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- Tasks: Lead and innovate in Religious Studies, shaping education for thousands of learners.
- Company: Join AQA, the UK's largest academic qualifications provider, committed to advancing education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health insurance, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a national impact on education and inspire future generations in Religious Studies.
- Qualifications: Experience leading a Religious Studies department and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values fresh perspectives and innovative approaches.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 47000 £ 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.
Ready to lead with impact? 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. 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 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
- Setting and delivering measurable plans for Religious Studies that align with AQA's strategy and reform priorities, with defined targets for engagement, retention and growth.
- Leading and developing a small team of Religious Studies 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 Religious Studies department or equivalent, with a deep understanding of both GCSE and A Level specifications and assessment practice, with credibility among teachers.
- 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.
- 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.
- Your leadership will help shape how young people understand place, identity and global issues.
- 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 learners.
Diversity and inclusion
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.
Application process
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Application deadline: Tuesday 10 February 2026
Short application questionnaire
Interview process
- First stage: Teams interviews with a pre-set scenario – 16th and 18th February 2026
- Second stage: Face-to-face with a presentation – 23rd and 24th February 2026 in Manchester or 20th February 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.
Subject Lead Religious Studies and Philosophy in London employer: AQA
Contact Detail:
AQA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Subject Lead Religious Studies and Philosophy in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with AQA or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research AQA’s recent initiatives in Religious Studies and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one who can lead with impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills. You might need to present your ideas during the interview process, so get comfortable sharing your vision for the subject area. Remember, clarity and confidence are key!
✨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 take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Subject Lead Religious Studies and Philosophy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Subject Lead role. Highlight your experience in leading Religious Studies departments and any relevant achievements that showcase your leadership skills and understanding of GCSE and A Level specifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for education, your vision for enhancing Religious Studies, and how you plan to engage with diverse stakeholders. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: We want to see your proven leadership experience! Include specific examples of how you've coached teams, driven improvements, and engaged with customers. This will help us understand your capability to lead and inspire others.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at AQA and making a difference in education.
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA
✨Know Your Subject Inside Out
Make sure you have a deep understanding of both GCSE and A Level specifications in Religious Studies. Be prepared to discuss recent assessment practices and how they can be improved. This will show your credibility and passion for the subject.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or department in the past. Highlight your experience in coaching and building team capability, as well as any measurable outcomes you've achieved. This is crucial for demonstrating your fit for the leadership aspect of the role.
✨Engage with Data and Insights
Familiarise yourself with how to use data to drive customer engagement strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've turned insights into actionable plans that deliver results. This will demonstrate your commercial awareness and customer-centric mindset.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice your presentation skills, especially since you'll need to adapt your style under pressure. Think about how you can engage diverse stakeholders and build trust. Being able to communicate clearly and effectively will set you apart in the interview.
