At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' learning and assist teachers in a dynamic classroom environment.
- Company: Leigh Academy Tonbridge is a forward-thinking academy with a strong educational legacy.
- Benefits: Enjoy fantastic training, development opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while gaining valuable experience for future teaching roles.
- Qualifications: Open to both experienced TAs and graduates eager to start their teaching journey.
- Other info: Fixed term role with a salary of £18,437 per annum, term time plus one week.
The predicted salary is between 18437 - 18437 £ per year.
Competitive salary with progression opportunities + Local Government Pension Scheme + 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service + collaborative MAT network + additional LAT benefits .
Leigh Academy Marden has an exciting opportunity to appoint an enthusiastic and motivated Teaching Assistant to join our highly collaborative and supportive team in February 2026. Our teaching support team is pivotal to our success in the classroom and supporting children to reach their full potential.
Our successful candidate will be:
- Enthusiastic, energetic and adaptable
- Caring
- Capable of working independently and in a team
- Able to motivate and support pupils individually or in small groups
- Experienced in working with children or in a primary school setting
Join our team because:
- We care – about our pupils through our human scale approach to education, our staff and their well-being and the communities that we serve, driven by our high ideals and strong moral values.
- We have boundless ambition – to achieve excellence for all and create confident young adults with high levels of resilience and integrity.
- We work together – as one team in the belief that we are greater than the sum of our parts. We foster an enterprising culture through collaboration and in close partnership with industry and other educators.
- We keep getting better – using our ‘can-do’ attitude towards continuous improvement and innovation.
All of the staff at Marden are committed to ensuring that the school keeps its friendly, caring atmosphere whilst ensuring that children develop a broad range of life skills. We want all the children to become confident, independent learners who show respect for one another and can talk articulately about their feelings and ideas.
This is a fixed term position offering an actual salary of £18,260 per annum (£25,136 full-time equivalent) based on 31.25 hours per week (8.30 am – 3.15 am Monday-Friday), Term Time + 1 week inset.
Working with us at Leigh Academy Marden
Leigh Academy Marden is a thriving and growing primary academy serving the beautiful village community of Marden, Kent. With 45 pupils in each year group and potential for future expansion, Marden\’s children are our biggest asset. We seek passionate, determined educators ready to provide them with a positive future.
You\’ll join a supportive, committed team delivering a broad, balanced curriculum. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School , our provision is enhanced through the Primary Years Programme (PYP) , an aspirational, inquiry-led framework that delivers the National Curriculum through in-context experiences. This approach encourages children to be risk-takers, lifelong learners, and global citizens.
At Marden, every child deserves a nurturing, safe, and inspiring community. We share an ambitious vision and promote high expectations for all, continuously striving to improve. Our success is significantly bolstered by our supportive parents and carers, who are vital partners in achieving high-quality outcomes. Additionally, as part of Leigh Academies Trust, we benefit from a hub of innovative educational providers, accessing a wealth of current thinking and research.
Discover more about our vibrant academy by visiting our website.
Applying for this Opportunity
Thank you for your interest in joining us. If you’d like to find out more about this role or arrange a visit to the academy, please don’t hesitate to contact Amy Wenban (Recruitment Advisor): / .
To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack by clicking here , which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for.
Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form prior to the deadline.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity
Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates – you can read more about it on our Careers site . All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.
Teaching Assistant employer: LeighAcademiesTrust
Contact Detail:
LeighAcademiesTrust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Leigh Academy Tonbridge's ethos and values. Understanding their commitment to high-quality education and exceptional student behaviour will help you align your responses during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members at Leigh Academy Tonbridge. They can provide valuable insights into the school culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of how you've supported students in previous roles or experiences. Highlighting your practical experience in facilitating learning and managing classroom activities will demonstrate your suitability for the Teaching Assistant position.
✨Tip Number 4
Show enthusiasm for professional development opportunities. Mentioning your eagerness to engage in training and growth within the academy can set you apart as a candidate who is committed to both personal and student success.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Teaching Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, qualifications, and skills. Focus on any previous roles in education or child support, and include specific examples of how you've positively impacted students' learning.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for education and your desire to support students. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to assist in structured learning activities and your commitment to fostering a safe and conducive learning environment.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an educational setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at LeighAcademiesTrust
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the specific duties mentioned, such as supporting pupils and managing classroom activities.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Education
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with students and contributing to their learning journey. Share any relevant experiences or anecdotes that highlight your commitment to education and student welfare.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewers about the academy's approach to teaching and support. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since collaboration is key in a school setting, be ready to discuss examples of how you've worked effectively in a team. Highlight any experiences where you supported colleagues or contributed to a positive learning environment.