At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers, cover lessons, and help plan engaging learning experiences.
- Company: Lift New Forest, a friendly secondary school with a strong community spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, wellbeing cash plan, pension scheme, and lifestyle perks.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your teaching skills.
- Qualifications: L5 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship or equivalent, with a passion for supporting young learners.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Posted on: 23/06/2026 – Application Deadline: 13/07/2026
Salary NCJ 12 £28,598 - 17 £31,022 + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
School: Lift New Forest, Long Lane, Holbury, Hampshire, SO45 2PA
Hours: Full time
Contract type: Permanent
Start date: September 2026
Role Summary
This is a brilliant HLTA opportunity for somebody ambitious, an opportunity to cover lessons, support teachers through help planning and leading parts of lessons. You will be working within a Trust that runs their own internal teacher training programs if you want to be a teacher!
Your new school, Lift New Forest, is a successful and friendly Secondary school in the Waterside area of Hampshire. Our vision is simple - to provide an excellent education for every child, in every classroom, every day. At Lift New Forest, children belong to a community of students who are proud of their school. Students are respectful to each other and behave very well in and out of lessons. They embody the habits of the New Forest Way; Be Kind, Show Determination, Make Good Choices. The children at our school are a pleasure to work with, both inside and outside the classroom. As a small school we are fortunate to be able to really get to know each student very well, and our children are part of a school with a real community feel. Strong relationships and first class support across the community ensure that young people are safe, happy and successful.
Your new role
In addition to the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant, a HLTA will have a greater influence on students’ education through their ability to cover lessons, support teachers through help with planning and leading parts of lessons, and where applicable, line manage TAs. The role of the HLTA is to work in partnership with teachers to improve the learning and attainment of students while also promoting their independence, self‑esteem and social inclusion. The role provides support to students so that they can access the curriculum, participate in learning and experience a sense of achievement.
What you’ll need to succeed
You will have a L5 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship or equivalent, or a willingness to work towards this qualification with an understanding of a range of pupils’ learning needs. You will have patience in interactions with a variety of students and situations, with a calm demeanour and empathy to understand the needs and challenges of students and be able to relate to them on a personal level. You will also be somebody who can engage and enthuse students to want to learn. Ideally you will have experience of working in a school or with young people in a similar role supporting students.
Who is Lift Schools?
Lift Schools is made up of 59 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.
How we support you
- Career development and training: Access a wide range of statutory and developmental training to boost your career.
- Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support.
- Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships and travel deals.
EEO, diversity and safeguarding
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part‑time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Southampton employer: Meadsteadprimaryacademy
Lift New Forest is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and community-focused environment where every child is valued and education is prioritised. With access to extensive career development opportunities, generous benefits including a wellbeing cash plan and pension scheme, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. The school's strong emphasis on building relationships ensures that staff can make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Southampton
✨Dive into Digital Learning Communities
Join online forums and communities focused on digital education, like EdTech Meetups or LinkedIn groups. Engage actively—share ideas and insights, and you'll not only learn a ton but also connect with potential employers and thought leaders in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Create content that demonstrates your understanding of digital learning—think blogs, videos, or even free online workshops. This could catch the eye of companies like Meadsteadprimaryacademy looking for innovative thinkers. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your presentation skills!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're still in education or have access to an alumni network, make the most of your university's career services. They often have exclusive job listings and workshops tailored to students wanting to break into full-time roles in education technology.
✨Apply Directly Via Company Websites
When you come across roles like Higher Level Teaching Assistant at Meadsteadprimaryacademy, make sure to apply directly through their website. It not only shows you're serious but sometimes you'll find positions listed there that may not be on job boards yet. Keep an eye on those!
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Meadsteadprimaryacademy, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of Meadsteadprimaryacademy and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at Meadsteadprimaryacademy
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Meadsteadprimaryacademy might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Meadsteadprimaryacademy.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
