At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' learning and wellbeing as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant.
- Company: Join River Academy, a vibrant and growing school community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on high-quality education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: HLTA standards or equivalent experience, plus Level 2 English and maths.
The predicted salary is between 25773 - 25773 € per year.
Location: 7 Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Term: Full-Time
Salary: £25,773.00 Annually (Actual) Grade 6 SCP 18 working Term Time Only 35 hours per week plus 5 INSET days. FTE £31,537
Hours Per Week: 35
Closing Date: Midnight, Fri 5th Jun, 2026
Start Date: September 2026
Positions Available: 1
Interview Date(s): week commencing Monday 8 June
About This Role
River Academy opened in September 2024 with 180 students and seven students in its resource base. From September 2026, student numbers will increase again as the school welcomes its next cohort of Year 7 students. The school is currently oversubscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups, and expects continued high demand for September 2026. You will join a strong and committed school team, contributing to the delivery of clear routines and the setting of expectations in line with the River Academy.
River Academy is seeking to appoint a committed and enthusiastic Higher Level Teaching Assistant to support learning. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with teaching staff to help students achieve strong academic progress while supporting their wellbeing, confidence and engagement in learning.
Role Responsibility
As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, you will plan, prepare and deliver learning activities for individuals, small groups and whole classes under the direction of teaching staff. You will play an important role in supporting students to access the curriculum, develop literacy skills and make sustained progress in their learning. You will work collaboratively with colleagues to monitor student progress, adapt learning resources and contribute to a positive and purposeful learning environment. The role also includes supporting behaviour management, inclusion and communication with parents, carers and external professionals where appropriate.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver learning activities under the guidance of teaching staff
- Support students’ attainment, engagement and wellbeing
- Adapt learning materials and resources to meet varying student needs
- Monitor, assess and report on student progress
- Promote positive behaviour and independence within learning environments
- Support literacy, numeracy and wider learning programmes
- Build constructive relationships with students, families, colleagues and external agencies
- Contribute positively to the ethos and values of the school and Maiden Erlegh Trust
The Ideal Candidate We Are Looking For Someone Who:
- Holds HLTA standards or equivalent qualifications or experience
- Has Level 2 qualifications in English and mathematics
- Has experience supporting teaching and learning activities
- Understands the National Curriculum and effective learning strategies
- Has strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Can work collaboratively and use initiative effectively
- Demonstrates a calm, positive and flexible approach
- Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
About Maiden Erlegh Trust
Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise. We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference—a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning. Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.
About The School
River Academy is a purpose-built secondary school serving the growing need for school places in the Reading area. Located on Richfield Avenue, the site includes specialist teaching facilities across the curriculum, including a hall, activity studio, learning resource centre, drama studio and sports studio. Classrooms are fully equipped with interactive screens and visualisers. The school has high expectations for all students, with a clear focus on academic excellence and participation. When fully open, River Academy will serve students of all abilities and backgrounds, alongside an additional resource base for students with moderate learning difficulties. The school also offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities through its after-school Electives programme, available to all students.
Benefits
Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.
- Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.
- Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.
- ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day’s leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child’s sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.
- Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff.
- Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.
- Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.
- Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more. Mental Health First Aid support.
- Recognition and Community: We regularly celebrate staff achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community.
- Employee Referral Scheme.
Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.
Additional Information
If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our Trust and its schools, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time. Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Contact Details
Rebecca Clarke R.Clarke@maidenerleghtrust.org
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) at River Academy in Reading employer: Maiden Erlegh Trust
River Academy, part of the Maiden Erlegh Trust, is an exceptional employer that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development. With a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture, employees benefit from generous pension contributions, comprehensive training opportunities, and a supportive community that values their contributions. Located in Reading, the school offers state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant environment where educators can thrive and make a meaningful impact on students' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) at River Academy in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research River Academy and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff or alumni from River Academy on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common HLTA questions. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around supporting student wellbeing and engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Maiden Erlegh Trust family.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) at River Academy in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the HLTA role at River Academy. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of supporting students' learning and wellbeing.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience! Whether it’s working with students or adapting learning materials, we love to see examples that demonstrate your ability to support teaching and learning effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to make your key achievements stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at River Academy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maiden Erlegh Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the National Curriculum and effective learning strategies. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're ready to support students' learning effectively.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for teaching and supporting students shine through. Share examples of how you've positively impacted students' learning or wellbeing in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment to fostering a positive learning environment.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle challenging behaviour in the classroom. Think of specific strategies you've used before, and be ready to discuss how you would promote positive behaviour and independence among students.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions prepared to ask the interviewers. This could be about the school's approach to inclusion or how they support professional development. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the school’s ethos.
