At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teaching and learning, lead sessions, and deliver targeted interventions.
- Company: Birdsedge First School, part of The Mast Academy Trust, fostering a collaborative community.
- Benefits: Structured Level 5 apprenticeship, ongoing training, and access to wellbeing services.
- Other info: Warm, supportive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in education while making a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Educational Support Assistant and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Kirklees Council are advertising this role on behalf of Birdsedge First School. Birdsedge First School wishes to appoint a motivated, enthusiastic and committed individual to join our team as an Apprentice Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) starting in September 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Educational Support Assistant who is ready to take the next step in their career, gaining valuable experience while working towards a Level 5 apprenticeship qualification.
You will play a key role in supporting teaching and learning, working with individuals, small groups and, where appropriate, leading whole class sessions under the direction of teaching staff.
About our school: Birdsedge First School is part of The Mast Academy Trust, a collaborative community of schools where strong relationships, shared values and a commitment to excellence underpin everything we do. We are a welcoming and inclusive school, where staff work together to ensure all pupils feel supported, valued and able to achieve their full potential.
In this role you will:
- Plan, prepare and deliver learning activities for individuals, groups and whole classes
- Lead whole class sessions (e.g. PPA cover)
- Deliver targeted interventions and support pupil progress
- Support behaviour, inclusion and pupil wellbeing
- Work collaboratively with staff to ensure high-quality teaching and learning
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience working as an Educational Support Assistant (or equivalent)
- Has strong literacy and numeracy skills
- Is confident supporting and leading learning activities
- Can work independently and use initiative
- Is flexible and able to adapt to different situations
- Is enthusiastic about working with children
- Is hardworking and able to work as part of a team
- Has strong communication skills, including the ability to engage children in conversation
- Shows initiative, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
- Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
What we can offer you:
- A warm, welcoming and supportive school environment
- A structured Level 5 apprenticeship programme
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Access to Trust-wide support and wellbeing services
- The opportunity to begin and develop a career in education
- Automatic enrolment into Local Government Pension Scheme
- Enhanced occupational benefits (such as maternity, adoption and parental leave)
- Automatic enrolment into our Employer Assistance Programme which gives you and your family members free access to Health and Wellbeing Services.
If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact the school office on 01484 605441 or email birdsedgeoffice@themast.co.uk.
Apprentice Higher Level Support Assistant (Level 5) - Birdsedge First School in Huddersfield employer: Kirklees Council
Birdsedge First School, part of The Mast Academy Trust, is an exceptional employer that fosters a warm and inclusive environment where staff are valued and supported. With a structured Level 5 apprenticeship programme, ongoing training opportunities, and access to comprehensive wellbeing services, we are dedicated to nurturing your professional growth while you make a meaningful impact on our students' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Higher Level Support Assistant (Level 5) - Birdsedge First School in Huddersfield
✨Maximise Your Local Education Network
Tap into your school or college’s career services as they often have connections with local education businesses, including potential apprenticeship opportunities. Attend any workshops or career fairs they host, as they can be a goldmine for meeting representatives from companies like Kirklees Council.
✨Show Off Your Passion for Digital Learning
Get involved in online communities that focus on digital learning and education. Join forums, participate in webinars, and contribute to discussions on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn. This not only gives you insider knowledge but also shows companies like Kirklees Council that you're genuinely engaged in the field.
✨Be Ready for a Practical Assessment
Since this is an apprenticeship, be prepared to showcase your skills through practical assessments or tasks during interviews. Research common tasks in the digital-learning space and practice how you’d approach them, as this will help you stand out when applying to Kirklees Council.
✨Craft Your Application for Impact
When applying for the apprenticeship, tailor your application to highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have with digital tools or teaching methods. Personalise it for Kirklees Council, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for both education and technology!
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Higher Level Support Assistant (Level 5) - Birdsedge First School in Huddersfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Learning:When applying for an apprenticeship in digital learning and education, make sure to highlight your passion for education and technology. We want to see how motivated you are to grow and learn throughout your apprenticeship with us at Kirklees Council.
Include Relevant Projects.:If you've worked on any tech-related projects or created educational content, definitely mention those! These can really demonstrate your skills and understanding of digital learning tools, which is crucial for the role of Apprentice Higher Level Support Assistant (Level 5) - Birdsedge First School.
Be Clear About What You Want to Learn:In your cover letter, don’t be shy about sharing what you hope to achieve during your apprenticeship. Whether it’s mastering certain tools or gaining teaching experience, we want to know how you plan to make the most of your time with us at Kirklees Council.
Polish Your CV for Education:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant education or certifications that pertain to digital learning. This could include your coursework, any workshops you attended, or even online courses – anything that shows your dedication to the field and your readiness for an apprenticeship.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Council
✨Show Your Passion for Digital Education
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for digital learning shine through. Share experiences where you've used online tools or platforms, or even projects where you created educational content. This will show Kirklees Council that you're not just looking for any role, but you genuinely care about making a difference in the digital education space.
✨Prepare for Scenario-based Questions
Given that it's a digital learning role, expect scenario-based questions that will test your problem-solving skills. Think about situations where you've had to adapt to new technologies or engage with learners remotely. It’s all about demonstrating your ability to thrive in an ever-evolving digital environment!
✨Highlight Your Learning Agility
As an apprentice, you’ll need to show your eagerness to learn. Discuss any relevant courses you've taken, online certifications, or workshops that can highlight your commitment to professional growth. Let Kirklees Council know you're ready to absorb knowledge like a sponge!
✨Familiarise Yourself with Digital Tools
Brush up on popular digital education tools that might be relevant to the role, such as LMS platforms, video conferencing tools, or content creation software. We might even get into technical discussions about these tools in the interview, so being able to articulate your thoughts and experiences with them will definitely give you an edge!