Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students aged 16-19 in their academic and vocational programmes.
- Company: Join Activate Learning, a pioneering education group transforming lives through innovative learning.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension schemes, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping young people succeed are essential.
- Other info: Part-time and full-time roles available, with training provided for personal care and behaviour management.
Student Support Assistant
Salary: Up to £13.13.54 per hour
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract (until July 2026) with the potential to be extended or made permanent
Location: Reading College
Training: Various in-house training opportunities relevant to the role.
Working Pattern: Term-time only, full-time and part-time positions available. Reading College operates Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Staff must be available at least 3 days per week during these hours.
We are currently looking for Student Support Assistants to join our dedicated team based at Reading College. If you are passionate about supporting students, thrive in a collaborative environment, and want to make a real difference in the lives of learners, we would love to hear from you!
About the Role
As a Student Support Assistant, you will provide in-class and individual support to young adults aged 16-19 enrolled in a wide range of academic and vocational programmes, including GCSEs, LifeSkills, and A-levels. You will help them overcome barriers to learning and reach their full potential, supporting their progress in both practical and academic environments.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting students across a variety of course levels (Entry Level to Level 3)
- Acting as a positive role model and using inclusive, student-centred support strategies
- Collaborating with tutors and support teams to meet individual student needs
- Assisting with personal care and behaviour management where necessary, with training provided
Our Student Support Assistants play a vital role in empowering students with additional learning needs to achieve success throughout their educational journey.
What you need to be successful
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively and independently
- A flexible, proactive, and supportive approach to working with learners
- Creativity and empathy in engaging and motivating students with diverse needs
- A genuine passion for helping young people succeed
- Previous experience supporting students with SEN is helpful but not essential
- Willingness to undertake personal care and manual handling training if required
If you\’re motivated to make a real difference and want to be part of a supportive, student-focused team, this is a fantastic opportunity to start or develop your career in education. You’ll be part of a dynamic college environment where your work has a direct impact on student achievement and wellbeing.
Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits
- Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.
- Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing.
- Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
- Learning and Development: Continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.
- Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.
- Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for AL staff.
- Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave.
- Flexible Working: Options include hybrid and remote, term time only, and flexible working patterns.
- Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
- On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.
Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission.
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts.
Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.
Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expects all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.
Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK, we do not sponsor work permits. Work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.
Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning is committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.
Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Student Support Assistants employer: Activate Learning
Contact Detail:
Activate Learning Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Support Assistants
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students aged 16-19, especially those with additional learning needs. Understanding their challenges will help you demonstrate your passion for supporting them during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Student Support Assistants to gain insights into their experiences. This can provide you with valuable information to discuss during your interview and show your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant volunteer work or informal experience you have in educational settings. Even if it's not formal, showing that you've engaged with young people in a supportive capacity can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios involving student support. Think about examples where you've used creativity and empathy to motivate others, as these qualities are essential for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Support Assistants
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Student Support Assistant. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these needs.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a compelling personal statement that showcases your passion for supporting students. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your ability to engage and motivate learners.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your strong communication skills, flexibility, and proactive approach in your CV and cover letter. Mention any experience you have with SEN (Special Educational Needs) or similar roles, even if it's informal.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Activate Learning
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for supporting students and helping them succeed. Share any personal experiences or motivations that led you to pursue a role in education, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role requires collaboration with students and tutors, be prepared to showcase your communication abilities. Use examples from past experiences where you effectively communicated or resolved conflicts, highlighting your adaptability in different situations.
✨Highlight Your Empathy and Creativity
Discuss how you can engage and motivate students with diverse needs. Provide specific examples of creative strategies you've used in the past to support learners, especially those facing challenges, to illustrate your empathetic approach.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-life scenarios. Think about potential challenges you might face as a Student Support Assistant and prepare thoughtful responses on how you would handle them, demonstrating your proactive and supportive nature.
