At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teaching staff and pupils in a vibrant Junior School environment.
- Company: Join George Heriot's School, Edinburgh's leading independent school with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to kindness and education.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience working with children while contributing to a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for working with children; registration with SSSC preferred but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
Job Reference: schooltalent/TP/606/2658
Number of Positions: 2
Contract Type: Part Time - Term Time
Working Hours: 16 hours p/w Term-Time only Wednesday - Friday from 7.30am - 12.45pm.
Location: Edinburgh
Closing Date: 15/06/2026
Department: Operational/Professional Services
Region / Division: George Heriot's School
Package Description: When you join the team at Heriot’s, you become part of our community, where the contribution of every individual is important and valued. The Heriot’s motto, to “distribute chearfullie”, is at the heart of the school - distributing kindness, support, and generosity remains as live today as it was in 1628 when George Heriot founded the school. Our most recent staff survey reported that 97% of employees at Heriot’s feel motivated and happy to work here and we aim to provide a friendly, welcoming, and supportive environment for all of our people. This aim is reflected in the package we offer which, for our teaching staff, in addition to salary (which includes a Heriot’s enhancement), teacher holidays and pension, includes:
- Enhanced sick pay, maternity and paternity pay
- Family friendly policies (Including Personal Emergency Leave Days)
- Continued professional development opportunities
- Travel to work schemes
- School Fee Remission (non-contractual benefit)
- Employee Assistance programme, including 24/7 counselling helpline and high street, supermarket, and general retail discounts
- Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community
We aim to attract and retain a diverse group of talented people, who are committed to upholding the school’s ethos. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
The Role: We are seeking to recruit enthusiastic and responsible Junior School Support Assistants to provide ancillary support for Teaching staff and pupils within our Junior School from August 2026 - June 2027. One role will be 27 hours p/w Term-Time only Mon - Thurs 7.30am - 12.45pm & Friday 7.30am - 2.00pm. The Junior School Support Assistant is intended to provide the opportunity for an individual to gain experience of working with children in a formal setting. Interested candidates may therefore include (but are not exclusive to) those wishing to pursue a future career in teaching or childcare related discipline.
Main Responsibilities: Please see attached job description for details.
The Ideal Candidate: As the position involves working with children of nursery age we are ideally seeking candidates who are eligible for registration with the SSSC. However, a willingness to undertake registration is essential, where registration is not currently held.
Additional Information: Heriot’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007 and the successful candidates will be required to obtain membership of the PVG scheme. Please note that parking is not available on our campus.
George Heriot’s Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
George Heriot’s School is governed by George Heriot’s Trust, Scottish Charity number SC011463.
About the school/organisation: George Heriot’s School is Edinburgh’s leading independent school. Academically proven and recognised as sector-leading by Education Scotland in June 2024, the school’s best practice expertise in wellbeing, equality and inclusion, and in raising attainment and achievement, is acknowledged. The school has 1,670 pupils aged from 4-18, with a distinct family feel shaped by its 400-year motto: I distribute chearfullie. Working hard, being kind, and being yourself are the values which bind staff and pupils into a cohesive whole. Put simply, Heriot’s cares about its staff and pupils.
As Edinburgh’s oldest school, Heriot’s was founded through the generosity of George Heriot, jeweller and goldsmith to the court of King James VI/I and his wife Queen Anne. Goldsmiths at that time were the principal money lenders and Heriot was able to amass a small fortune which he left to found a school for the ‘poor bairns of Edinburgh’. Since it opened, the Foundation at Heriot’s has developed an unrivalled understanding of providing bereavement support and over the years has educated in excess of 5,700 Foundation pupils, each of whom received a fully funded education in keeping with the Founder’s wishes. Separately, the school has continued to apply the transformative powers of education, opening 21 Out Schools in the 1800s which educated over 100,000 boys and girls in Edinburgh before the advent of the Children’s Act, and more recently supporting Serbian, Syrian and Ukrainian refugees to build a better life in Scotland. Each year the school spends approximately £1.3 million to support the education of bursary and Foundation pupils. Today the school is an award-winning beacon: the only school in Scotland to receive the Gold Award from SAPERE for its teaching of philosophy in Junior School; awarded a third consecutive gold award for being a UNICEF Rights Respecting School and being voted the Sunday Times School of the Decade by readers in their Parent Power survey.
Junior School Support Assistant (From August 26) 1 Year Fixed Term, PT employer: George Watson'S College
At George Heriot's School, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member is valued. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer enhanced benefits such as professional development opportunities, family-friendly policies, and a vibrant community spirit that encourages collaboration and growth. Located in the heart of Edinburgh, our school not only provides a rewarding experience for those looking to make a difference in children's lives but also embodies a rich history of educational excellence and community support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior School Support Assistant (From August 26) 1 Year Fixed Term, PT
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research George Heriot's School and its values. When you understand their ethos, you can tailor your approach during interviews and show how you fit into their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the school culture and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about scenarios where you've demonstrated kindness and support. The role is all about helping children, so share your experiences that highlight your caring nature.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Heriot’s community. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior School Support Assistant (From August 26) 1 Year Fixed Term, PT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for working with children and how you align with our values.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Mention any previous work with children or in educational settings, as this will help us see why you’d be a great fit for the Junior School Support Assistant role.
Follow the Instructions:Read the job description carefully and ensure you follow all application instructions. This shows us that you can pay attention to detail, which is super important when working in a school environment.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at George Watson'S College
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand George Heriot's School's ethos and values. Familiarise yourself with their motto, 'I distribute chearfullie', and think about how you can embody this in your role as a Junior School Support Assistant.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Working with Children
During the interview, express your passion for working with children. Share any relevant experiences you've had, whether it's babysitting, volunteering, or previous roles. Highlight how these experiences have prepared you for supporting teaching staff and pupils.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers. This could be about the support provided to staff, opportunities for professional development, or how the school fosters a welcoming environment. It shows you're genuinely interested in the position and the school community.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Since this role involves working with vulnerable children, be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding practices. Mention any relevant training or awareness you have, and express your commitment to promoting the welfare of children in your care.
