At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in a classroom setting and during activities.
- Company: Join City of Portsmouth College, a progressive and supportive workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and discounts on various services.
- Other info: Flexible hours, term-time only, with excellent professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help shape future leaders.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience with young people preferred.
The predicted salary is between 19500 - 20500 £ per year.
Job Title: Sessional Learning Support Assistant (LSA) - September Start
Location: All Campuses, Portsmouth
Salary: Full Time Equivalent £24,521.29 - £25210.25 per annum, Actual Salary Pro Rata depending on working hours/working weeks
Hours of work: Casual/Part-Time, up to 37 Hours per week, Term Time only (36 weeks), September 2026 start
About us:
At City of Portsmouth College, we aspire to be the employer of choice in the Portsmouth area, with a progressive, supportive, and rewarding workplace culture and one that offers competitive benefits for its staff. By joining us, you will personally be part of the change we are driving and will play a pivotal role in supporting the growth and development of our brilliant students, turning them into future leaders and innovators. Everyone at the College is part of the bigger picture and together, each role makes an impact and in turn a difference to our students learning journey.
We have an unrivalled curriculum of courses on offer for students of all ages and stages covering A-levels, Apprenticeships, Vocational & Technical courses. We also offer Higher Education, Online learning and Community courses that appeal to the needs of the local community.
We aspire to become the employer of choice in the Portsmouth area, promoting a progressive, supportive and rewarding workplace culture. Here at COPC, we offer ongoing support, professional development / training and guidance alongside competitive benefits to all staff. By joining us you can be a part of the journey to shape the next generations educational journey and you will play a pivotal role in supporting the growth and development of our brilliant students, turning them into future leaders and innovators.
What we offer:
- Annual Leave: You will be given up to 8.2 weeks (pro-rata according to working hours) per full year in recognition of annual leave, which is paid inclusive of your annual salary. The 8.2 weeks includes the closure for winter shutdown period in line with Hampshire County Council school holidays & statutory bank holidays
- Pension: Generous Local Government pension. Further information can be found at www.hants.gov.uk/hampshire-services/pensions/local-government
- Learning & Development: Programmes by The Community Adult Education Department
- Staff Development: Access to the College staff development programmes and CPD
- Onsite Discounts: City of Portsmouth College Hair Salon & 50% off at the City of Portsmouth
- Online Discounts: Unidays, Student Beans, and Totum with a City of Portsmouth College email address
- Parking: Free car parking across all campus sites (apart from Arundel)
- Blue Light Card: providing several discounts for clothing, electrical goods, food and days out, even concert tickets!
About The Role:
As a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) at City of Portsmouth College, you will be required to support our students who have special educational needs, in a 1:1 or small group within a classroom setting. You may also be required to support our students during break and lunch times and on external outings. You will support the students as stated within their Educational Health Care Plan requirements whilst promoting independence and high expectations at all times.
Please note, submissions for this post are for a September 2026 start.
Key Responsibilities:
- Supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
- Monitoring and recording students’ progress
- Work collaboratively with the class teachers and other college staff
To be successful in this role, below is what we would need from you:
- Ability to support young people
- Excellent communication skills
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills
- Knowledge of working with young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Diversity and Inclusion:
Equality, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are central to the work of the College. This underpins the vision of the College to transform lives through providing exceptional education and training.
The College's commitment to Equality, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is reflected in the continued successful promotion of these strands through the curriculum, enrichment activities and the range of direct and indirect student support services.
Pre Employment Checks:
The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and two references.
We reserve the right the close the job advert when we have had successful applications, and it may not run for the full duration of the advert.
We do not accept CV's from agencies for these roles.
Sessional Learning Support Assistant (LSA) in Portsmouth employer: City of Portsmouth College
City of Portsmouth College is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and growth. Located at the North Harbour Campus, the college provides unique opportunities to engage with local businesses and make a meaningful impact on apprentices' lives, all while enjoying a collaborative environment that values innovation and teamwork.
Contact Details:
City of Portsmouth College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sessional Learning Support Assistant (LSA) in Portsmouth
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like City of Portsmouth College just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at City of Portsmouth College. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Sessional Learning Support Assistant (LSA) in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Sessional Learning Support Assistant (LSA) role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At City of Portsmouth College, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of Portsmouth College
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at City of Portsmouth College, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At City of Portsmouth College, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
