At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a lovely 9-year-old boy with additional needs in a friendly school environment.
- Company: Join Southbank International School, a leading IB world school in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, childcare vouchers, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a child's life while working in a diverse community.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting children with SEN and a passion for helping them succeed.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 29000 £ per year.
About the School - Southbank International - Kensington
Do you want to work in a very friendly, happy school in London? Southbank International School is London's leading IB world school. With over 70 nationalities, our campus educates 170 children from the ages of 3 –11. The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Primary Learning Support Assistant to join our fantastic team.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.
About the role
- Employment Type: Full time, 1 year fixed-term contract, late August 2026 start
- Location: Kensington Campus
- Salary Range: £24,000-29,000pa
We have a wonderful culture of support and collaboration and very lovely students from all around the world. You'll have the opportunity to work with some great colleagues and the chance to support a lovely 9 year old boy who has additional needs. We welcome applications from experienced support assistants. You need to care deeply about children and have a positive and professional mindset.
Key characteristics
- Demonstrates integrity.
- Genuinely wants the best for children in terms of provision and outcomes.
- Can juggle competing priorities.
- Enjoys working collegially.
- Passionate about supporting children.
- Can be adaptable to changing priorities and working flexibly.
- Can demonstrate good initiative.
- Is an engaging communicator, both verbally and in writing.
- Has a patient and empathetic nature, with the ability to adapt teaching methods to suit individual needs.
- A proactive and flexible approach, demonstrating creativity in overcoming challenges.
Key Responsibilities
- Encourage the student to interact with others and engage in activities in class or at play in line with the school expectations.
- Provide feedback to the student about their progress and achievement in collaboration with the teacher.
- Use strategies, in agreement with the teacher, to support students to make progress in each lesson.
- Supporting the teacher to create and maintain a purposeful, supportive learning environment.
- Monitor the student’s responses to learning activities and accurately record achievement or progress as directed by the teacher.
- Provide detailed and regular feedback to teachers and to the student’s parents on their progress.
- Encourage the continued dependence and self-regulation already fostered by the school.
- Support the establishment of positive relationships with parents or educational support.
Who we are looking for
You will be someone who genuinely wants the best for children and is motivated by helping them succeed. You bring patience, empathy and a proactive mindset, along with the ability to adapt your approach to meet individual needs. You communicate clearly, work well as part of a team and remain calm under pressure. You’ll have experience supporting children with SEN—ideally in a school or primary setting—and feel confident working 1:1. Above all, you are committed to safeguarding, pupil wellbeing and contributing positively to school life.
Benefits at Cognita
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Childcare Vouchers
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Eye Tests
- Pension
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- School Fees Discount (conditions apply)
- Interest free season ticket loan
- Own device during employment
- Generous maternity/paternity conditions
- Exclusive third-party discount platform
- Ongoing professional development
How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date: Sunday 12th April 2026. Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex‑Offenders is included within the Application Guidance. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background. Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.
Primary Learning Support Assistant employer: Cognita Schools
Cognita Schools in Leatherhead is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises professional growth and collaboration among educators. With a commitment to fostering a love for languages, the school provides competitive salaries, a robust pension scheme, and continuous development opportunities, making it an ideal environment for passionate teachers looking to make a meaningful impact on students' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Primary Learning Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those who work at Southbank International or similar schools. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s values and culture. Show us how your passion for supporting children aligns with their mission. We love seeing candidates who genuinely care about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Primary Learning Support Assistant, you’ll need to engage with students, teachers, and parents. Role-play common scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at Southbank International!
We think you need these skills to ace Primary Learning Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your genuine love for working with children in your application. Share experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting their growth and learning.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the role of a Primary Learning Support Assistant. We want to know how you can contribute to our friendly school environment!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your qualifications and experiences, as we appreciate engaging communicators.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Southbank International School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Schools
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Southbank International School and its values. Understanding their commitment to creating a supportive environment for children will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children, especially those with additional needs. Prepare specific examples of how you've adapted your teaching methods or supported individual learning styles to demonstrate your capability.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
As a Primary Learning Support Assistant, clear communication is key. Think of instances where you effectively communicated with teachers, parents, or students. Highlight your ability to provide constructive feedback and foster positive relationships.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Initiative
The role requires adaptability and creativity in overcoming challenges. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully navigated changing priorities or developed innovative strategies to support students in their learning.
