At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a student with specific needs and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Akeley Wood School, a warm and inclusive independent school in beautiful Buckinghamshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Join a caring team dedicated to empowering students and celebrating individuality.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in a child's life and foster their confidence and independence.
- Qualifications: HLTA qualification and experience supporting young people with additional needs.
The predicted salary is between 22170 - 22170 £ per year.
Make a meaningful difference. Empower one child to thrive.
Location: Akeley Wood School, Akeley, Buckingham
Salary: £22,170 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday | 40 hours per week | 8am-4.30pm
Contract: Fixed Term | Term Time Only
Start Date: September 2026
Early applications are encouraged — we may interview and appoint before the advertised closing date.
Akeley Wood, part of the Blenheim family, is a thriving co‑educational independent school set across three beautiful campuses in the Buckinghamshire countryside. Welcoming pupils from 12 months to 18 years, we are a warm, inclusive and ambitious community where every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their very best.
Our learning environments are designed to inspire — from specialist classrooms to woodland outdoor areas, creative studios and modern sports facilities. We are proud of our strong pastoral culture, our commitment to individual strengths and our belief that meaningful relationships drive student success.
Joining Akeley Wood School means joining a caring, collaborative team who believe in high expectations, compassion and the transformative power of education.
The Role
We are seeking a well‑qualified and experienced Higher Level Learning Support Assistant (HLLSA) to provide 1:1 support for a student with specific needs outlined in their EHCP. This is an EHCP‑funded role, and although the contract is fixed term, it is anticipated to extend each academic year for as long as the student attends the school and continues to qualify for funded support.
Key Responsibilities
- Understand and support the specific needs of the pupil as outlined in their EHCP and support plan.
- Implement tailored strategies to help the pupil learn effectively and feel confident, supported and included.
- Carry out interventions, classroom support and pastoral support as directed by the SENDCo and Class Teacher.
- Promote positive behaviour and help create a calm, structured and encouraging learning environment.
- Adapt and provide differentiated resources to ensure the pupil can access the curriculum.
- Support the pupil in a range of settings: in class, during transition times, assemblies, break times and throughout the school day.
- Assist with the pupil's social interactions, concentration, engagement and emotional regulation.
- Build a trusting, supportive relationship with the pupil and their family, maintaining excellent communication.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, specialists and the Learning Support Team to enhance teaching and learning.
- Reinforce self‑esteem and celebrate small steps of progress, helping the pupil develop confidence and independence.
- Contribute to the wider teaching team by bringing energy, compassion and proactive thinking.
About You
- A Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) qualification.
- Experience supporting young people with additional needs.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships with pupils, parents and staff.
- A warm, empathetic and patient approach.
- Strong organisation, resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Confidence using ICT for learning support, communication and record‑keeping.
- A commitment to professional development and reflective practice.
- A belief that every child can succeed with the right support.
Why Join Akeley Wood Senior School?
- You will join a caring, collaborative and forward‑thinking staff team who share a passion for supporting young people and enabling them to thrive.
- You can expect a supportive, nurturing working environment.
- Strong pastoral values and a culture built on kindness.
- Opportunities for professional growth and training.
- A beautiful school setting with excellent facilities.
- A team that celebrates individuality and the power of relationships.
Safeguarding Commitment
Akeley Wood School and Blenheim Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to follow safeguarding policies and undertake relevant training. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and social media checks.
We may close this vacancy early if a high volume of suitable applications is received.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) in Milton Keynes employer: Blenheim Schools
Akeley Wood School is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and collaborative environment where staff are valued and supported in their professional growth. Located in the picturesque Buckinghamshire countryside, the school boasts excellent facilities and a strong commitment to pastoral care, ensuring that every team member can thrive while making a meaningful impact on students' lives. Join us to be part of a community that celebrates individuality and fosters positive relationships, all while working towards empowering young people to reach their full potential.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Akeley Wood School on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the HLTA role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to supporting students with additional needs. Think about specific examples from your experience that showcase your skills and how you can empower students to thrive.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for education! During the interview, share why you believe every child can succeed with the right support. Your enthusiasm for making a meaningful difference will resonate with the hiring team.
✨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 the Akeley Wood community and contributing to its amazing culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific needs of the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through! Share examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially when it comes to working with children with additional needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and your key points stand out. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant!
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage early applications as we might start interviewing before the closing date. Head over to our website and get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blenheim Schools
✨Know the EHCP Inside Out
Make sure you understand the specific needs outlined in the pupil's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Familiarise yourself with how to implement tailored strategies that can help the pupil thrive. This shows your commitment and readiness to support their unique requirements.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
During the interview, highlight your excellent communication skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've built relationships with pupils, parents, and staff in the past. Use examples that demonstrate your warm, empathetic approach and how it has positively impacted students.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
Be ready to talk about how you adapt resources and teaching methods to meet diverse learning needs. Share specific instances where you've successfully modified your approach to create a calm and structured learning environment for students with additional needs.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Akeley Wood School values teamwork, so be sure to express your ability to work collaboratively with teachers, specialists, and support teams. Discuss any experiences where you've contributed to a wider teaching team and how your proactive thinking has enhanced learning outcomes.
