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.
Subject Support Manager – Creative Arts
Manchester: £43,000 - £48,900
Milton Keynes, London, Guildford: £44,700 - £50,900
Hybrid: one day in the office per week plus extensive national travel including overnight stays
If you are ready to champion Creative Arts on a national stage, this role gives you the scope to support teachers across the country and contribute to the future direction of Arts education.
Be part of a vibrant group of subjects where AQA leads the way and where your passion for Arts education can shape how over 190,000 GCSE and 30,000 A‑level students experience the subject. As the market leader for GCSE and A level Art and Design, GCSE Drama, and the sole awarding body for GCSE and A level Dance, you’ll work across a portfolio of five Creative Arts subjects.
You’ll strengthen our well‑established Art and Design offer while developing expertise in Music, Drama, Dance and Media Studies to broaden engagement and increase the subjects’ reach nationally.
About the role
This is an opportunity at a time of growth to join an expanding Subject Support function, so if you're ready to take your expertise in Creative Arts beyond the classroom and influence how thousands of students experience the subject, this is your opportunity to make a national impact.
Alongside shaping the subject’s future, you’ll handle the practical support teachers need — answering centre queries, producing subject updates, delivering Curriculum Connect sessions, analysing data to identify centres needing support, and representing AQA at conferences.
These roles are ideal for teachers looking to broaden their impact, or for those who have moved beyond classroom teaching, perhaps into EdTech, CPD, or other education-focused sectors, and now want to influence education more broadly through AQA.
Purpose
Working in a Subject Support team of 50, you’ll support teachers in delivering qualifications across Creative Arts. Drawing on your assessment and curriculum knowledge, you’ll help shape how our qualifications are delivered in classrooms and influence education beyond individual schools.
You’ll support a subject portfolio that spans Art and Design, Drama, Music, Dance and Media. Art and Design is currently the largest area of customer activity, and you’ll help strengthen provision in the other subjects as we broaden engagement and support future growth.
What's in it for you
The chance to make a meaningful impact on education while growing your career.
A real sense of purpose where your work will influence national education.
Opportunities for growth and professional development.
Being a part of AQA’s inclusive and values-led culture.
A benefits package including up to 11.5 percent pension contribution, BUPA healthcare support, wellbeing programmes and volunteering opportunities.
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service, along with discretionary Christmas closure days.
In this role, you'll be responsible for:
Representing AQA and delivering key subject messages to external audiences.
Supporting schools, centres, and teachers with subject-related queries, and planning and delivering our Creative Arts specifications.
Engaging with teachers both face-to-face and online to support continuous improvement and subject confidence.
Building strong relationships with subject stakeholders and using insights to shape future developments.
Gathering and analysing data and customer feedback using relevant tools to inform decisions and improve delivery.
Collaborating with internal teams such as Product Management, Marketing, Sales, and Events to ensure alignment and smooth delivery.
You’ll thrive in this role if you have:
A clear and confident understanding of one or more Creative Arts subjects, their specifications and current pedagogy.
An understanding of GCSE and/or A level assessment and awareness of the wider education landscape.
Have an openness to working across multiple Creative Arts subjects and a willingness to develop expertise beyond your primary specialism.
Experience that shows you’ve already extended your influence beyond your own classroom, for example through subject networks, CPD delivery, EdTech projects or other outward facing responsibilities.
Current or former teaching experience and ability to demonstrate credibility with teachers.
The ability to use data effectively to inform delivery and understand customer impact.
Clear and empathetic communication skills, including presenting to teachers, parents and
students and responding to questions or challenges.
The ability to explain AQA’s offer in a clear and accessible way.
Flexibility to travel extensively, including occasional overnight stays.
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.
Application process
Please attach your CV and a covering letter, outlining your transferable skills and motivation for this role.
Closing date: 23.59 on Monday 06 April 2026
If shortlisted, you will have a brief call with a recruiter and invited to a Teams interview on Wednesday 22 April 2026
Face to Face Final interviews will be held on Friday 08 May in Manchester or London
Onboarding expectations: The expected start date can align with teacher notice periods or earlier if required.
If applicable, successful candidates will be unable to maintain an Associate role with AQA or any other exam board.
Please note that an Enhanced DBS will be required for the successful candidate.
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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.
Summary
The key purpose of your role is to support customers, improve customer satisfaction and experience to achieve Customer and Product and organisational objectives. Your role will contribute to and support the planning and delivery of all activities for your subject(s).