At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers in creating a nurturing environment for children with complex needs.
- Company: Join Clarendon School, a vibrant special academy in Richmond upon Thames.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension schemes, and discounts on big brands.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive network and clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young learners while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience working with children with SEND needs is essential.
The predicted salary is between 24125 - 24125 £ per year.
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Permanent, Full-time or part-time
Working hours: 32.5 Hours for Full Time (Monday to Friday, 39 weeks per year inc Inset days)/ Part Time
Salary: Scale 4, Spinal point 9 £24,125.81 (Actual)
Location: Clarendon School, Riverside Centre
Shortlisting: 2nd June 2026
Interviews: 9th June 2026
Clarendon School is a vibrant and inclusive special academy for 160 pupils aged 4-16 with Moderate and Complex Learning Difficulties. Our unique and friendly school has three sites within the borough of Richmond upon Thames, all self-contained but co-located with inclusive-minded mainstream schools. Our Primary and Secondary centres opened in new or newly refurbished buildings 8 years ago, giving us excellent purpose-built facilities. Our new Riverside Centre opens in September 2026 and will boast state-of-the-art facilities. Clarendon School is a proud member of the Auriga Academy Trust, a unique partnership of special schools in West London, that is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for young people with additional learning needs.
The Role
As a Teaching Assistant at Clarendon School, you will work closely with our teachers to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment for primary-aged children with complex needs. We are looking to appoint an effective and caring Teaching Assistant who ensures that all children have the best learning opportunities, and you will have previous experience/understanding of working with children with a SEND need setting. You’ll help pupils thrive academically, socially, and emotionally through:
- Tailored support for individual or small groups of students.
- Providing personal care as needed to ensure students’ well-being.
- Collaborating with our teaching staff to implement creative and effective learning strategies.
- Encouraging independence and fostering a love of learning in each student.
- Developing and maintaining positive relationships across the school community.
Why join us?
- Rewarding Work: Make a tangible difference in the lives of pupils aged 4-16 with Moderate and Complex Learning Difficulties, providing the specialist support they need closer to home.
- Supportive Environment: Collaborate within the Auriga Academy Trust, benefiting from a supportive network of professionals and a culture of mutual professional respect.
- Professional Growth: Enjoy a clear trajectory for career development, benefiting from our commitment to invest in your professional and leadership development.
What we offer:
- Access to very competitive pension schemes
- Employee Assistance Program - available 24/7 to support you
- The Cycle to Work scheme - a brand new bike and equipment through your salary, saving up to 42%.
- Auriga Rewards benefits platform with 1000s of discounts and offers for big-name brands in retail, travel, fitness, utilities and wellbeing.
- We have committed to following nationally agreed terms and conditions for pay for both teachers and support staff
- Recruitment Referral Scheme
- Wider opportunities for career progression and professional development across the Trust, with the ability to move across different settings and divisions.
Further information on this exciting opportunity can be found in our candidate pack. In your personal statement, please demonstrate how you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification.
Clarendon School is part of The Auriga Academy Trust, a partnership of special schools in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Further details about the Trust can be found on the Auriga Academy Trust website.
Safeguarding Statement
The Auriga Trust and its schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employment is subject to a valid right to work status, satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references, a pre-employment health questionnaire, and an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). There is a shared commitment across the Trust to nurture a culture of respect, where discrimination is not tolerated, individuals are treated equitably and fairly, and they feel a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion. We reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy and to interview shortlisted candidates at any time before the closing date. We recommend you submit your application as early as possible.
Teaching Assistant employer: Clarendon School
Clarendon School is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of pupils with Moderate and Complex Learning Difficulties. With a strong commitment to professional growth, a supportive environment through the Auriga Academy Trust, and access to competitive benefits, including a comprehensive pension scheme and employee assistance programmes, we foster a culture of respect and inclusivity. Join us in our state-of-the-art Riverside Centre, where you can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to a nurturing educational community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Clarendon School and its ethos. Understanding their values will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the school culture, which can give you an edge in your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to working with children with SEND needs. Role-play with a friend or family member to build your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Clarendon School. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives, especially those with complex needs.
Tailor Your Personal Statement:Make sure to align your personal statement with the criteria outlined in the person specification. We’re looking for specific examples of your experience and skills that relate directly to the role of Teaching Assistant.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for our school community.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We recommend applying as early as possible through our website to ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity at Clarendon School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Clarendon School
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to explore Clarendon School's website and understand its ethos and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to inclusivity and how they support children with complex needs. This will help you align your answers with their mission during the interview.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience working with children who have special educational needs. Think of specific examples where you've made a positive impact, whether through tailored support or fostering independence. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role and your understanding of the challenges these students face.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team you'll be working with, and the school's approach to supporting students. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
As a Teaching Assistant, collaboration is key. Be ready to discuss how you work effectively with teachers and other staff members. Highlight any experiences where teamwork led to successful outcomes for students, as this will resonate well with the interviewers at Clarendon School.
