At a Glance
- 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: Enjoy competitive salary, health insurance, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in Geography education and influence future generations.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading a Geography department and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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'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 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'll 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.
You’ll thrive in this role if you have:
- 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 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 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
- Short application questionnaire
- 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 Northampton employer: AQA
Contact Detail:
AQA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Subject Lead Geography in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with Geography. Attend relevant events and conferences to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for the subject.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and customer engagement. Think about how you can demonstrate your experience in leading teams and driving measurable outcomes in Geography education.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated changes in priorities or challenges in previous roles. Employers love candidates who can think on their feet and adjust plans as needed.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining AQA and making an impact in Geography education.
We think you need these skills to ace Subject Lead Geography in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Subject Lead - Geography role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in education that align with AQA's goals. We want to see how you can bring fresh ideas to the table!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for Geography and how your experience can help shape the future of education. Remember, we love a good story!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from showcasing your presentation skills. We want to see how you can engage 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. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 a team in delivering these effectively, as well as any recent assessment reforms that might impact your role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you coached team members or implemented strategies that resulted in measurable improvements. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and inspire others.
✨Engage with Data and Insights
Familiarise yourself with how to use data to drive decisions. Be ready to discuss how you've turned insights into actionable plans in previous roles, especially in terms of customer engagement and product growth.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice your presentation skills, as you'll likely need to present during the interview. Focus on adapting your communication style to different audiences, showcasing your ability to engage diverse stakeholders effectively.