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- Tasks: Lead the whole-school reading strategy and support students in improving literacy skills.
- Company: Idsall School, a vibrant and oversubscribed secondary school in Shifnal.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by enhancing their reading abilities.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant and a passion for literacy.
- Other info: Join a diverse and inclusive team dedicated to student success.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Required for Easter 2026 or sooner
Location: Shifnal, Shropshire
Salary: Grade 7 Spinal Points 12 - 17 (£14.37 - £15.58)
Hours: 37 hours per week – Term Time Only plus 2 PD Days - Permanent
Are you a highly skilled HLTA with experience in primary literacy? Do you want to bring your expertise to a secondary setting and lead a transformational approach to reading across the school?
Are you a highly motivated individual and have a passion for working with children with SEND?
We are seeking a committed HLTA to lead our whole-school reading strategy. You will coordinate reading assessments, tracking, and targeted interventions, working with a team to ensure all students, especially those with low reading ages, make accelerated progress.
This is a unique opportunity to shape literacy development in a secondary context, drawing on your primary experience to close gaps and raise achievement.
Idsall School is a heavily oversubscribed 11-18 rural school with excellent facilities throughout the school. You will be joining the school at an exciting stage of its development.
We offer a welcoming, friendly, hard-working and committed team of colleagues whom, at all levels, are dedicated to making a difference to the children in their care.
The Marches Academy Trust values each person equally. We are committed to building a diverse team and embedding a welcoming, inclusive culture that encourages diversity and authenticity. We believe this will encourage creative ways of thinking – ensuring we collaborate more effectively and achieve better outcomes. We welcome applicants from all qualified candidates who share this commitment.
Closing date for applications is midday on Friday 13th February 2026.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in our care and expect all staff to share this commitment. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to declare any criminal convictions and will be subject to online checks. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) with Responsibility for Whole-School Reading in Shifnal employer: Idsall School
Contact Detail:
Idsall School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) with Responsibility for Whole-School Reading in Shifnal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who work in secondary schools. They might have insider info on the HLTA role or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of whole-school reading strategies. Be ready to share how your primary experience can make a difference in a secondary setting.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for working with children with SEND during your interview. Share specific examples of how you've supported diverse learners in the past and how you plan to do it in this new role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) with Responsibility for Whole-School Reading in Shifnal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Literacy: Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for reading and literacy in your application. We want to see how your experience can transform the reading culture at our school, so share specific examples of how you've made a difference in this area before.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates take the time to tailor their CV and cover letter to our specific role. Mention your experience with SEND and how you plan to support students with low reading ages.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to make your skills and experiences stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Idsall School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of primary literacy and how it translates to a secondary setting. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support students with low reading ages.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for working with children, especially those with SEND, shine through. Share personal anecdotes that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential scenarios you might face in this role, such as coordinating reading assessments or implementing targeted interventions. Prepare clear examples of how you would handle these situations effectively.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be working with a team to enhance literacy across the school, be ready to discuss your collaborative experiences. Highlight how you’ve successfully worked with colleagues to achieve common goals in the past.
