Subject Lead - History and Politics

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

Job title: Subject Lead – History with Politics

Contract type: Permanent
Location: Manchester, Milton Keynes, London or Guildford
Salary: Manchester £47,900 - £53,400;
Milton Keynes, London or Guildford: £49,900-£57,300
Working arrangements: Hybrid – at least one day a week in the office, regular customer visits with national travel and occasional overnight stays

Ready to lead with impact? This is your opportunity to take History and Politics 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.

Be part of a subject area that’s expected to be at the forefront of curriculum reform , where your passion for History and Politics can shape how over 100,000 GCSE and 20,000 A-level students experience the subject — and help AQA maintain its leading position in the GCSE and A Level market.

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 History and Politics subject area, combining subject expertise with strategic leadership to strengthen customer engagement and retention, 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 History and Politics, building trust and confidence with diverse stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Setting and delivering measurable plans for the History and Politics 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 History and Politics 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:

• Recent experience leading a department delivering one or more of the History and Politics specifications, with a strong understanding and deep knowledge of the History and Politics specifications, assessment practice and NEA.

• Proven leadership experience, and credibility amongst 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 verbal 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 and, 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 History and Politics 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 6th September 23:59

• Short application questionnaire

• Interview Process:

  • First stage: Teams Interviews with a pre-set scenario – 17th and 18th September

  • Second stage: Face to Face with a presentation – End of September in either Manchester or London.

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.

For those who are current Associates with AQA you would need to relinquish all posts if successful.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.