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- Tasks: Lead the Science subject area and shape the future of education.
- Company: Join AQA, the market leader in Science education.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, comprehensive benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a national impact on Science education and inspire future generations.
- Qualifications: Experience leading a Science department and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture that values fresh perspectives.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Contract type: Permanent
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.
Introduction
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 Science beyond the classroom and shape how thousands of teachers and students experience the subject. With assessment reform on the horizon, you will influence the future of education and make a national impact with AQA. 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. You will be joining the market leader for Science at GCSE and A Level, supporting hundreds of thousands of learners each year. Combined Science is the most widely taken Science qualification, and the A Level portfolio spans Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science. 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 Science 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 Science, building trust and confidence with diverse stakeholders.
Key responsibilities
- Setting and delivering measurable plans for Science that align with AQA's strategy and reform priorities, with defined targets for engagement, retention and growth.
- Leading and developing a small team of Science specialists to build capability, foster collaboration and drive continuous improvement.
- Work closely with product and sales teams to provide customer insight for the business and support retention and growth of our market position across the science suite of qualifications.
- 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
- Recent experience leading a Science department or equivalent, with a strong understanding of the GCSE and A Level syllabus and deep knowledge of Science 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.
- Strong 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 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.
- Hybrid working and flexibility to support work-life balance.
- Comprehensive benefits including Bupa Health Insurance, Health Care Cash Plan, Life Assurance and an Electric Vehicle Leasing scheme, generous pension contributions up to 11.5% and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and extra closure days at Christmas.
- A culture that values culture add, 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 Science 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: Sunday 8th February 2026
Interview Process:
- First stage: Teams Interviews with a pre-set scenario - Week Commencing 16th February 2026
- Second stage: Face to Face in either Manchester or Milton Keynes with a presentation - Monday 24th or Tuesday 25th February 2026.
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 - Science employer: AQA
Contact Detail:
AQA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Subject Lead - Science
✨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 chat with potential employers, don’t hold back on sharing your insights about the Science curriculum and assessment practices. Your knowledge could be the key to impressing them.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for those interviews! Prepare for scenario-based questions by thinking about how you would lead a team or tackle challenges in the Science department. Practice makes perfect, so grab a friend and do some mock interviews.
✨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 being part of the AQA family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Subject Lead - Science
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Subject Lead - Science role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in education to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about leading in Science education and how your vision aligns with AQA's goals. Be authentic and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your past roles, focus on measurable outcomes you've achieved. We love seeing how you've influenced student engagement or improved team performance—numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at AQA
✨Know Your Science Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the GCSE and A Level syllabus, especially the specifications and assessment practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will show your credibility among teachers and stakeholders.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a team in the past, focusing on coaching and building capability. Highlight any measurable outcomes from your leadership that demonstrate your impact on team performance and student engagement.
✨Engage with Data
Be ready to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions and drive improvements. This role requires a strong commercial awareness, so think of specific instances where your insights led to actionable results.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll need to present during the second stage of the interview, practice delivering your ideas clearly and engagingly. Tailor your presentation to reflect AQA's values and how you can contribute to their mission in Science education.
