Teaching Assistant (Secondary) in Manchester

Milk Education is more than a supply partner – we’re a community for educators. We’re currently recruiting for a Teaching Assistant to join a welcoming and inclusive Secondary School in Manchester on a long‑term basis, with either an ASAP or September start date. This role is ideal for someone passionate about supporting young people throughout their education journey and helping them achieve their full potential.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will work closely with students, teachers and pastoral staff to provide classroom support, encourage positive engagement with learning and help create a safe, inclusive and motivating school environment. You’ll support students both academically and emotionally across a range of subjects and abilities. Some students may require additional guidance with organisation, confidence, behaviour, communication or additional learning needs, so the ability to adapt your support approach and build positive relationships is essential.

The school prides itself on creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where every student is encouraged to succeed and staff work collaboratively to ensure students feel valued, motivated and included.

• Supporting students in lessons to help them stay focused, engaged and confident in their learning
• Providing one-to-one and small-group support to reinforce classroom learning and improve student progress
• Assisting teachers with classroom activities, resources and behaviour management
• Helping students develop independence, organisational skills and positive learning behaviours
• Encouraging participation, motivation and confidence both inside and outside the classroom
• Supporting students who may need additional guidance with communication, emotional well‑being or learning needs
• Building positive and professional relationships with students, staff and parents/carers
• Promoting an inclusive learning environment where every student feels supported and able to achieve

You should have:

• Experience working with children or young people, ideally within a school or educational setting
• A genuine passion for education and supporting young people to succeed
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A patient, calm and adaptable approach
• The ability to build trust and positive relationships with students
• Confidence supporting students with a range of learning abilities and individual needs
• An understanding of safeguarding and behaviour management is desirable
• Relevant qualifications in education, childcare, health & social care or youth work are beneficial but not essential

Why this role is a great opportunity:

A Teaching Assistant role is more than just classroom support — it’s about making a real difference in students’ daily lives. You’ll help young people build confidence, develop resilience and feel supported throughout their education journey. This position is also an excellent pathway for aspiring teachers, educational psychologists, counsellors or pastoral staff looking to gain valuable secondary school experience.

Benefits to YOU:

• Competitive rates of pay with temp-to-perm routes available.
• Speedy registration process & fast‑track compliance – APSCo Compliance+ accredited for the highest safer recruitment standards.
• Flexible days and working hours to suit your schedule.
• Culture‑matched placements – we take the time to understand you and find schools that fit your values and strengths.
• Priority Partnership school network – access to trusted schools who work with us long‑term on staffing, enrichment and community initiatives.
• 5+ CPD courses completed before placement (including Safeguarding, SEND & Behaviour) with access to further accredited training through Milk Academy.
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources, designed by real teachers.
• FREE Educator Wellbeing resources and access to our community hub – because we believe supported staff stay longer and make a bigger impact.
• School Preparation Pack with handover notes and insightful school guides – so you walk in ready on day one.
• 24/7 support from your personal consultant, directly through their work mobile phone to ensure your journey is personal.
• Be part of something bigger – our Unbottled division brings lived‑experience speakers into schools covering topics like healthy relationships, online safety and DEI, while supporting your development in these key areas and our Make Life Kind Foundation supports local youth clubs and community initiatives.
• We’re the UK’s only education agency with its own charity foundation – when you work with Milk, you’re helping to strengthen communities.

If this sounds like the perfect opportunity to you, click ‘Apply Now’ or send your CV to miranda.wells@milk-education.co.uk.