Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Literacy in Sawbridgeworth

Salary: HCC - H4 Scale 6-9 actual salary £18,447 - £19,320 including outer fringe allowance, based on 30 hours per week, term time only plus 3 days.

Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday, term time only plus 3 days.

Start date: September 2026.

The position of HLTA focuses on working with students who need additional encouragement and close support according to their needs. You will encourage students to become independent learners and support the inclusion of students in all aspects of school life. This role will primarily focus on improving students’ literacy skills and understanding through targeted interventions and assessment.

The successful job holder will complement teachers’ delivery of the curriculum and contribute to the development of other support staff, students and school policies and strategies particularly within literacy. You will provide support to students, teachers and the school in order to raise standards of achievement for all, by utilising your advanced levels of knowledge and skills when assisting with planning, monitoring, assessing and managing groups of students with a diverse range of needs.

As an HLTA, you must be experienced in working with different learning difficulties as well as challenging behaviour. The successful applicant will be confident, committed and capable.

Main responsibilities will include:

• Assisting and supporting students with special educational and general learning needs in lessons, in order to develop their independence.
• Providing learning activities for individuals and groups of students, adapting learning programmes to suit the needs of the allocated students.
• Assessing, recording and reporting on development, progress and attainment.
• Planning and evaluating specialist learning activities with the teacher, writing reports and records as required.
• Selecting and adapting appropriate resources and methods to facilitate targeted interventions.
• Guiding and supporting students in their personal, emotional and social development.
• Working with key stakeholders across the school to report on progress and to evaluate areas of development, providing specific evidenced feedback where necessary.

The successful candidate will:

• Have a minimum of two years’ experience working in an LSA, Teaching Assistant or school-based role. Previous experience as an HLTA, or within a literacy-based role, would be desirable.
• Already have their HLTA qualification or a willingness to undertake it.
• Be educated to a minimum requirement of Grade 4/C or above in GCSE English and Maths and be confident in supporting students in these subjects.
• Be educated to A Level standard would be desirable, as well as a willingness to demonstrate continued professional development within the role.
• Be a strong presence within the classroom and supporting the wider SEND team.
• Be committed to therapeutically supporting students’ needs and behaviours.
• Be hard working, enthusiastic, committed and inspiring.

In return, Leventhorpe can provide:

• Excellent facilities: To accommodate our expanding roll, Leventhorpe has completed an extensive multi-million-pound capital build programme, including a new Science and Sixth Form block and a state-of-the-art Performing Arts and English block. Previous investment has included a sports complex which features a sports hall, fitness suite, dance studio, 3G all-weather pitch and floodlit tennis courts.
• A positive working environment in a heavily oversubscribed school with an excellent academic record and high standards. We place strong emphasis on student learning and achievement.
• Exceptionally dedicated colleagues and enthusiastic students.
• Priority admission for children of staff after a qualifying period.

Closing date for applications is 12.00 noon Monday 29th June 2026.

Leventhorpe is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to apply for an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Further information for candidates, including the school's policies on Safer Recruitment, Child Protection and Data Privacy notices, can be found on the Careers page of the school’s profile.