At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' personal development and work experience, helping them build confidence and employability skills.
- Company: Join a supportive school community focused on neurodiversity and individual strengths.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, competitive salary, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a balanced work/life schedule.
- Qualifications: Passion for education, creativity, and experience in supporting young people's development.
- Other info: Be part of a certified 'Great Place to Work' with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: Brick Lane School, London E2 6DY
Salary: £26,250.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.00am – 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 — and we are putting wellbeing first. That is why we are 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, you will 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. You will 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
We are 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 you are 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 Group's Neurodiversity Strategy, celebrating strengths and individuality. Small classes and personalised education, therapy, and clinical support ensure every pupil's 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 'Great Place to Work' 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.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
Your Wellbeing Matters – 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 in London employer: Acorn Education
Contact Detail:
Acorn Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HLTA - Personal Development & Work Experience in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those connected to personal development and work experience. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get that interview, let your enthusiasm for helping young people shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported students in their personal growth or career paths.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about scenarios related to the HLTA role and how you'd handle them. This shows you're ready to tackle real challenges in the classroom and beyond.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that values work-life balance and personal development just as much as you do.
We think you need these skills to ace HLTA - Personal Development & Work Experience in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the HLTA role. Highlight your experience in personal development and work experience, and show us how you can help students thrive beyond school.
Show Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for supporting young people! Share specific examples of how you've helped others build skills or confidence in the past. Let your passion shine through!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you're a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with #teamOFG.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Education
✨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.
✨Showcase Your Passion
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 areas related to employability and personal growth.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could be about their approach to careers guidance or how they measure the success of their work-related learning opportunities. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the school's mission.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Creativity
Be ready to discuss how you can adapt lesson plans and support diverse learners. Highlight any creative strategies you've used in the past to engage students or build community links. This will illustrate your ability to think outside the box and contribute positively to the school environment.