At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers and mentor students to enhance their learning experience.
- Company: Join a nurturing community dedicated to improving young lives at Ormston School.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, life assurance, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team committed to student success and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Strong education background and experience as a Teaching Assistant preferred.
The predicted salary is between 21257 - 23232 £ per year.
Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £21,257 - £23,232.69
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Headingley, Leeds
Start Date: April 2026
Are you ready to join a supportive and nurturing community that works together to achieve the very best outcomes for its young people? If so, Ormston School in Leeds could be the perfect place for you to develop your career and make a real difference to the lives of young people. We are currently seeking Teaching Assistants to join us within our new secondary class from April 2026.
About the School
Located in Headingley, Leeds, our school offers a safe and supportive environment for pupils from 5 to 18 years old. With significant investment and an abundance of new resources, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to shape and mould the school to create a supportive environment that promotes self-discipline, engagement and inspires learning. Our mission is to provide each pupil with a diverse and appropriate education that encourages aspiration and achievement. We are part of the Polaris Community and have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. Within the Polaris Community, we have over 15 SEN schools across the UK that work together to provide each pupil with a tailored, diverse and appropriate education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning and encourages achievement. We're also incredibly proud that 100% of our inspected services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.
Role Responsibilities
- Dedicated to mentoring and supporting one pupil or a small group of no more than six pupils
- Supporting the classroom teacher during lessons
- Reporting on pupils' progress and concerns, and liaising with other school staff to ensure pupils' needs are met
- Supervision of pupils during non-classroom time including extra-curricular activities and school trips
- Assisting with lesson planning and classroom preparation
- Setting work where appropriate and marking
- Building positive relationships with your pupil(s) and driving interaction and positive learning outcomes
Requirements
- Have a strong basic education, ideally to A-level, with a minimum of GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics, and sound IT skills
- Previous experience in a similar role, e.g. Teaching Assistant
- Some previous experience of working with pupils with SEMH within an educational setting
- Be experienced and confident enough to take additional responsibility in an area of school, e.g. Food Hygiene, Forest School, Lunchtimes, School Yoga etc.
- Experience of behaviour management and techniques
- Committed to professional development and willing to learn
- Must be willing to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check prior to commencing work
What We Offer
- A workplace that values the emotional health and wellbeing of everybody (you included!)
- A commitment to support your development in acquiring new skills through a wide range of professional opportunities
- An opportunity to make a huge contribution to the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high quality teaching in a safe educational provision
- A friendly and inclusive team who are passionate about improving pupil outcomes
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, cost of which will be met by Polaris Community. Polaris Community is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Polaris Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
Teaching Assistant in Pool employer: Polaris Community
At Ormston School in Headingley, Leeds, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and nurturing community dedicated to the growth and development of both our pupils and staff. With a strong focus on professional development, a commitment to emotional wellbeing, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people, we offer an enriching work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Join us in shaping a brighter future for our students while enjoying a range of benefits including a company pension and employee discount scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant in Pool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Teaching Assistants and ask about their experiences. They might have insider tips on the application process or even know about unadvertised positions.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the school’s values and mission. Show us that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in the lives of young people, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role of a Teaching Assistant.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant in Pool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Teaching Assistant. We want to see how you can contribute to our supportive community!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through in your written application. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in their lives.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. Avoid jargon and keep it simple!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Ormston School!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris Community
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant. Understand how you can support both the pupils and the classroom teacher. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to engage students and promote positive learning outcomes.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for working with young people. Share personal experiences that highlight your commitment to education and how you’ve made a difference in previous roles. This will show the interviewers that you genuinely care about the pupils' development.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Questions
Expect questions about behaviour management techniques, especially since you'll be working with pupils who may have SEMH needs. Think of examples where you've successfully managed challenging behaviour and how you fostered a positive learning environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the school's approach to professional development or how they support their staff's emotional wellbeing. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also in being part of a supportive community.
