Student Support Assistants in Reading

Student Support Assistants in Reading

Reading Part-Time No working from home possible
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.
  • Other info: Part-time and full-time roles available, with training provided for personal care and behaviour management.
  • 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.

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 in Reading 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 Details:

    Activate Learning Recruitment Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

    We think this is how you could land Student Support Assistants in Reading

    Tap into Local Networks

    Get yourself out there and find local education fairs or community events related to adult continuing education. These are golden opportunities to meet potential employers, showcase your passion, and even score some part-time roles directly in your area.

    Engage with Adult Learning Communities

    Join online groups and forums dedicated to adult education, like those on Facebook or LinkedIn. Get involved in discussions, share your insights, and connect with industry professionals. You never know when a part-time opportunity might pop up in these spaces!

    Volunteer for Local Educational Initiatives

    Look for local organisations that offer educational programmes for adults and see if they need volunteers. This can not only strengthen your CV but also expand your network. You might just catch the eye of someone looking to fill a part-time position within their team.

    Check Out Our Website for Openings

    Keep an eye on our website for part-time job listings at Activate Learning. Applying directly through us not only gets your application in front of the right eyes but also shows you're keen to be part of our team in the adult education space.

    We think you need these skills to ace Student Support Assistants in Reading

    Strong Communication Skills
    Collaborative Working
    Empathy and Compassion
    Creativity in Engagement
    Proactive Support Approach
    Flexibility in Working
    Understanding of SEN (Special Educational Needs)

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a role in adult continuing education, make sure to showcase any experience you've had with teaching or mentoring adults. If you’ve run workshops, developed learning materials, or facilitated training sessions, put those front and centre – it shows us that you understand the unique needs of adult learners.

    Focus on Your Educational Philosophy:For a part-time role, it's key to convey your educational philosophy in your application. We want to see how you motivate and inspire learners, so share your thoughts on how to create an engaging learning environment for adults. This personal touch can really set you apart!

    Tailor Your CV for the Role:Get specific with your CV! Emphasise certifications related to adult education or teaching if you have them. If you've taken courses on adult learning theories or instructional design, mention those too. It's all about showing us you're equipped to elevate adult learners' experiences.

    Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a part-time gig, make sure to highlight your availability in your cover letter. We want to know when you can start and how many hours you can commit. If you have experience designing curricula or schedules that fit into busy adults’ lives, let us know how you can adapt your approach!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Activate Learning

    Show Off Your Teaching Vibe

    In adult continuing education, it's all about connecting with learners. Highlight your experience in engaging students, especially adults, and share any creative methods you've used. We want to see how you make learning enjoyable and relevant.

    Know Your Adult Learners

    Spend some time thinking about the specific needs of adult learners in your field. Be ready to discuss how you tailor your teaching methods to accommodate different backgrounds and learning styles. This will show Activate Learning that you're well-versed in the unique dynamics of adult education.

    Prepare for a Part-Time Mindset

    As this is a part-time position, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of balancing multiple commitments. Come with examples of how you've managed your time effectively in previous roles, showing that you're ready to hit the ground running while keeping things flexible.

    Bring Evidence of Your Impact

    If you've got testimonials, portfolios, or any data showing that your teaching has improved learners' skills or confidence, bring them along to share. We want to help you showcase your impact effectively and demonstrate how you can bring value to Activate Learning’s adult education programmes.