Head of Assessment Development
Head of Assessment Development

Head of Assessment Development

Manchester Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the development of innovative assessment products and training for General Qualifications.
  • Company: AQA is the UK's largest provider of academic qualifications, dedicated to advancing education.
  • Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, 25-30 days leave, health coverage, and eco-friendly transport options.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of education with a role that values innovation and professional growth.
  • Qualifications: Strong understanding of educational assessment and excellent leadership and communication skills required.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare in education.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ 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.

Head of Assessment Development

Permanent

Location – Guildford, Manchester, London or Milton Keynes

Salary – North – £69,879 – £76,265 & South – £72,760 – £79,410

Hybrid working with national travel

AQA is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, age, neurodiversity, disability status, citizenship, or any other aspect which makes people unique. AQA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and post holders to share this commitment. Our Safeguarding Policy is available on our website.

At AQA, we are passionate about creating high-quality assessments that shape the future of education. Join us as we look to continually improve General Qualifications (GQs) for AQA and OxfordAQA (OxfAQA) through innovation and excellence in assessment.

We’re looking for a forward-thinking leader to drive the development of paper-based and digital General Qualifications. As the Head of Assessment Development, you’ll shape the future of our qualifications, ensuring they are market-leading and rooted in the latest assessment research and best practices.

Landscape

Reporting to the Director of Assessment and leading a team of subject leads, the role holder forms an integral part of the Assessment Senior Leadership team; and represents AQA with Ofqual and associated external stakeholders on matters related to the assessments of our qualifications and products.

What’s in It for You?

  • Play a big part in an environment poised for significant change and innovation.
  • Enjoy a flexible work environment with a 35-hour week and extensive opportunities for professional and personal development.
  • Benefit from a competitive pension scheme, starting at 6% and rising up to 11.5%.
  • Receive 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 30 days with service, plus bank holidays and additional Christmas office closure.
  • Comprehensive health coverage from day one, including Bupa PMI, Health Cash Plan, and Life Assurance.
  • Participate in eco-friendly transport schemes, including electric vehicles and cycle-to-work options.

What you’ll do

  • Shape tomorrow: Working with Product Management, lead the development of new assessment products (including those for AQA’s preferred digital solution), ensuring that they are designed in accordance with assessment design principles and best practice, in alignment with the AQA Strategy, its data strategy and recognize the differing requirements of ‘paper-behind-glass’ assessments and the desire to introduce true innovation to methods of digital assessment in GQs. Ensure the work to develop new assessment products is appropriately resourced, flexibly managing product plans, people and budget.
  • Work and Learn together: Lead the development, maintenance and evolution of training in basic and advanced GQ assessment across the organisation, ensuring that valid assessment lies at the heart of the decision-making process. Set direction and goals for assessment design training for colleagues and senior associates to improve the application of good assessment practice and help ensure that assessments are as valid and reliable as possible. Monitor progress against plans and support training initiatives.
  • Customers front and centre: Monitor and evaluate international developments and research in assessment practices (including AI) as it applies to GQs. Use this knowledge to create, agree and maintain a roadmap to evolve assessment practice for AQA’s GQs so that they are both market leading and best in class for assessment quality, innovation and our customers. Lead and represent AQA’s thought leadership in GQ assessment and assessment quality, with customers and external stakeholders including Ofqual, DfE and industry bodies. Own the annual budget for Assessment colleague attendance at national and international conferences & events on assessment, determining which events to attend to achieve this outcome.
  • Results matter: Represent Assessment and influence stakeholders and business-wide working groups and programmes that require GQ assessment expertise including Ofqual’s regulation of assessment, in order to shape the direction of travel, taking relevant actions and delivering to ensure that the principles of good assessment are considered as part of business developments.

To be successful in this role, you will need to:

  • Have a good understanding of the national and international educational assessment landscape (including digital modes of delivery) and of the regulatory environment in which AQA operates and likely impact of the regulator on assessment creation and management of General Qualifications. Formal qualification in Assessment is desirable.
  • For both paper and digital modes of delivery, demonstrate excellent knowledge of assessment design and delivery strategy and approaches. Be able to understand requirements for assessment design in different subjects and advise on developing products which meet those requirements whilst recognizing customer and stakeholder needs. Be able to challenge existing orthodoxy and the thinking of others in an open and constructive manner.
  • Be an ambassador and thought leader for AQA, its GQs and the underlying assessment quality to small and large audiences alike across all our stakeholders, internal and external. Demonstrate confident communication and presentation skills, strong networking, influencing, persuasion and engagement skills.
  • Demonstrate excellent people leadership skills, including; – creating high performing diverse teams, effective performance management, developing talent and team engagement.
  • Be able to analyse and synthesise complex and diverse data and information, including statistical data, into easy-to-understand insights and knowledge to enable good decision making in the face of complex and/or incomplete evidence.
  • Be able to define and articulate issues for research and shape investigations into assessment performance questions.

Closing date is 7th March 2025 at 11:59pm.

The screening process will consist of a pre-screening call followed by a two-stage interview process, both will be face to face.

All applications will receive a written response.

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Head of Assessment Development employer: AQA

At AQA, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the education sector, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and professional growth. With a commitment to employee well-being, we provide flexible working arrangements, competitive benefits including a robust pension scheme, and extensive opportunities for personal development. Join us in Guildford, Manchester, London, or Milton Keynes, where you can make a meaningful impact on the future of education while enjoying a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
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Contact Detail:

AQA Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Assessment Development

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in educational assessment, especially in digital formats. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to innovation in assessment development.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the assessment field, particularly those involved with Ofqual and other regulatory bodies. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations for your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you foster high-performing teams. AQA values effective people management, so be ready to share examples of how you've developed talent and engaged diverse teams in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on international developments in assessment practices, including the use of AI. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will position you as a thought leader and align with AQA's goals for market-leading qualifications.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Assessment Development

Understanding of national and international educational assessment landscape
Knowledge of regulatory environment affecting assessment creation
Formal qualification in Assessment (desirable)
Expertise in assessment design and delivery strategies
Ability to advise on subject-specific assessment requirements
Strong communication and presentation skills
Networking and influencing skills
People leadership and team management skills
Ability to analyze and synthesize complex data
Experience in developing high-performing diverse teams
Capacity to challenge existing practices constructively
Thought leadership in assessment quality
Understanding of digital modes of assessment delivery
Ability to define research issues related to assessment performance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Assessment Development position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with AQA's goals in advancing education.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in educational assessment, particularly in both paper and digital formats. Showcase any leadership roles you've held and how they relate to developing innovative assessment products.

Demonstrate Thought Leadership: AQA is looking for a forward-thinking leader. Use your application to demonstrate your knowledge of current trends in assessment practices, including AI, and how you can contribute to AQA’s thought leadership in this area.

Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role involves influencing stakeholders and representing AQA, ensure your application reflects your strong communication and presentation skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with diverse audiences in the past.

How to prepare for a job interview at AQA

✨Understand the Assessment Landscape

Make sure you have a solid grasp of both national and international educational assessment trends, especially in digital delivery. Familiarize yourself with AQA's regulatory environment and how it impacts assessment creation.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare to discuss your experience in leading diverse teams and managing performance. Highlight specific examples where you've developed talent and engaged your team effectively.

✨Communicate Confidently

Practice your communication and presentation skills. Be ready to articulate complex ideas clearly and engage with various stakeholders, demonstrating your ability to influence and persuade.

✨Demonstrate Innovation in Assessment

Be prepared to discuss innovative approaches to assessment design. Share your thoughts on how to integrate new technologies and methodologies into AQA's assessment products while ensuring quality and validity.

Head of Assessment Development
AQA
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  • Head of Assessment Development

    Manchester
    Full-Time
    60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-03-10

  • A

    AQA

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