At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers in delivering education to students with learning difficulties.
- Company: Outstanding special school in Hounslow with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, training, gym access, and well-being perks.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Good basic education and a passion for working with young people.
The predicted salary is between 22365 - 22365 £ per year.
Oaklands is an outstanding special school serving the London Borough of Hounslow that provides specialist education to students with severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple difficulties, and autism. We have a Primary school (New Oaks) and a Secondary school (High Oaks), each with state‑of‑the‑art facilities.
Due to our rapid and continued expansion we are looking to appoint Apprentice Teaching Assistants to work within our class teams across the secondary school, supporting the teacher and other classroom staff in delivering education to small groups of students that have severe physical and learning disabilities.
Apprentices will be enrolled on an appropriate course of study and will work towards a Level 3 certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools or an Early Years Qualification, depending on which area of the Oaklands group they work in.
If you have a good basic education and are interested in developing your skills and a career working with young people who have learning difficulties, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
Applicants must be fit and willing to undertake personal care, including toileting and feeding. We value our employees and offer excellent training and support as well as a pension scheme, employee assistance programme and many other well‑being benefits. These include an onsite gym, showering facilities, a coffee shop with discounted barista coffee, and freshly prepared meals, including hot lunches and sandwiches/panini from our kitchen and onsite cafe.
Oaklands is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and anyone applying to work at the school is expected to share this commitment. This position is subject to a satisfactory fully‑enhanced DBS check, reference verification, social media checks on shortlisted candidates, and the satisfactory completion of a 26‑working‑week probation period.
- Closing Date: 9am on Monday 1st June 2026
- Interview Date: Friday 12th June 2026
- Start Date: 1st September 2026
- Pay Scale: Apprentice Pay Scale – £13.85 per hour (London Living Wage)
- Actual Salary: £22,365 per annum
- Contract Type: Fixed‑Term Apprenticeship Contract until 31st August 2028 (term time only)
- Hours of work: 36 hours per week, term time plus inset days (30 hours working at school and 6 hours covering study outside working hours)
The successful candidates will be required to attend a pre‑employment induction and successfully pass safeguarding.
Apprentice Teaching Assistant - High Oaks Secondary employer: Oaklands School
Contact Detail:
Oaklands School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Teaching Assistant - High Oaks Secondary
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Oaklands and its values. Understanding their mission will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in supporting students with learning difficulties.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses! Think about common interview questions for teaching assistants and prepare your answers. We can even role-play with a friend or family member to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, share your enthusiasm for working with young people who have learning difficulties. Talk about any relevant experiences or skills that make you a great fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals like you to join our team at Oaklands.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Teaching Assistant - High Oaks Secondary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about supporting students with learning difficulties and are excited about the opportunity to make a difference.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role. Mention any previous work or volunteer experience with children, especially those with special educational needs, as it shows us you're a great fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on communicating your ideas effectively – this will help us understand your qualifications better.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oaklands School
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with severe learning difficulties and autism. Research Oaklands and its commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare, so you can show your genuine interest in their mission during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your enthusiasm for working with young people who have learning difficulties. Share any relevant experiences or volunteer work that highlight your dedication to supporting students and your desire to make a positive impact in their lives.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific situations, such as personal care tasks or supporting a student with challenging behaviour. Think through examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and compassion.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions about the role, training opportunities, and the school environment. This shows that you’re not only interested in the position but also keen on growing and contributing to the team at Oaklands.