At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individual pupils with their learning and development in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join the UK's leading group of independent girls' schools, dedicated to empowering young women.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and discounts on school fees for children.
- Other info: Be part of a progressive community committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive and inclusive team.
- Qualifications: Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification or equivalent required.
The predicted salary is between 17133 - 17133 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed term and is subject to external funding provided to support an individual pupil with an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Salary: £17,133.99 actual (£27,171.00 FTE)
Location: Northampton High School, Newport Pagnell Road, Hardingstone, NN4 6UU
Closing date: 26 June 2026, however applications may be considered ahead of the deadline.
Interviews will take place on: 1 July 2026.
We are pioneers in girls’ education and aim to reshape the future of learning itself. We empower our girls to believe in themselves and value the positive contribution they can make to the world. Join our progressive and evolving team, where we work together to promote and enable this ambitious and aspirational culture, taking on the challenge of ensuring we have the right systems in place to support our schools.
What you’ll be doing:
- To succeed in this role, you will have a passion for supporting individual pupils and want to champion learning and development at every opportunity whilst celebrating individual success.
- You will be able to form good relationships with individual pupils and bring energy to every task with a patient and positive outlook.
- You will have a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification or equivalent as a minimum.
What skills and experience you’ll bring to the role:
- Build strong, trusting relationships and take time to really understand a child’s needs.
- Have patience, empathy and a calm, encouraging approach.
- Can adapt learning and explain things in a way that makes sense to the child they are supporting.
- Use praise, reassurance and gentle challenge to help develop confidence and independence.
- Enjoy celebrating progress in all its forms - big and small.
- Works well as part of a team, collaborating with teachers, the Learning Enhancement Coordinator and other professionals.
- Is observant and reflective, able to respond to a child’s needs in the moment.
- Supports positive behaviour with consistency, kindness and clear expectations.
- Is committed to inclusion and believes every child deserves to feel successful.
- Warmth, positivity and a good sense of humour - to each day.
For any questions about the role, please see the application instructions for contact information.
Who we are:
The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is the UK’s leading group of 23 independent girls’ schools and two academies across England and Wales. We educate around 19,000 students and employ 4,000 staff, all united for a shared purpose: to help girls learn without limits, so they can go on to lead lives without limits and make the world a better place for us all.
The organisation’s values serve as guiding principles:
- We put girls first.
- We think and act fearlessly.
- We embrace a forward-thinking mindset that shapes the educational offer for girls.
- We are a family of schools.
- We provide careers that are fulfilling and purposeful for our staff.
As recognised global leaders in girls’ education, we combine 153 years of expertise and experience with a progressive and pace-setting vision for the future. We are dedicated to giving our students the tools to thrive, offering them access to innovative educational practices, excellent facilities, and an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.
Why join us:
As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression.
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities.
- Training grants for qualifications.
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools.
- Generous pension schemes.
- Free life assurance benefit.
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans.
- A Cycle to Work scheme.
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment.
There are many other good reasons to work with us. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you’ll be part of it. You’ll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you’ll be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.
Our commitment:
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change. We want every colleague to feel valued, respected and supported, and we actively welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. We are equally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must therefore be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online searches, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
SEND Learning Support Assistant in Northampton employer: GDST
At the Girls' Day School Trust, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the education sector, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. Located in Northampton, our school community fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our students while enjoying competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Learning Support Assistant in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at the school, and connect with them on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insights into the school's culture and what they really value in a SEND Learning Support Assistant.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to supporting pupils with special educational needs. We can even role-play with a friend to boost our confidence and refine our answers!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've supported individual pupils in the past. This will help us demonstrate our commitment to championing learning and development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily!
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Learning Support Assistant in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting individual pupils shine through. We want to see how you can champion learning and development, so share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in the past.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the SEND Learning Support Assistant role. Highlight your Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification and any relevant experience that showcases your ability to build strong relationships with pupils.
Be Personable:We love a good sense of humour! Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. Show us your warmth and positivity, as these traits are essential for connecting with the students you'll be supporting.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at GDST
✨Know Your Pupils
Before the interview, take some time to research the specific needs of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans. Understanding their challenges and how you can support them will show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've built trusting relationships with students in the past. Highlight your patience and ability to adapt your approach to meet individual needs, as this is crucial for a SEND Learning Support Assistant.
✨Celebrate Successes
Be ready to discuss how you celebrate progress, no matter how small. This could be through praise or encouragement. Demonstrating your commitment to recognising achievements will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Team Player Mindset
Emphasise your collaborative spirit by sharing experiences where you've worked effectively with teachers and other professionals. Show that you understand the importance of teamwork in creating a supportive learning environment.
