Project Assistant

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.

Project Assistant

Permanent | Milton Keynes
Salary: £26,700 – £28,250
Hybrid working (min 2 days per week in office, increased office attendance during exam delivery periods)

If you enjoy working with data and systems, value accuracy, and want a role where your work genuinely supports learners, this could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for.

As a Project Assistant in AQA’s E‑Assessment Delivery team, you’ll support the secure and accurate delivery of live examination series. Working closely with Project Managers and Assistant Project Managers, you’ll play a hands‑on role across systems, data and reporting to ensure exams are delivered smoothly, securely and on time.

This role goes beyond traditional administration. Accuracy sits at its core, with responsibility for checking, validating and reconciling data across secure systems, often to live delivery timescales. Alongside this, you’ll build practical project delivery skills and benefit from a clear progression pathway into Assistant Project Manager and beyond.

What’s in it for you?

By joining AQA, a leading independent education charity, you’ll play a part in work that makes a real difference for millions of learners — while building skills that support your long‑term career.

You’ll join a team that actively invests in learning, development and progression, including:

• A clearly defined career pathway into project management roles
• Fully funded PRINCE2 Foundation training and continuous improvement qualifications (e.g. Lean / Six Sigma)
• Coaching and mentoring from experienced project professionals
• Structured on‑the‑job training in Power BI, reporting, data validation and analytical insight

You’ll also benefit from AQA’s wider rewards package including:

• 25 days annual leave, plus Christmas office closure and bank holidays
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Free onsite parking
• An excellent pension scheme
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, including wellbeing and financial support

What you’ll do:

• Support the delivery of live, limited live and pilot exam series across multiple systems
• Prepare, check and validate data, ensuring accuracy and integrity throughout delivery
• Maintain trackers, risk logs, action plans and project documentation
• Produce reports and dashboards to support delivery and decision‑making
• Update work instructions and contribute to continuous improvement activity

What you’ll bring.

• An interest in building a long‑term career in project management
• Confidence using IT systems and working with data
• A logical, methodical approach with strong attention to detail
• The ability to prioritise work and remain calm under pressure
• A strong focus on teamwork, quality and accountability

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.

Ready to make an impact?

If you’re looking for a role where you can build strong technical and project delivery skills in a supportive, structured environment, we’d love to hear from you.

How do I apply?

Read the full job description below, then upload your most recent CV with a cover letter explaining how your skills and experience match what we are looking for.

Applications will close at 23:59 on Wednesday 6th May 2026

Interviews will be face to face in the Milton Keynes office on 21st & 22nd May 2026

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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.

Full Job Description

Summary

The Project Assistant supports the successful delivery of examination projects across AQA Global by assisting Assistant Project Managers with the planning, set-up, delivery, and completion of exam series. The role ensures that systems, data, and documentation are accurate, secure, and delivered on time. By working closely with operational and technical teams, the Project Assistant helps deliver high-quality digital assessments that support learners and customers worldwide.This role sits within the E-Assessment Delivery (EAD) team, which is responsible for delivering e‑Marker® projects for AQA Global and external customers. The Project Assistant is an individual contributor role with no direct reports and reports to an Assistant Project Manager. The role works closely with colleagues across Scanning Centre Operations, Electronic Script Processing, Reconciliation, and Technology to support end-to-end exam delivery. The role has a strong operational focus, supporting live delivery, system readiness, and continuous improvement within agreed governance and security frameworks.

Activities:
Support the delivery of live, limited-live, and pilot examination projects across multiple exam series.
Set up examinations within the e‑Marker® system, ensuring accuracy and readiness for delivery.
Prepare, deliver, and review clear work instructions and supporting project documentation.
Carry out pre-live testing to confirm systems and data are functioning as expected.
Receive, convert, upload, check, and export data accurately and securely.
Monitor exam series on a daily basis, identifying issues and escalating risks where required.
Run reports to track progress, performance, and delivery risks.
Handle secure examination materials in line with AQA governance and security policies.
Liaise with internal teams to support effective project delivery and provide cover for colleagues when required.
Identify and contribute ideas to improve processes, ways of working, and operational efficiency.

To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:
Essential Criteria
Ability to support the delivery of multiple tasks or systems accurately at the same time.
Strong attention to detail with a methodical and organised approach to work.
Clear communication and relationship-building skills when working with internal stakeholders.
Confidence using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel for working with data and reports.
Ability to follow defined processes, governance, and security controls in a regulated environment.
Demonstrates AQA values through collaborative, responsible, and inclusive ways of working.

Desierable Criteria
Experience using Microsoft Access or Power BI.
Experience working with reporting tools such as SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).
Awareness of data formats such as XML.