At a Glance
- Tasks: Support student learning and wellbeing as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant.
- Company: Join River Academy, a vibrant and oversubscribed school community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to high-quality education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: HLTA standards or equivalent experience, plus Level 2 English and maths.
The predicted salary is between 25773 - 31537 £ per year.
Location: 7 Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Term: Full‑Time
Hours per Week: 35
Salary: £25,773.00 annually (Actual); Grade 6 SCP 18, Term Time Only, 35 hours per week plus 5 INSET days. FTE £31,537
Closing Date: Midnight, Fri 5th Jun 2026
Start Date: September 2026
Positions Available: 1
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. 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.
Ideal Candidate
- 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
- Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, auto‑enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.
- Annual Leave: 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: 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: 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.
Additional Information
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: Maidenerleghtrust
River Academy, part of the Maiden Erlegh Trust, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and wellbeing of its staff. With a strong commitment to high-quality education, employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, a supportive work culture, and a generous benefits package including pension schemes and additional leave for personal events. Located in Reading, the school offers a vibrant environment where educators can make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a collaborative and inclusive community.
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We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) at River Academy in Reading
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