At a Glance
- Tasks: Support diverse students in overcoming learning barriers and achieving their potential.
- Company: Join the Sir Robert Woodard Academy, one of the happiest schools in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, wellness programmes, and free access to the fitness suite.
- Other info: Dynamic career growth opportunities and a strong culture of collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 TA qualification or 18 months+ experience with secondary school students.
Salary: £24,102 per annum. Contract type: Permanent. Working pattern: Full-time, term time. Closing date: Sunday 7 June 2026, 11:55am.
About the role:
Learning and Teaching Assistant (permanent role) Level 3 qualified TA or with 18 months+ experience. Term time plus all inset days. 37 hours per week: Monday to Friday, 8 hours per day (including a daily 30 min unpaid break). Actual Starting Salary: £24,102 p.a.
The School:
The Sir Robert Woodard Academy, one of the ‘happiest’ schools in the country (The Sunday Times, 2025) and part of the Woodard family of schools, is a thriving 11–18 Academy serving primarily the students of Lancing, Sompting and West Shoreham, though we welcome students from all surrounding areas. We are committed to ensuring that every student is known and nurtured and is provided with teaching and learning experiences that allow them to fulfil their potential.
The Position:
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a suitably qualified and experienced Learning and Teaching Assistant, to join the Academy’s talented and dedicated SEND team on a permanent (term time) basis. The role is to offer personalised support to a diverse range of students, to address their unique challenges, which may relate to communication and interaction, cognition and learning, social emotional and mental health (SEMH) and/or sensory/physical issues. The successful post-holder will be able to assist identified students to overcome barriers to learning, so they can achieve their full potential in school.
Benefits:
- Modern and spacious working environment
- Free use of the Academy’s fitness suite
- Free employee wellness programme and onsite wellbeing support
- Generous employer contribution pension scheme of 18.9%
- Free on-site parking and easy access to local public transport
- Cycle to work scheme
The Person:
At SRWA, our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with wellbeing support, coaching, mentoring and a wide range of top-quality training and CPD programmes delivered at every level up to senior leadership.
The successful candidate will:
- Be able to evidence 5 GCSE passes or higher (including Maths and English)
- Have either 18 months+ experience supporting children’s learning in a secondary school or recent level 3 teaching assistant qualification
- Be a team player and able to build good working relations with students and adults
- Communicate effectively and have well-developed interpersonal skills
- Be committed to the needs of the pupils, parents and other stakeholders
- Demonstrate a “can do” attitude including suggesting solutions, participating, trusting and encouraging others
- Be competent in all aspects of ICT
Our commitment to Safeguarding:
The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share in this commitment. All posts will be subject to full safeguarding and vetting checks, including the receipt of two satisfactory references.
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunities:
The Academy is committed to equality of opportunity. We positively welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals from all sections of the community. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at our Academy is equally valued and respected.
Learning and Teaching Assistant (Sir Robert Woodard Academy) employer: East Sussex County Council
At Sir Robert Woodard Academy, we pride ourselves on being one of the happiest schools in the country, fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the wellbeing and professional growth of our staff. With generous benefits including free access to our fitness suite, wellness programmes, and a strong commitment to career development through top-quality training, we empower our Learning and Teaching Assistants to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a fulfilling work environment in a thriving community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning and Teaching Assistant (Sir Robert Woodard Academy)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Sir Robert Woodard Academy and understand its values and culture. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the interview process and what the school really values in a Learning and Teaching Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your experience aligns with the role's requirements, especially around supporting diverse learners. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning and Teaching Assistant (Sir Robert Woodard Academy)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Skills:When you're filling out your application, make sure to highlight how your skills and experience match the essential requirements of the role. We want to see what makes you a great fit for the Learning and Teaching Assistant position!
Be Personal and Specific:Instead of just listing your qualifications, share specific examples of how you've supported students in the past. We love hearing about those breakthrough moments and how you've made a difference in their learning journey.
Keep It Professional:While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Avoid slang and ensure your spelling and grammar are spot on. A polished application shows us you care about the role!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website using the provided link! This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it's super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Know the Academy Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Sir Robert Woodard Academy. Familiarise yourself with their ethos, recent Ofsted reports, and the specific needs of their students. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their values.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your relevant experience in detail. Highlight specific instances where you've supported students with diverse needs, particularly in secondary education. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to overcome challenges and foster positive relationships with both students and staff.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and approach to supporting students. Think about potential challenges you might face as a Learning and Teaching Assistant and prepare thoughtful responses that showcase your 'can do' attitude and solutions-oriented mindset.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the support systems in place for staff and how the Academy fosters professional development. This shows your commitment to growth and your interest in being part of their collaborative culture.
