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- Tasks: Lead and inspire the Creative Arts team, shaping education for thousands of students.
- Company: Join AQA, the industry leader in Creative Arts education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a national impact on education while fostering creativity and diversity.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading Creative Arts subjects and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 47000 £ per year.
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. Ready to lead with impact? 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.
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 Creative Arts subject area, combining subject expertise with strategic leadership to strengthen customer engagement, influence product growth and deliver clear, measurable outcomes that demonstrate impact in a competitive market. 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
- Setting and delivering measurable plans for the Creative Arts that align with AQA's strategy and reform priorities, with defined targets for customer engagement, retention and growth.
- Leading and developing a small team of Creative Arts 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 customer and stakeholder events.
- Building long-term relationships with schools and stakeholders.
You’ll thrive in this role if you have:
- Demonstrable and recent experience of leading a department which is delivering one or more of the Creative Arts suite of subjects.
- 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.
- 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.
- A commitment to representing the full diversity of learners in your subject leadership.
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 Creative Arts 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
Short application questionnaire is included.
Interview Process:
First stage: Teams Interviews with a pre-set scenario - 18th February 2026
Second stage: Face to Face with a presentation - 24th February 2026 in Manchester (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
Subject Lead Creative Arts in Manchester employer: AQA
Contact Detail:
AQA 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! Get out there and connect with people in the Creative Arts field. Attend events, workshops, or even online webinars. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for Creative Arts shine through. Share your ideas on how to enhance education and make a real impact – it’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Be ready to discuss how you can lead and inspire a team in the Creative Arts sector – they want to see your vision!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission at StudySmarter.
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 reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Creative Arts role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've led in Art, Music, Drama, or Media Studies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about Creative Arts and how you can make an impact. Be specific about your vision for the role and how your background supports it.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves engaging with diverse stakeholders, demonstrate your communication prowess in your application. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've successfully communicated complex ideas 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 company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA
✨Know Your Creative Arts Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and developments in Art and Design, Dance, Drama, Music, and Media Studies. Being able to discuss recent changes in assessment practices or curriculum reforms will show your expertise and passion for the subject.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you fostered collaboration or drove continuous improvement. This role is all about leading with clarity and purpose, so be ready to demonstrate your leadership style.
✨Engage with Data and Metrics
Since the role involves using data to define success, come prepared with examples of how you've used insights to drive measurable outcomes. Whether it's improving student engagement or enhancing customer satisfaction, showing your analytical skills will set you apart.
✨Be Ready to Inspire
This position requires building trust with diverse stakeholders. Think about how you can engage and inspire others during your interview. Prepare a short presentation that reflects your vision for the Creative Arts and how you plan to represent AQA at key events.
