[260605] HLTA in Dursley

PEAK Academy, Reach South Academy Trust is looking for an inspiring Higher Level Teaching Assistant who is passionate about transforming the lives of children with SEND. This is a truly exciting opportunity to join a school that is not just improving - it is transforming! Join us to Shape Futures and Champion Inclusion with our vision for an inclusive, ambitious and nurturing learning environment.

Location: PEAK Academy, Drake Lane, Dursley, Gloucestershire, GL11 5HD

FTE Salary Range: NJC Grade H pt 15 - 17 FTE £31,537 rising to a maximum of £33,699 per annum; Actual Salary Range: Wiltshire Grade H £28,065 rising to a maximum of £29,989 per annum

Contract Type: Permanent / term time only (39 weeks per year)

Contract Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday

About the role

PEAK Academy is looking to recruit an exceptional Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our team. You’ll join a team of dedicated SEND professionals and will work closely with your colleagues to promote the emotional, physical and educational development of pupils with special needs. The post holder will be responsible for not only supporting pupils in class and as they transition through their day, but also for leading interventions for small numbers of pupils to help support them in terms of social and/or academic learning. This is highly rewarding and challenging work, where you can make a huge difference to vulnerable young people’s lives. There will be lots of training made available to you.

What we’re looking for

• Have a good knowledge and understanding of SEN strategies, specifically SEMH to support pupils with these needs.
• Have knowledge and understanding of social, emotional and mental health needs, and cognitive needs, that affect children and young people’s development and how to respond effectively to these issues.
• Have excellent listening skills and the ability to build strong, trusting relationships.
• Be resilient and able to take regular responsibility for agreed learning activities.
• Be able to promote and support the inclusion of all pupils in learning and social skills activities.
• Be able to use positive and personalised learning and behavioural management strategies.

The key duties will also include but will not be limited to:

• Working within recognised procedures, which leave room for initiative.
• Responding independently to unexpected problems and situations.
• Assessing the educational needs of pupils and using knowledge and skills to support pupils’ learning.
• Planning teaching and learning objectives to evaluate, develop and adjust lessons/work plans as appropriate.
• Encouraging/facilitating pupils to interact and work co-operatively with others and engage all pupils in activities.
• Leading pupils’ learning in whole class, groups or through one‑on‑one work, supporting and enhancing the curriculum offer.
• Being an excellent SEN practitioner demonstrating embedded SEMH enablement strategies.

We will ensure that the post holder has access to a supervisor and mentor for advice and guidance on an ongoing basis and to support unusual or difficult problems (alongside the usual school support mechanisms and structures).

About the School

PEAK Academy is a day specialist provider of education in Dursley, Gloucestershire for children and young people aged from 11 to 16 years who have an SEMH profile. There are currently 60 pupils on roll but Reach South plans, in partnership with the LA, to diversify both number and age range. PEAK formally joined Reach South in August 2022. The Trust has secured capital to ensure the capacity for growth and diversification. PEAK’s aim is to build safe independent lives for the SEMH population through a process of understanding, support, and enablement. To achieve this goal the school looks at the unique impact social, emotional, and mental health experiences has on the individual child. From this we aim, as a school, to personalise the child’s curriculum, care, and therapeutic package to ensure every child achieves and experiences success and independence. This is a unique opportunity to not only join the team at Peak, but also to work for a Trust within a framework of specialist provision. The Trust, our schools, and our pupils require teachers who are looking to be innovative, bold, and collaborative. You can help to design your pupil’s curriculum and influence their future. Your work will always be challenging and rewarding as a part of the Reach South Specialist team.

About the Trust

We are a family of schools working in partnership for the benefit of all our pupils and students. We believe our charitable aim, to advance education, is best achieved through collaboration, both within the Trust and beyond. We operate 21 academies across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, serving learners aged 3 to 19. Alongside our primary, all-through and technical provision, we are proud to include a strong and integral network of seven special schools and one alternative provision setting. These settings are a vital part of our community, providing inclusive, high-quality education for pupils with a wide range of needs, including complex learning profiles, autism, and social, emotional and mental health needs, as well as those who benefit from a more personalised approach. Together, we are committed to helping every young person thrive.

What we can offer

You will be working as part of a dynamic, committed team in a role which offers high job satisfaction and the chance to make a real difference to the children and families you work with. We recognise what our people do and how hard they work, and we believe in giving back. You will have access to a range of benefits and opportunities, including:

• Competitive salary and LGPS pension
• Great career and development opportunities in a growing school
• A wide professional network as part of the Reach South family
• Employee Assistance Programme, including free 24/7 counselling and information line
• Wellbeing schemes, including Cycle to Work scheme and gym discounts
• Free will‑writing service
• Lifestyle savings and discounts

Next Steps

If you think this role may be for you and want to be involved at this exciting time in our development and have any questions about the position, please get in touch by calling the Recruitment team on 07759365064 or emailing us at recruitment@reachsouth.org. Closing date for applications is 21st June 2026.

Interview Date

Interviews are provisionally booked for w/c 28th June 2026.

To apply

To apply for this opportunity, please complete our online application form by clicking ‘apply now’ on the advert. We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date. Therefore, an early application is strongly advised.

Opportunities and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary plus LGPS pension, great career progression and development opportunities, access to our Employee Assistance Programme with many other benefits. We’re proud of how we support our staff in order that you have high levels of job satisfaction, are aware of the difference you are making for the children and families you work with and can see your contribution towards our community. There are regular opportunities for professional development and training, and a wider community of staff to network with within Reach South Multi Academy Trust. You will have the chance to visit other local schools, work alongside a range of outside professionals and take part in a variety of e-learning and face‑to‑face training.

Safeguarding and Equality

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Each post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. Reach South Academy Trust has an Equal Opportunities Policy for selection and recruitment. Applicants are requested to complete the Equal Opportunities Monitoring section of the application form before submitting.