At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEND through sport and physical activity, building confidence and skills.
- Company: A specialist SEND school in Leeds dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Weekly pay, free training, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with no two days the same, perfect for aspiring educators.
- Why this job: Use your passion for sport to empower young people and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in Sports Science, PE, Coaching, Psychology, or related field.
The predicted salary is between 31050 - 37950 £ per year.
Make a Difference Through Sport
Love sport and want to use it to help young people thrive? Not every achievement happens on a football pitch or in a sports hall. Sometimes it's a student attending a lesson when they would normally struggle. Sometimes it's helping a young person regulate their emotions, build confidence, or feel part of a team for the very first time.
A large specialist SEND school in Leeds is looking for a Sports Graduate Teaching Assistant to support pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This role combines classroom support, physical activity, behaviour support, and relationship building to help students achieve their full potential. This is much more than a sports role. You'll use sport, movement, and physical activity as powerful tools to help young people develop confidence, communication skills, resilience, emotional regulation, and independence.
If you're a graduate in Sports Science, Physical Education, Sports Coaching, Psychology, or a related subject, and you're interested in SEND, education, mental health, behaviour support, or child development, this could be the perfect first step in your career.
The Role
- Support students with SEND in the classroom, during PE lessons, and through structured activities
- Build positive relationships with young people who may require additional emotional and behavioural support
- Promote confidence, communication, social skills, and emotional regulation through sport and movement
- Support pupils with Autism, ADHD, SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs), and other additional needs
- Adapt activities to ensure every student can participate, experience success, and remain engaged
- Act as a positive role model, encouraging students to develop independence and self-belief
- Work alongside experienced teachers, therapists, and SEND professionals within a specialist setting
Why This Role Matters
For many young people in specialist education, sport is much more than exercise. It's confidence. It's structure. It's connection. It's often the moment a young person discovers they can succeed. You'll play an important role in helping pupils feel safe, valued, included, and capable both inside and outside the classroom.
This Role Is Ideal For:
- Sports Science Graduates
- Physical Education (PE) Graduates
- Sports Coaching Graduates
- Psychology Graduates
- Aspiring Teachers
- Future Educational Psychologists
- Behaviour Mentors
- Youth Workers
- Occupational Therapists
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Anyone passionate about supporting children and young people with SEND
What We're Looking For
- A degree in Sports Science, Physical Education, Sports Coaching, Psychology, or a related field
- A genuine interest in supporting children and young people with Special Educational Needs
- Patience, empathy, resilience, and a positive attitude
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- The ability to build positive relationships with students and staff
- An understanding that progress looks different for every learner
- A willingness to learn, develop, and grow within a specialist education environment
Why Graduates Love Working in SEND
No two days are the same. This role provides valuable hands-on experience supporting students with a range of additional needs while developing highly transferable skills for careers in:
- Teaching SEND
- Teaching Educational Psychology
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Behaviour Support
- Youth Work
- Mental Health Support
What Protocol Education Offers
- Weekly PAYE pay - no umbrella companies
- FREE access to our CPD Academy and training courses
- FREE Thrive Training available
- A dedicated consultant who genuinely listens and supports your career goals
- Opportunities across specialist SEND schools, alternative provisions, and mainstream schools
- Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're looking for a rewarding graduate role where every day has purpose, and where sport becomes a tool for confidence, connection, and positive change, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and begin your journey into SEND education.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.
Sport Graduate in Leeds employer: Protocol Education
Protocol Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the professional development of its staff. With flexible hours and comprehensive training opportunities, employees can grow their skills while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties in Gateshead. The company values its team members, providing competitive pay and dedicated consultant support to ensure a rewarding and fulfilling work experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sport Graduate in Leeds
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like Protocol Education. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including Protocol Education. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Sport Graduate in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining Protocol Education aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with Protocol Education, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
