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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in developing confidence and real-world employability skills.
- Company: Join a supportive school community focused on personal development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, competitive salary, and mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Passion for education and experience in supporting young people's development.
- Other info: Be part of a pioneering team at a certified 'Great Place to Work'.
The predicted salary is between 21000 - 31500 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!
Location: Brick Lane School, London E2 6DY
Salary: ÂŁ26,250.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.00am â 4.00pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance â and weâre putting wellbeing first. Thatâs why weâre proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay.
About the Role
The Higher-Level Teaching Assistant for Personal Development and Work Experience plays a vital role in preparing students for life beyond school. Working closely with the Personal Development Lead, youâll support pupils to develop confidence, independence and real-world employability skills that align with their strengths, interests and future aspirations.
This is a varied and rewarding role that blends classroom practice with wider responsibility for developing meaningful work-related learning opportunities. Youâll help shape in-house work experience, build community links, and contribute to whole-school events that promote careers awareness, personal growth and future pathways.
Key Responsibilities
- Work in partnership with the Personal Development Lead to deliver and evaluate effective careers guidance
- Support the development of relationships with local employers, community organisations and external partners
- Assist in planning and delivering careers events, enrichment activities and work-related learning opportunities
- Design and support in-house work experience placements that build employability, independence and life skills
Core HLTA Responsibilities
As a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant, you will also:
- Provide cover for teacher or TA absence, adapting lesson plans where required
- Prepare lessons and learning resources, working collaboratively with teaching staff
- Deliver planned learning activities independently and confidently
- Assess learning and contribute to monitoring, recording and reporting student progress
About You
Weâre looking for someone who:
- Understands and embraces the full scope and responsibility of the HLTA role
- Is organised, flexible and confident working independently
- Brings creativity, initiative and a practical approach to supporting learning and personal development
- Is passionate about helping young people build the skills they need for future education, employment and independent life
If youâre motivated by making a real difference and enjoy working in a role that combines education, careers and personal development, this is a fantastic opportunity to grow and thrive within a supportive school community.
About Us
Brick Lane School is an independent specialist school in East London for autistic pupils. We provide a safe, welcoming environment shaped by Outcomes First Groupâs Neurodiversity Strategy, celebrating strengths and individuality. Small classes and personalised education, therapy, and clinical support ensure every pupilâs needs are met. Through positive relationships and a holistic approach, we empower young people to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a âGreat Place to Workâ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- âYour Wellbeing Mattersâ â mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
HLTA - Personal Development & Work Experience employer: Acorn Care and Education
Contact Detail:
Acorn Care and Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land HLTA - Personal Development & Work Experience
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with potential employers on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or be willing to refer you.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in joining their team.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your experiences and how they relate to the HLTA role, especially in personal development and work experience.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace HLTA - Personal Development & Work Experience
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the HLTA role. We want to see how you can bring creativity and initiative to support our pupils' personal development!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for helping young people shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how you've supported students in building their confidence and independence, as this is key to the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. Itâs the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and helps us get to know you better. Plus, itâs super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Care and Education
â¨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with how this role supports personal development and work experience for students. This will help you articulate how your skills align with their needs.
â¨Showcase Your Passion for Education
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for helping young people develop essential life skills. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you've made a positive impact on students' lives, particularly in fostering independence and employability.
â¨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to personal development and how they implement the 4-Day Working Week. This shows your genuine interest in their values and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
â¨Demonstrate Flexibility and Creativity
Highlight your ability to adapt lesson plans and create engaging learning experiences. Discuss any innovative ideas you have for work-related learning opportunities or community partnerships that could benefit the students, showcasing your proactive approach.
