At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Deaf students in their learning journey, both individually and in groups.
- Company: Join a thriving secondary school dedicated to Deaf learners in West Suffolk.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a beautiful location with great transport links and a focus on community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills in a rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English, BSL Level 1, and experience with children in education.
The predicted salary is between 19454 - 20420 £ per year.
Your role/responsibilities: As our Deaf Resource Base continues to grow we are looking for a Support Assistant to join our team. You will be supporting our students to access their learning, either individually, in small groups or in mainstream lessons.
We are seeking to appoint someone who has:
- a good level of Maths and English at GCSE
- good spoken and written language skills
- BSL Level 1 with a commitment and willingness to work towards Level 2
- experience of working with children and young people in an Education setting
- the ability to work as part of a team and make a positive contribution to our school and the wider community.
About us: We are the Local Authority’s secondary provision for Deaf learners in West Suffolk. King Edward VI CEVC School is a successful, oversubscribed 11-16 school with 1200 students on roll. We are situated in the historic town of Bury St Edmunds, surrounded by beautiful countryside – just over an hour by train to London, and with close links to the A14.
We will offer you: The opportunity to work with a supportive team of colleagues with a focus on putting our students at the centre of everything we do.
For more information: We are receptive to requests for a pre‑visit and/or informal contact ahead of making an application. For an informal conversation about this vacancy, or to arrange a visit, please contact Sarah Trueman, HR & Training Manager.
Closing date: 9 am Monday 22 June 2026. Interview date: TBC.
Specialist Deaf Support Assistant employer: King Ed
At King Edward VI CEVC School, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where our staff are valued and encouraged to grow. Located in the picturesque town of Bury St Edmunds, our school provides unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Deaf learners while enjoying the benefits of a close-knit community and access to beautiful countryside. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that prioritises student success and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Deaf Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on King Edward VI CEVC School. Understanding their mission and how they support Deaf learners will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your BSL skills! Since they're looking for someone with BSL Level 1 and a commitment to progress, brush up on your signing. Maybe even prepare a short introduction about yourself in BSL to impress them during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've worked collaboratively with others, especially in educational settings. Highlighting your ability to contribute positively to a team will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to reach out! If you have questions or want to chat informally before applying, contact Sarah Trueman. It shows initiative and gives you a chance to learn more about the role and the team you'll be joining.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Deaf Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your GCSE Maths and English skills in your application. We want to see how your spoken and written language skills can contribute to our team!
BSL Level Matters:If you have BSL Level 1, mention it! And if you're keen to work towards Level 2, let us know. We're all about supporting your growth in this area.
Experience Counts:Share any experience you've had working with children and young people in an educational setting. We love to see how you can bring that experience to our Deaf Resource Base.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at King Ed
✨Know Your BSL Basics
Make sure you brush up on your British Sign Language (BSL) skills before the interview. Since the role requires a commitment to work towards Level 2, showing that you have a solid foundation in BSL Level 1 will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your dedication to supporting Deaf learners.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences working with children and young people in educational settings. Highlight how you've supported their learning and contributed positively to their development. This will help the interviewers see how you can fit into their team.
✨Team Player Attitude
Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. Think of instances where you've collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, especially in an educational context. This will show that you understand the importance of teamwork in creating a supportive environment for students.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school and its Deaf Resource Base. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to learn more about how you can contribute to their mission of putting students at the centre of everything they do.
