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- Tasks: Lead the Geography subject area and shape education for thousands of learners.
- Company: Join AQA, a leading education charity making a national impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health insurance, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Influence the future of Geography education and engage with diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading a Geography department and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Hybrid working with a vibrant team and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 47000 £ 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. Ready to lead with impact? 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 will join a vibrant network of colleagues to work with, learn from and share ideas with. We are 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 will be a visible ambassador for AQA Geography, building trust and confidence with diverse stakeholders. You will work with teachers and communities across diverse regions, ensuring Geography reflects the experiences and needs of all learners.
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.
Requirements / What we are looking for
- 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
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
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.
Subject Lead Geography in Manchester employer: AQA
Contact Detail:
AQA 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! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meet-ups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to present or speak, make it count. Share your insights on Geography and how you can lead teams effectively. This is your moment to shine and demonstrate your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Be adaptable! The education landscape is always changing, so be ready to pivot and showcase your flexibility. Highlight your ability to adjust strategies based on data and feedback during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows you're serious about joining us at AQA and helps us keep track of all the amazing talent out there.
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 in leading Geography or Humanities 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. Use it to express your passion for Geography education and how your fresh ideas can enhance our culture at AQA. Don’t forget to mention your customer-centric mindset!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key, make sure your application reflects your ability to adapt your style under pressure. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've engaged diverse stakeholders in the past.
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. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA
✨Know Your Geography Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest GCSE and A Level specifications. Be prepared to discuss how you can lead the subject area effectively, using your expertise to influence product growth and customer engagement.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Highlight your experience in coaching and building capability, as well as how you've fostered collaboration and continuous improvement within your team.
✨Engage with Data and Insights
Be ready to talk about how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Discuss specific instances where you've turned insights into actionable strategies that delivered measurable outcomes, especially in a competitive market.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice your presentation skills, as you'll need to adapt your communication style under pressure. Think about how you can engage and inspire diverse stakeholders, showcasing your ability to build trust and confidence with various audiences.
