Student Support Assistant in Fakenham

Part of the Sapientia Education Trust. Salary: SCP 5-6, £19,328 - £19,984 actual pa (£25,583 - £25,989 FTE). Permanent part-time, 32.5 hours a week, term time plus 1 week. Required for September 2026.

Are you passionate about helping young people overcome barriers and reach their full potential? We’re looking for a committed and compassionate Student Support Assistant to join the dedicated SEND team at Fakenham Academy from September 2026. Previous experience of working with young people, or in an educational environment, is desirable. Consideration will be given to applicants who are considering a career in education and wish to gain experience. This is a fantastic opportunity for applicants with patience, understanding and a commitment to the success of every child to join our school community.

Why Fakenham Academy? Fakenham Academy is a local school with high ambitions and a key drive for continuous improvement. We believe that education is the key to transforming life chances, and that by creating an outstanding learning environment where all students are happy and taught well, we will enhance their prospects to become productive, successful citizens of the future. Our core standards include high expectations of everyone in our learning community; good discipline consistently applied; reliably good quality teaching; a commitment from parents to work in partnership with the academy and respectful, positive relationships between everyone in our learning community. For us it is about educating the whole child through a diverse and broad curriculum and making sure they are prepared to enter today’s modern world, as whole-rounded capable young men and women. Our latest Ofsted inspection recognised the high-level standard we work hard to deliver resulting in being rated a “good” school in all aspects of the inspection.

About the Role: As a Student Support Assistant, you will work flexibly with students across the school who have a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities. You will help them access learning in the classroom, provide tailored support, and promote independence and confidence. You will be expected to follow the Professional Standards for Teaching Assistants, which include:

• Upholding personal and professional conduct.
• Developing strong knowledge and understanding of your role.
• Supporting high-quality teaching and learning.
• Working effectively with others across the school community.

You’ll be part of a team committed to high-quality support and will work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to ensure all students feel safe, included and ready to succeed.

How to apply: A Job Description is available from ‘Attachments’. For this vacancy, if you click the ‘Apply for Job’ button you will be redirected to our careers website to apply online. Closing date 22 June 2026, 12 noon. Interview date 30 June 2026.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, therefore all applicants must be prepared to undergo the number of checks to confirm their suitability to work with children and young people. The Trust welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. In accordance with the Department of Education’s 'Keeping Children Safe in Education', references will be sought on all short-listed candidates before interview. Successful candidates will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and all necessary safeguarding checks before employment commences. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.