to advance education.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Subject Lead, you'll need to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Get comfortable presenting your ideas clearly and confidently, as this will be key during interviews.
✨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, it shows us you’re serious about joining the AQA team!
We think you need these skills to ace Subject Lead Religious Studies and Philosophy in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Subject Lead role. Highlight your leadership experience in Religious Studies and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to engage and inspire others.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Use it to express your passion for education and how you plan to influence the future of Religious Studies at AQA.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key, make sure your application reflects your ability to adapt your style. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've engaged diverse stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA Recruiting
✨Know Your Subject Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Religious Studies and its current trends. Brush up on recent developments in the subject area, especially any assessment reforms that might be on the horizon. This will not only show your expertise but also your passion for shaping the future of education.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or department in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. AQA is looking for someone who can inspire and build capability within their team, so be ready to showcase your leadership style.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would engage with diverse stakeholders, including schools and communities. Prepare to discuss your approach to building trust and confidence with different audiences. Highlight any previous experiences where you’ve successfully communicated complex ideas to varied groups.
✨Be Yourself and Show Your Passion
AQA values authenticity and passion for education. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through during the interview. Share your vision for Religious Studies and how you plan to make a national impact. This is your chance to connect with the interviewers on a personal level!
