At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' learning and development in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: St Leonard’s Catholic School, an outstanding secondary school in Durham.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Join a thriving community with exciting future developments and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a caring environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and understanding of SEND needs.
The predicted salary is between 26823 - 28141 € per year.
Location: St Leonard’s Catholic School, North End, County Durham, DH1 4NG
Grade: Grade E SCP 8-11 (£26,823 - £28,141 per annum, pro rata)
Hours: 37 hours per week, Permanent, Term Time Only Plus 5 Days. 8.15am - 4.15pm (3.45pm on Fridays).
St Leonard’s Catholic School is a thriving, oversubscribed secondary school with a vibrant sixth form, located in the historic cathedral city of Durham. We are proud to have been graded ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by Ofsted (October 2024), with inspectors praising our culture of care and achievement where every pupil is known and loved. They highlighted our expertly designed curriculum, exceptional teaching, and strong personal development programme that builds character and resilience. Pupils achieve exceptionally well and value the high-quality education they receive.
Our Catholic Schools Inspection (2025) commended St Leonard’s as a community where faith and learning flourish together, describing our mission as “lived and visible in every aspect of school life.” Inspectors noted the strength of our pastoral care, the commitment of staff to pupils’ spiritual and moral development, and the inclusive, supportive environment that makes our school a joy to be part of.
Our newly opened school, delivered through the national School Rebuilding Programme, offers cutting‑edge facilities while looking ahead to the restoration and opening of our Victorian house in 2027, which will sit at the heart of our site and add lasting character. As one of the highest‑achieving schools in the North East—with almost 50% of GCSE grades at 9–7 and excellent A-Level outcomes (Overall Grade B)—we have a strong track record for Oxbridge and Russell Group university applications.
We are proud to be part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, the largest Catholic education trust in the North East, offering exceptional opportunities for collaboration, professional development, and career progression across 48 schools.
Why work with us?
- Outstanding behaviour and a calm, respectful learning environment.
- A supportive, faith‑driven community where staff are valued and developed.
- High‑quality professional development opportunities through the school and Trust.
- A school culture that prioritises wellbeing, collaboration, and excellence.
- Exciting future with state‑of‑the‑art facilities opened in Spring 2026.
The successful candidate will have:
- Experience of working with young people.
- An understanding of the needs of pupils, particularly those with SEND.
- The ability to work within a team.
- The ability to work with pupils on individual targets set by a member of staff.
- Good written and spoken communication skills.
Closing date: Sunday 31st May 2026
Interview date: TBC
The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Learning Support Assistant employer: Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust
St Leonard’s Catholic School is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow professionally. With outstanding facilities and a commitment to wellbeing, our team enjoys high-quality professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people within a vibrant community. Join us in shaping the future of education in the historic city of Durham, where faith and learning flourish together.
Contact Detail:
Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at St Leonard’s Catholic School through LinkedIn or social media. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and recent achievements. Show us that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly aligns with our mission of care and achievement.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to working with young people and SEND. We want to see how you can contribute to our supportive environment!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at St Leonard’s.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about supporting pupils, especially those with SEND, and how you can contribute to our vibrant school community.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in your application. Whether it's working with young people or being part of a team, we want to know how your background aligns with the role of Learning Support Assistant at St Leonard’s.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate good written communication skills, so make sure your application reflects that!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our fantastic school community there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand St Leonard’s Catholic School's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to care and achievement, as well as their focus on inclusivity and personal development. This will help you align your answers with what they value most.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience working with young people, especially those with special educational needs (SEND). Prepare specific examples of how you've supported students in the past, focusing on individual targets and teamwork. This will demonstrate your capability and fit for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Good communication skills are essential for a Learning Support Assistant. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to rehearse common interview questions with a friend or family member to ensure you convey your ideas effectively during the actual interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the professional development opportunities available or how the school supports staff wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
