Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special educational needs in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Join Preston School, a top-performing institution in Somerset focused on excellence and ambition.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, a Cycle to Work scheme, and free eye tests.
- Other info: Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to promote inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Strong English and Maths skills; experience with teaching or support roles preferred.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Accountable to: SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator)
Contract Type: Full Time – Permanent, with Part Time working considered for an exceptional candidate
Start Date: September 2025
We are seeking an inspirational Teaching Assistant to join our growing SEND team and to help support students throughout their time with us. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a school with some of the strongest student outcomes in Somerset – both in terms of academic achievement and progression onto meaningful post-16 education and training. In September 2025, our outcomes placed Preston among the top three schools in Somerset for Attainment 8; this role helps ensure that our students with SEND can attain just as well.
Preston School has a clear and ambitious vision: To Achieve Excellence, by Inspiring Ambition – For Every Student, Every Day. We are committed to delivering outstanding education and wider opportunities for our students, and we seek a Teaching Assistant who wholeheartedly shares this vision.
Based in the heart of Somerset, the successful applicant will benefit from beautiful surroundings, a strong commitment to continued professional development and join a welcoming and supportive staff community.
We encourage early applications for this role as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
What We Are Looking For:
- An inspirational Teaching Assistant
- A commitment to securing strong student outcomes, by supporting consistently high-quality teaching and targeted intervention work when required
- An ability to work with small groups of students and on a one-to-one basis as required
- Strong English and Maths skills, to enable the effective support of students and clear communication with their families
What We Offer:
- A school ranked in the top 3 in Somerset for academic attainment in the last academic year
- Clear and consistent behaviour management routines, with centralised detentions
- A focus on workload and wellbeing, with strong centralised curriculum planning
- Strong links within the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership which support strong continued professional development and further career opportunities for our staff
- A Cycle to Work scheme and free eye tests, along with access to an employee benefits platform
Preston School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Teaching Assistant - Special Educational Needs employer: Preston School
Contact Detail:
Preston School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant - Special Educational Needs
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with SEND. Research common challenges they face and effective strategies to support them. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to securing strong student outcomes during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Connect with current or former Teaching Assistants in similar roles. They can provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your suitability for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for education and supporting diverse learners. Engage in relevant volunteer work or training that highlights your dedication to helping students with SEND achieve their potential, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's vision and how the SEND team operates. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school’s values align with your own, making a positive impression during any interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant - Special Educational Needs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Teaching Assistant position. Highlight key skills such as supporting students with Special Educational Needs and effective communication.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience and skills relevant to the role. Emphasise any previous work with SEND students, your teaching philosophy, and how you align with the school's vision of 'Achieve Excellence, by Inspiring Ambition'.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and your commitment to supporting students with SEND. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate how you can contribute to the school's success.
Highlight Professional Development: Mention any relevant training or professional development courses you have completed, especially those related to Special Educational Needs. This shows your commitment to continuous improvement and your readiness to support students effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Preston School
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with students, especially those with special educational needs. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to helping students achieve their best.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of SEND
Be prepared to discuss specific strategies and approaches you would use to support students with special educational needs. Familiarise yourself with common challenges these students face and how you can help them overcome these obstacles.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role. Be ready to explain how you would effectively communicate with both students and their families. Provide examples of how you've successfully communicated in previous roles or situations.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Show your interest in the school and the role by preparing thoughtful questions. Ask about the school's approach to SEND, professional development opportunities, or how they measure student outcomes. This demonstrates your proactive attitude and genuine interest.