At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in lessons and use sport to inspire engagement.
- Company: Aspire People, a leading education agency in Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, full-time roles, and ongoing support from consultants.
- Other info: Great opportunity for future careers in teaching or youth work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives through sport and education.
- Qualifications: UK degree in Sport or related field; experience with children preferred.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 28000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-time | Short-term & Long-term Opportunities
Agency: Aspire People
Are you a recent Sports graduate looking to start a rewarding career in education? Do you have experience working with children through sports coaching, holiday camps, youth work, or supporting young people with SEND or challenging behaviour?
Aspire People are recruiting enthusiastic and motivated Sports Graduate Teaching Assistants to work across a range of secondary mainstream and SEN schools throughout Manchester from September 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for graduates who are passionate about using sport to inspire, motivate, and support young people while gaining valuable classroom experience.
The Role
As a Sports Teaching Assistant, you will use your enthusiasm, teamwork, and coaching skills to support students both inside and outside the classroom. You will play an important role in helping pupils engage with learning, develop confidence, manage their behaviour, and achieve their potential.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting students in lessons on a 1:1 basis and in small groups.
- Working with pupils with SEND, SEMH, and additional learning needs.
- Using sport and physical activity to build positive relationships and encourage engagement.
- Supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the school day.
- Managing and positively responding to challenging behaviour.
- Acting as a mentor and positive role model for young people.
- Helping to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
About You
We are looking for graduates who are:
- Passionate about sport and supporting young people.
- Positive, resilient, and able to build strong relationships with students.
- Confident working with children who have SEND, SEMH, or challenging behaviour.
- Adaptable, proactive, and committed to making a positive impact every day.
Essential Requirements
- A UK Bachelor's degree in Sport, Sports Coaching, Sports Science, Physical Education, or a related subject.
- Previous experience working with children through sports coaching, holiday camps, youth work, schools, placements, or employment.
- Experience supporting children with SEND or managing challenging behaviour is highly desirable.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- An Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one).
- References covering the last two years.
Why Aspire People?
- Opportunities across a variety of mainstream secondary and specialist SEN schools throughout Manchester.
- Full-time short-term and long-term roles available from September 2026.
- Competitive rates of pay.
- Ongoing support from a dedicated education consultant.
- A fantastic opportunity for graduates considering careers in teaching, educational psychology, youth work, or pastoral support.
If you are ready to use your passion for sport to inspire and support young people, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join Aspire People and kick-start your career in education this September.
Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.
Sports Graduate Teaching Assistant in Manchester employer: Aspire People
Aspire People is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development for educators. Located in the vibrant community of Welwyn, our school provides a unique opportunity to inspire students in Business Studies and Economics while enjoying competitive salaries and a commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sports Graduate Teaching Assistant in Manchester
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Aspire People. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Aspire People. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Sports Graduate Teaching Assistant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Aspire People aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspire People
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Aspire People, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
