At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers in empowering girls' learning and create a safe, stimulating environment.
- Company: Join the UK's leading group of independent girls' schools, GDST.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and discounts for children at GDST schools.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in girls' education and be part of a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Passion for education and ability to support diverse learners.
The predicted salary is between 26700 - 27000 £ per year.
Contract: 26.25 hours per week, term time only + 15 days
Salary: £16,708.95 Actual (£26,088 FTE)
Location: Northampton High School, Newport Pagnell Way, Hardingstone, NN4 6UU
Closing date: 19 May 2026, but should a suitable candidate be recruited, we may close the advert early
Interviews will take place on: 21 May 2026
We are pioneers in girls’ education and aim to reshape the future of learning itself. We empower our girls to believe in themselves and value the positive contribution they can make to the world. Join our progressive and evolving team, where we work together to promote and enable this ambitious and aspirational culture, taking on the challenge of ensuring we have the right systems in place to support our schools.
What you’ll be doing
You will play a complementary and supporting role to the teacher in encouraging pupils in their learning and the acquisition of skills and assist in providing a safe, caring and stimulating environment for children before and/or after school hours, including play and learning opportunities.
Who we are
The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is the UK’s leading group of 23 independent girls’ schools and two academies across England and Wales. We educate around 19,000 students and employ 4,000 staff, all united for a shared purpose: to help girls learn without limits, so they can go on to lead lives without limits and make the world a better place for us all.
The organisation’s values serve as guiding principles:
- We put girls first
- We think and act fearlessly
- We embrace a forward-thinking mindset that shapes the educational offer for girls
- We are a family of schools
- We provide careers that are fulfilling and purposeful for our staff
As recognised global leaders in girls’ education, we combine 153 years of expertise and experience with a progressive and pace-setting vision for the future. We are dedicated to giving our students the tools to thrive, offering them access to innovative educational practices, excellent facilities, and an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.
Why join us
As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Generous pension schemes
- Free life assurance benefit
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
There are many other good reasons to work with us. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you’ll be part of it. You’ll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you’ll be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.
Our commitment
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change. We want every colleague to feel valued, respected and supported, and we actively welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. We are equally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must therefore be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online searches, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Teaching Assistant employer: Northampton High School - GDST
Contact Detail:
Northampton High School - GDST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at GDST schools on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching GDST’s values and mission. Show us how your passion for education aligns with our commitment to empowering girls!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a mate. Get comfortable talking about your experiences and how they relate to supporting teachers and students.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and mission of GDST. Highlight your passion for girls' education and how you can contribute to creating a supportive environment for students.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on roles that demonstrate your ability to support teachers and engage with students. Share specific examples of how you've encouraged learning or created a safe space for children.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality shine through, so let your enthusiasm for the role come across!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northampton High School - GDST
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with the values and mission of the Girls’ Day School Trust. Understanding their commitment to empowering girls and promoting a supportive learning environment will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Support Skills
As a Teaching Assistant, your role is to support the teacher and encourage pupils. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully assisted in a classroom setting or helped students overcome challenges in their learning.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to education, how they support their staff, and what a typical day looks like for a Teaching Assistant. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Education
Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through during the interview. Share why you’re passionate about education and how you believe you can contribute to creating a safe and stimulating environment for the students at the school.