Learning Design Lead

AQA; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational assessment organization is seeking a Learning Design Lead to create engaging and accessible learning products. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in learning design, project management experience, and a passion for innovation. This role will involve collaboration in a hybrid work setup, influencing the future of education both in the UK and internationally.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Professional development opportunities

Generous pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Employee wellness programs

Qualifications

• Expertise in curriculum design and assessment.
• Ability to create engaging learning journeys.
• Experience in promoting accessibility principles in design.

Responsibilities

• Design learning outcomes and formative assessment strategies.
• Embed accessibility principles into digital experiences.
• Collaborate on product roadmaps with product managers.
• Drive innovation with research and learner insights.

Skills

Experience in learning design and development

Strong communication skills

Understanding of accessibility in learning design

Project management experience

Passion for innovation

Job description

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: , 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 2026 and 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

Purpose:
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.