Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Gatcombe Park Primary School in Portsmouth

Location: Gatcombe Park Primary School

Contract: 30.42 hours per week, term time only (39 weeks per year)

Salary: Between £20,672 to £23,469 per annum (actual) £28,239 to £32,061 per annum full time equivalent

Application deadline: 9th June 2026

Interview date: 17th June 2026

Start Date: 1st September 2026

Gatcombe Park Primary School is in the Hilsea area of Portsmouth. We are a small, friendly school with a big heart, and we are incredibly proud of the vibrant, inclusive community we’ve built. Our children bring our core values of Teamwork, Respect, and Aiming High to life every single day — whether they’re learning in the classroom, playing on the playground, or supporting one another as part of our school family. We believe that every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and challenged, and we work tirelessly to ensure that Gatcombe Park is a place where children can grow, thrive, and succeed. Our staff are committed professionals who go above and beyond to support one another and to bring out the best in every child. We promote a culture of mutual respect, where everyone’s voice is heard and every contribution is valued. Whether it’s through collaborative learning, restorative approaches to behaviour, or inclusive decision-making, we aim to model the values we teach. We are proud of our open, approachable leadership team who prioritise staff wellbeing and professional development. We understand the importance of work-life balance and strive to create a working environment that is both purposeful and positive. We invest in our team, offering opportunities for training, mentoring, and career progression.

Role Summary:

• Supporting the Class Teacher in the delivery of learning activities for individuals or groups of pupils
• Taking a lead role in learning activities as set by the Class Teacher for individuals, groups of pupils or the whole class
• Assisting teachers in providing a learning environment that enables all children to access the curriculum and learn to the best of their ability
• Organising learning materials and pupil resources that support classroom activities
• Working with and supporting children with a variety of academic, physical and emotional/behavioural needs in a class, group or on an individual basis

We are seeking a professional individual who:

• Has a High Level Teaching Assistant qualification
• Can assist teachers in providing a learning environment that enables all children to access the curriculum and learn to the best of their ability
• Can work with and support children with a variety of academic, physical and emotional/behavioural needs in a class, group or on an individual basis
• Is a reflective practitioner who is keen to achieve personal excellence through the provision of outstanding support for children
• Has high expectations of achievement and behaviour
• Is able to work closely and effectively within a team
• Is committed to working in partnership with children, staff, parents, and the wider community
• Is a creative person who has excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills
• Has excellent written, communication and interpersonal skills

What we offer you:

• An opportunity to be part of a collaborative team with a shared vision of excellence
• A real career path in a thriving and respected organisation
• Flexible working approach, where possible
• Excellent training and development programmes and opportunities
• Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme / Teacher Pension Scheme
• Generous holiday entitlement, increasing with length of service (support staff)
• Access to our benefits portal offering a full range of discounts available through Lifestyle Savings
• Access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme, this includes free confidential telephone and face to face counselling for employees and family members
• Access to financial wellbeing support through a company that provides comprehensive guidance on all things mortgage related
• Eligible for a Blue Light card

Application Procedure:

If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact the School Business Manager by emailing ccoleby@gatcombeprimary.co.uk to arrange an informal chat or have a tour of the school. Potential candidates will be asked to bring their current school ID and/or photographic ID as proof when they visit the school for a tour. CV’s will only be accepted along with a completed application form. Please note, we may close the advert prior to the advertised closing date should we have sufficient applications. We strongly encourage prospective applicants to apply as soon as possible.

Hamwic Education Trust (HET) are committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of our pupils and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes enhanced criminal record and barring checks, scrutiny of work and training history, robust referencing, and other vetting checks. Successful candidates will also be subject to online searches. Our safeguarding system is underpinned by a range of policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across HET. All HET employees are required to undergo continuous professional development to maintain safe working practices and to safeguard our pupils.