Head of Reform Policy & Engagement
Permanent
Manchester: £70,000 - £80,000
or Milton Keynes, London or Guildford: £72,500 - £83,000
Hybrid working - 2 days per week plus travel to other AQA sites
At a pivotal moment for GCSE and A‑level reform, you'll be at the forefront of guiding how assessment evolves for the next generation. This is an opportunity to help shape the landscape of qualifications for the next generation and millions of learners, influencing decisions that will define the future of curriculum and assessment for years to come.
In this role, you'll use your knowledge of curriculum and assessment to bring coherence, insight and strategic alignment to AQA's reform work, helping position AQA as a trusted voice with policymakers to ensure policy and regulatory decisions that will support the development of outstanding new qualifications.
As an independent education charity, we set and mark over half of all GCSEs and A levels taken in the UK every year, and our qualifications are highly valued by employers and universities. Our income is reinvested into research, innovation and initiatives that help young people realise their potential, and your expertise will contribute directly to that impact.
About the role
Reporting into the newly appointed Chief Qualifications Officer, you'll work with other expert colleagues to help
lead AQA's policy engagement for General Qualifications (GQ) reform, working directly with the
Department for Education (DfE) and
Ofqual on the decisions that shape the future of assessment. This includes ensuring coherence, alignment and influence as AQA
reviews and reforms its full suite of GCSEs and A‑levels over the coming years.
You'll partner with senior leaders across Product, Assessment, Research, Regulatory Compliance, Commercial and Vocational, ensuring AQA's expertise informs both policy development and implementation. A core part of your role will be influencing through matrix leadership - working respectfully and effectively with senior colleagues such as Heads of Product, Subject Sector Leads and senior assessment and research colleagues to ensure we use our expertise to influence DfE, Ofqual and subject stakeholders strategically to achieve the best policy outcomes for the sector.
This is a highly visible, trusted role: you will regularly represent AQA with DfE, Ofqual and subject stakeholders and may contribute expert commentary at roundtables, conferences and sector engagements, and, with External Affairs colleagues, help develop strategic messaging for Ministers, officials, subject associations and media audiences.
What's in it for you?
This is a rare opportunity to influence the future of GCSEs and A‑levels at a moment when decisions are being made daily. You'll shape policy that affects millions of students, teachers and schools - backed by the scale, insight and national reach of AQA.
You'll also benefit from a strong, clearly defined package, including:
A generous pension scheme with up to 11.5% employer contribution based on your employee contributions.
25 days annual leave, rising with service, plus bank holidays as well as discretionary companywide paid leave in December.
Smart working, combining home working with purposeful in‑person collaboration.
Health and wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme and mental‑health resources.
Professional development, including leadership development and access to AQA's internal research and insight.
Cycle‑to‑work, tech and lifestyle salary‑sacrifice schemes.
If you want to apply your strategic assessment policy expertise on a truly national stage, this is your moment.
What you'll be doing
Lead AQA's day‑to‑day policy relationships with DfE and Ofqual, providing expert challenge, alignment and clarity on reform priorities.
Help to shape AQA's policy positions, ensuring they are coherent, evidence‑based and strategically aligned with our charitable purpose, commercial considerations and our full GCSE and A‑level portfolio.
Influence through respectful matrix management, partnering with senior subject and assessment experts to support strong, consistent engagement across all subjects.
Work with colleagues to ensure AQA's engagement with DfE, Ofqual and subject stakeholders is strategic and impactful, identifying risks, opportunities and messages that support AQA's reform goals.
Ensure insight flows effectively, supporting strong decision‑making and cross‑organisational alignment.
Represent AQA externally, positioning AQA as a credible, trusted reform partner.
You'll thrive in this role if you have:
Significant understanding of the qualification, curriculum and assessment policy and regulatory landscape.
Experience influencing senior stakeholders in complex policy, regulatory or government environments.
Experience engaging with DfE, Ofqual, senior civil servants or regulatory officials.
Sound judgement and strategic thinking, with the ability to spot risks and opportunities in the bigger picture.
Credibility to represent a major national organisation in high‑level discussions.
Experience partnering with senior subject matter experts, with an ability to lead through influence rather than hierarchy.
A collaborative, partnership‑driven approach, bringing people with you and building trust.
Resilience and comfort with complexity, operating confidently at pace through ambiguity and change.
Application process
Applications are open until Monday 6 April. After the closing date, we will review all submissions carefully before confirming the shortlist.
First‑stage interviews will take place on Thursday 16 April via Microsoft Teams.
Candidates progressing to the final stage will be invited to a face‑to‑face interview on Monday 28 April in AQAs London office.
All candidates will be notified of outcomes at each stage, and any preparation materials will be shared in advance.
Please note that an Enhanced DBS will be required for the successful candidate.
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.
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