Learning Design Lead

• locations
• London
• Manchester
• Milton Keynes

• time type
• Full time

• posted on
• Posted Today

• time left to apply
• End Date: December 8, 2025 (13 days left to apply)

• job requisition id
• R7182

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: Learning Design Lead 

Contract type: Permanent Location: Manchester, Milton Keynes, or London Salary: North £52,750–£58,900 | South £54,900–£61,300 Working arrangements: Hybrid – typically two days in an AQA office each week, which can include your base office or other AQA sites to collaborate with colleagues and drive innovation 

Have you designed curriculum frameworks, learner journeys, or formative assessment products that make learning engaging and inclusive? If so, we’d love to hear from you. 

Shape the future of learning 

We’re building something new – and we want you to be part of it. AQA Assessment Services Ltd is creating a dedicated team to develop innovative learning and assessment products that go beyond the traditional 14–18 space. These roles are at the heart of our ambition to transform how learners interact with learning and assessment, both in the UK and internationally. 

As a Learning Design Lead, you’ll bring expertise in how learners learn and apply that knowledge to create products that support progression—not just end-point assessment. You’ll lead the design and delivery of engaging, evidence-based learning products that are pedagogically sound, accessible, and aligned with AQA’s strategic goals. 

Why join us? 

• Collaboration at the core:You’ll work face-to-face with a newly formed department, shaping its culture and influencing its direction. While we encourage two days a week in an AQA office, this can be at your base location or another AQA site to work with colleagues and lead innovation.

• Make your mark:Be part of a team driving AQA’s growth strategy and creating digital products

• Make your mark:Be part of a team driving AQA’s growth strategy and creating products that change the way learners experience education.

• Professional development:Access internal programmes and opportunities to grow your expertise in learning design and leadership.

• Inclusive culture:We value diversity, collaboration, and innovation – and we’re committed to creating an environment where differences are celebrated.

Purpose of the role 

You’ll lead the design and delivery of learning products that support learners at every stage. Your work will ensure these products are pedagogically sound, accessible, and aligned with AQA’s strategic objectives. This role is about bringing learning science into product development—helping us create solutions that go beyond end-point assessment and truly support progression. 

What you’ll be doing 

• Designing learning outcomes and formative assessment strategies for new products.

• Creating learner journeys and support materials that make learning engaging and inclusive.

• Embedding accessibility and usability principles into digital learning experiences.

• Working closely with Product Managers to integrate learning design into product roadmaps.

• Collaborating with assessment designers, digital content teams, and external partners to ensure quality and relevance.

• Driving innovation by applying research and learner insights to improve design.

You’ll thrive in this role if you have: 

• Experience in learning design and development, including curriculum and assessment design.

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Understanding of accessibility in learning design.

• Project management experience in complex environments.

• A passion for innovation and continuous improvement.

What’s in it for you 

• Exposure to high-impact projects shaping the future of learning and assessment.

• A collaborative, inclusive team culture that values your ideas and wellbeing.

• Flexible working, a 35-hour week, and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and Christmas closure).

• A generous pension scheme with up to 11.5% employer contributions.

• Private medical insurance, health cash plan, EV leasing, volunteering days, and modern offices with gym.

• Opportunities to influence learning strategy across diverse markets and education models.

• Access to learning and development, including leadership and strategic thinking.

Diversity and inclusion 

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   

• To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by

  Sunday 7th December 2025 at 23:59.

• First stage: Virtual Interviews will take place between

  10 and 17 December 2025

• Second and Final stage: Face to Face interviews week commencing

  5th January 2026and will involve a structured interview and a task.

 Reference code: #CRE23 

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

AQA Assessment Services Ltd (ASL) is driving a new programme of work to successfully implement its ambitious Business Plan to double the size of the business within the next five years. The Learning Design Lead will form part of the team developing and managing a new range of innovative assessment products designed to meet the needs of learners at different stages of their learning experience.

They’ll combine expertise in general, technical and vocational education, to ensure the successful development specific assessment products within the wider portfolio, under guidance of the Head of Assessment Products. We’re looking for an experienced and dynamic Learning Design Lead with a passion for academic, technical and vocational education, both in the UK and internationally.

About Us

AQA is an independent charity that sets and marks over half of all GCSEs and A-levels in the UK every year. Our purpose is to advance education by helping students and teachers to realise their potential. As part of AQA, you’ll very quickly appreciate the determination and unwavering passion to deliver this goal in everything we do. To help drive these ambitions, AQA invests in the development of its people by offering a range of professional development and learning opportunities leading to over 50% of our permanent roles being filled internally.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you have any requirements for reasonable adjustments in relation to the application, interview or the prospective job, please contact Faye Harrison (she/her) at fharrison@aqa.org.uk or on

07813 724161. We are asking for this information to make the process as equitable as possible for each candidate. Please note that Faye will not be able to assist you with enquiries regarding Temporary vacancies or non-recruitment enquiries. If you have query regarding Temporary vacancies, please contact:

temprecruit@aqa.org.uk

Smart Working

We’re operating a smart working model. This allows for our colleagues to work from two days a week in one of our offices across England.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

AQA is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone - regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background - is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.

Conflict of Interest

Please note that due to the confidential nature of our work, we are unable to employ people for our temporary roles who are currently a candidate for Key Stage 4 and 5 public examinations.

Safeguarding

AQA is committed to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk. We’re dedicated to reducing the risk of employing or contracting any person intent on abusing their position of trust, along with identifying and responding to any incident of alleged abuse from its employees or associates fairly and swiftly.

For more information on safeguarding at AQA please visit the AQA website here. 

Contact

Temporary roles: temprecruit@aqa.org.uk
Permanent and Fixed Term roles: opportunities@aqa.org.uk