At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers and mentor students to enhance their learning experience.
- Company: Join a nurturing school community dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Friendly team environment with a focus on emotional wellbeing and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people 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 employer: Polaris
Selwyn Hall School is an exceptional employer that prioritises a nurturing and inclusive work environment, making it an ideal place for passionate educators. Located in the picturesque setting of Foxton, Cambridge, we offer competitive salaries starting from £45,000, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development. Our commitment to fostering a culture of trust ensures that every staff member feels valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact on our students' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant
✨Dive into Digital Learning Communities
Join online forums and communities focused on digital education, like EdTech Meetups or LinkedIn groups. Engage actively—share ideas and insights, and you'll not only learn a ton but also connect with potential employers and thought leaders in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Create content that demonstrates your understanding of digital learning—think blogs, videos, or even free online workshops. This could catch the eye of companies like Polaris looking for innovative thinkers. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your presentation skills!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're still in education or have access to an alumni network, make the most of your university's career services. They often have exclusive job listings and workshops tailored to students wanting to break into full-time roles in education technology.
✨Apply Directly Via Company Websites
When you come across roles like Teaching Assistant at Polaris, make sure to apply directly through their website. It not only shows you're serious but sometimes you'll find positions listed there that may not be on job boards yet. Keep an eye on those!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at Polaris, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of Polaris and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at Polaris
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that Polaris might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at Polaris.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
