At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with learning difficulties and lead small group sessions.
- Company: Downside School, a supportive and ambitious educational environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free lunch, access to leisure facilities, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a motivated team and enjoy a welcoming community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in learning support, especially with literacy and SEND.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Downside School has a vacancy for a Learning Support Teacher to join the School on a fulltime, permanent contract from September 2026. The successful candidate will assist the Learning Support department and be able to provide 1:1 support and lead small groups of pupils with a range of learning difficulties. It is essential that the appointed person is passionate about helping pupils develop as learners in a highly supportive and academically ambitious school environment. You must be comfortable supporting the secondary school GCSE curriculum. The ability to support Maths and Science would be an advantage. The successful candidate should possess the drive and determination to enthuse all pupils to reach the highest standards.
We are looking for someone who:
- Demonstrates excellent knowledge of Learning Support.
- Has a specialism and experience in supporting pupils with literacy difficulties, some of whom will also have SEND.
- Has an ability to raise the achievement of our pupils alongside their subject teachers.
- Inspires and motivates pupils to strive for the best.
- Has excellent behaviour management and the ability to quickly build rapport with pupils.
- Embraces our Benedictine, Catholic ethos.
We can offer the successful candidate:
- Competitive salary in line with independent school pay scales.
- Complimentary lunch.
- Complimentary access to on-site leisure facilities, including swimming pool, gym & squash courts.
- Opportunities for additional CPD as well as pastoral and wider-curricular involvement.
- Free on-site parking.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Mentoring and support from experienced senior managers and existing lead coaches.
- A supportive, skilled, and innovative staff team.
- Motivated, hard-working pupils.
- An impressive working environment with extensive landscaped grounds.
- Opportunity to be part of a welcoming and supportive workforce.
Closing date for applications: 11 June 2026 (23.59). We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
Learning Support Teacher employer: Downside School
Downside School is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and academically ambitious environment for Learning Support Teachers. With competitive salaries, complimentary meals, and access to on-site leisure facilities, the school prioritises employee well-being and professional development through continuous training opportunities. Join a dedicated team that values diversity and fosters a supportive culture, ensuring both staff and pupils thrive together.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Teacher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Downside School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on the GCSE curriculum. Show us that you know your stuff, especially in Maths and Science. We want to see your passion for helping pupils thrive!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your behaviour management techniques. Think of scenarios you might face in the classroom and how you'd handle them. We love candidates who can build rapport quickly with pupils!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our supportive and innovative team at Downside School.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Teacher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting pupils shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and motivate students to reach their full potential, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Learning Support Teacher. Highlight your experience with literacy difficulties and any SEND knowledge you have. We love seeing candidates who understand our ethos and can connect it to their own experiences.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our supportive community at Downside School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Downside School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the GCSE curriculum, especially in Maths and Science if that's your strong suit. Familiarise yourself with common learning difficulties and effective strategies to support pupils with SEND. This will show that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for helping students shine through. Share specific examples of how you've inspired or motivated pupils in the past. This is a chance to demonstrate your commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment.
✨Build Rapport
Practice your behaviour management techniques and think about how you can quickly build rapport with students. You might want to prepare a few scenarios where you successfully connected with pupils, as this will highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Embrace the Ethos
Understand the Benedictine, Catholic ethos of the school and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to it. Reflect on your own values and how they align with the school's mission, as this will show that you're a good cultural fit.
