Student Support Assistants

Student Support Assistants

Reading Part-Time No home office possible
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Activate Learning

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.

Job Title : Student Support Assistant
Salary: Up to £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 hours available

Reading College operates Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. We ask that staff are available to work 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

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 do you need to be a successful Student Support Assistant at Activate Learning?

  • 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.

    Who we are

    Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.

    We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.

    When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.

    Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

    Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits:

    Here are some of our 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
  • 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.
  • For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits & wellbeing offering, please visit our

    Student Support Assistants employer: Activate Learning

    Activate Learning is an exceptional employer located in Reading, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits such as a competitive salary, flexible working options, and extensive training opportunities, our Student Support Assistants play a crucial role in empowering students while enjoying a fulfilling career in education. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young learners and thrive in a dynamic college environment.
    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

    Strong Communication Skills
    Collaborative Working
    Empathy and Compassion
    Creativity in Engagement
    Proactive Support Approach
    Flexibility in Working
    Understanding of SEN (Special Educational Needs)
    Behaviour Management Techniques
    Personal Care Assistance
    Motivational Skills
    Ability to Work Independently
    Student-Centred Support Strategies
    Adaptability to Diverse Learning Needs

    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.

    Student Support Assistants
    Activate Learning
    Location: Reading
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