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- Tasks: Lead the Religious Studies subject area and shape education for thousands of learners.
- Company: Join AQA, the market leader in Religious Studies at GCSE.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a national impact on education and inspire future generations.
- Qualifications: Experience leading a Religious Studies department and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values fresh perspectives.
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 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 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 Religious Studies 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.
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.
Reference code: #PRO22
Subject Lead Religious Studies and Philosophy in Manchester 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 Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend conferences, workshops, or local meet-ups to meet potential colleagues and stakeholders. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or at interviews, share your insights on Religious Studies and how you can make an impact. Use real examples from your experience to demonstrate your leadership skills and vision for the subject.
✨Tip Number 3
Be adaptable! The education landscape is always changing, so be ready to discuss how you can pivot and respond to new challenges. Highlight your ability to lead a team through transitions and your knack for turning insights into actionable strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining AQA and making a difference in the world of Religious Studies. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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 reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Subject Lead role. Highlight your leadership experience in Religious Studies and any relevant achievements that showcase your impact in education.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about leading Religious Studies and how your vision aligns with AQA's goals. Be sure to mention any innovative ideas you have for enhancing the subject.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves engaging with diverse stakeholders, demonstrate your excellent communication skills 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 through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA
✨Know Your Subject Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of both GCSE and A Level specifications in Religious Studies. Brush up on recent assessment practices and be ready to discuss how you can lead the subject area effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and developing capabilities. Think about how you've fostered collaboration and driven continuous improvement in previous roles.
✨Engage with Data and Insights
Be ready to talk about how you've used data to inform your strategies. Have specific examples of how you've turned insights into actionable plans that led to measurable outcomes in customer engagement.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to build trust and confidence with diverse audiences. Prepare to discuss your approach to engaging with schools and communities, and how you can represent AQA effectively at events.
