At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' personal development and work experience, helping them build confidence and employability skills.
- Company: Join a supportive school community focused on neurodiversity and individual strengths.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, competitive salary, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a balanced work/life schedule.
- Qualifications: Passion for education, creativity, and experience in supporting personal development.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a rewarding and dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 22000 - 29000 £ per year.
Location: Brick Lane School, London E2 6DY
Salary: £26,250.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 4.00pm
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
This role does not offer sponsorship. At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance and we are putting wellbeing first. That’s why we are proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in.
About the Role
The Higher-Level Teaching Assistant for Personal Development and Work Experience plays a vital role in preparing students for life beyond school. Working closely with the Personal Development Lead, you’ll support pupils to develop confidence, independence and real-world employability skills that align with their strengths, interests and future aspirations. This is a varied and rewarding role that blends classroom practice with wider responsibility for developing meaningful work-related learning opportunities. You’ll help shape in-house work experience, build community links, and contribute to whole-school events that promote careers awareness, personal growth and future pathways.
Key Responsibilities
- Work in partnership with the Personal Development Lead to deliver and evaluate effective careers guidance
- Support the development of relationships with local employers, community organisations and external partners
- Assist in planning and delivering careers events, enrichment activities and work-related learning opportunities
- Design and support in-house work experience placements that build employability, independence and life skills
Core HLTA Responsibilities
As a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant, you will also:
- Provide cover for teacher or TA absence, adapting lesson plans where required
- Prepare lessons and learning resources, working collaboratively with teaching staff
- Deliver planned learning activities independently and confidently
- Assess learning and contribute to monitoring, recording and reporting student progress
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Understands and embraces the full scope and responsibility of the HLTA role
- Is organised, flexible and confident working independently
- Brings creativity, initiative and a practical approach to supporting learning and personal development
- Is passionate about helping young people build the skills they need for future education, employment and independent life
If you’re motivated by making a real difference and enjoy working in a role that combines education, careers and personal development, this is a fantastic opportunity to grow and thrive within a supportive school community.
About Us
Brick Lane School is an independent specialist school in East London for autistic pupils. We provide a safe, welcoming environment shaped by Outcomes First Group’s Neurodiversity Strategy, celebrating strengths and individuality. Small classes and personalised education, therapy, and clinical support ensure every pupil’s needs are met. Through positive relationships and a holistic approach, we empower young people to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance, Pension scheme with options to increase contributions, Your Wellbeing Matters mental health support and physical health checks, Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including: Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits, Hundreds of UK and international discounts, Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme, Critical illness cover, Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support. Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
HLTA - Personal Development & Work Experience employer: Confidential
Contact Detail:
Confidential Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HLTA - Personal Development & Work Experience
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those connected to personal development and work experience. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get that interview, let your enthusiasm for helping young people shine through. Share specific examples of how you've supported students in the past and how you plan to do it in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think about scenarios related to the HLTA role, like how you'd handle a challenging student or create a work experience opportunity. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that values work-life balance and personal growth, just like you!
We think you need these skills to ace HLTA - Personal Development & Work Experience
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the HLTA role. Highlight your experience in personal development and work experience, and show how your skills align with what we’re looking for at Brick Lane School.
Show Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for helping young people thrive! Share specific examples of how you've supported students in building their confidence and independence, as this is key to the role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well so we can easily see your qualifications and experiences that make you a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Confidential
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with how this role supports personal development and work experience for students. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you can contribute to building community links and creating meaningful work-related learning opportunities.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for helping young people develop essential skills for their future. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to education and personal development. This will demonstrate that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about making a difference in students' lives.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to personal development and how they envision the HLTA role evolving. This shows that you’re engaged and interested in being part of their team, plus it gives you valuable insights into whether the school is the right fit for you.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Creativity
The role requires someone who can adapt and think outside the box. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully handled unexpected challenges in previous roles. Share examples of how you’ve used creativity to enhance learning experiences or support students in developing independence and life skills.