AQA
Lead Developers - Assessment Reform - English
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Lead Developers - Assessment Reform - English
Lead Developer – GCSE Specification Development
Do you want to play a hands-on role in shaping future GCSE specifications? Every educator brings a unique perspective, and those perspectives matter when it comes to shaping qualifications that work for all learners.
We’re looking for educators who want to turn their classroom experience into national impact.
As the leading provider of GCSE and A level qualifications, and an education charity, we’re committed to helping learners from all backgrounds realise their potential. We’re now recruiting Lead Developers to support the development of our reformed specifications. These roles are flexible and mostly remote.
About the Role
You’ll contribute directly to the creation of next-generation GCSE specifications, ensuring they meet the needs of educators and learners alike.
What You’ll Do
Your role will include an integral part of the assessment development process, ensuring alignment with curriculum requirements and best practice in assessment design. You will:
- Develop the specifications in line with AQA assessment design principles and regulatory frameworks, grounded in an understanding of:
- Centre delivery contexts
- Learner diversity
- Curriculum expectations
- Shape the overall assessment strategy for the new specifications
- Review and provide feedback on outputs of research and analysis
- Support the creation of assessment materials, including:
- Question papers
- Mark schemes
- Item commentaries
- Assist with market testing and evaluation of:
- Sample assessment materials (SAMs)
- Customer support offerings
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The qualification development programme will run for approximately 18 to 24 months. While most work will be completed remotely, you’ll also engage in a mix of:
- Virtual meetings
- In-person meetings (estimated ~10 days total)
Requirements & Expectations
To excel in this role, you must demonstrate the following in your personal statement:
- Substantial teaching experience in the relevant GCSE subject, ideally gained through:
- Several years of classroom practice
- A deep subject expertise
- Experience in specification development, including:
- Writing or reviewing assessment questions
- Marking or moderating assessments
- Strong leadership and teamworking skills, including:
- Ability to lead positively
- Support and develop a collaborative team
- Consistency in meeting deadlines while managing:
- Multiple priorities
- Fun, strict project schedules
- A clear understanding of regulatory obligations in qualification development, with an emphasis on:
- Inclusivity in assessment design
- A commitment to quality and consistency, evidenced by:
- A track record of error-free materials
- High standards in assessment production
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Why Join Us?
This is more than just a professional opportunity—it’s a chance to:
✔ Make a lasting impact on education by shaping qualifications that improve outcomes for learners across the UK ✔ Build professional credibility while deepening your subject expertise ✔ Grow your future career with experience in qualification development ✔ Connect with a community of educators who share your passion for inclusive, high-quality education
What to Expect
- Worker contract with flexible working arranged on up to 50 weeks per year
- Competitive fees between £4,000–£6,000, covering both work and meeting attendance
- Remote interviews scheduled between late July and mid-August
Clarifications:
- If selected for multiple Lead Developer roles, individual applications are required for each position.
- Candidates with existing associate roles with AQA or other awarding organisations may need to relinquish those positions.
Diversity and Inclusion
AQA welcomes applications from all backgrounds, including those representing different:
- Gender identities/expressions
- Sexual orientations
- Religious beliefs
- Ethnicities
- Ages
- Neurodivergences
- Disabilities
- Citizenships
Next Steps
Closing date: Sunday 12 July 2024 (23:00 BST)
For inquiries: 📧 seniorrecruitment@aqa.org.uk
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