At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with learning difficulties and help them thrive in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Great Oaks College, a specialist independent college dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, staff discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join us in a dynamic role with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: NVQ3 in a relevant subject and experience with autism and complex needs.
The predicted salary is between 38637 - 38637 £ per year.
Great Oaks College is a specialist independent college which is currently open to students across three sites. The college provides further educational opportunities to students aged 19-25 with moderate, severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties, many of whom also have other needs such as physical disabilities, sensory impairments and autism. We run three Pathways: Vocational, Life and Living and Engagement for Life. In January 2025 we are relocating 2 sites to our new main college building in Sunbury-on-Thames (Surrey).
We are looking to employ a Teaching Assistant to our team. We are interested to hear from you if you have an NVQ3 in a relevant subject and have worked in a special college or specialist school before. You will have previous experience and be familiar with using Makaton signing and symbols for communication and essentially have experience of working with students with autism and complex needs. We believe that all of our students are capable of making outstanding progress and we want to appoint individuals who share our beliefs.
Great Oaks College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and anyone applying to work at the College is expected to share this commitment. This position is subject to a satisfactory, enhanced DBS check with adult barring and references being received. All positions are subject to the satisfactory completion of a twenty-six working week probation period.
We value our employees and offer a supportive and engaging environment, comprehensive induction, inset and excellent continuous professional development training sessions, Teachers Pension scheme access to staff discounts, and other wellbeing benefits:
- An employee assistance programme
- Access to Private Doctors and Nurses 24/7 free of charge
- Daily staff breakfasts including fruits cereal and toast
Please ensure that you explain clearly in your application how you meet the person specification.
Key Dates:
- Closing Date/ Shortlisting Date: Monday, 24th of November 2025 at 8am
- Interview Date: Thursday, 4th December 2025
- Start Date: January 2025 (depending on the compliance checks)
- Contract Type: Permanent, Term Time Only
- Pay Scale: Inner London Pay Scale 6, point 16 to 20 £36,423 to Point 20 £38,637 per annum pro rata for the full time
- Actual Salary: £27,435 to £29,102 per annum
- Hours of work: 31.25 hours per week (excluding 45 min breaks), 08:30 – 15:30. (Monday to Friday). Working 39 weeks in a year. Due to the college’s opening hours, we are unable to offer flexibility in the hours of work.
CV’s will not be accepted. No agencies, please.
Teaching Assistant in Sunbury-on-Thames employer: Greatoakscollege
Great Oaks College is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong commitment to professional development, including comprehensive training and CPD programmes, employees are empowered to grow in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students with diverse learning needs. Located in Sunbury-on-Thames, the college offers attractive benefits such as a pension scheme, wellbeing initiatives, and a vibrant community atmosphere that values collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant in Sunbury-on-Thames
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Greatoakscollege just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Greatoakscollege. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant in Sunbury-on-Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Teaching Assistant role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Greatoakscollege, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Greatoakscollege
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Greatoakscollege, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Greatoakscollege, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
