At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' learning and wellbeing through engaging activities and collaboration with teachers.
- Company: Join the dynamic Maiden Erlegh Trust, dedicated to high-quality education for all.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, professional development, and wellness support.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community focused on inclusion and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: HLTA standards or equivalent, Level 2 English and maths, and experience in teaching support.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
River Academy opened in September 2024 with 180 students and seven students in its resource base. From September 2026, student numbers will increase again as the school welcomes its next cohort of Year 7 students. The school is currently oversubscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups, and expects continued high demand for September 2026.
You will join a strong and committed school team, contributing to the delivery of clear routines and the setting of expectations in line with the River Academy. River Academy is seeking to appoint a committed and enthusiastic Higher Level Teaching Assistant to support learning. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with teaching staff to help students achieve strong academic progress while supporting their wellbeing, confidence and engagement in learning.
About this Role
As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, you will plan, prepare and deliver learning activities for individuals, small groups and whole classes under the direction of teaching staff. You will play an important role in supporting students to access the curriculum, develop literacy skills and make sustained progress in their learning.
You will work collaboratively with colleagues to monitor student progress, adapt learning resources and contribute to a positive and purposeful learning environment. The role also includes supporting behaviour management, inclusion and communication with parents, carers and external professionals where appropriate.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver learning activities under the guidance of teaching staff
- Support students’ attainment, engagement and wellbeing
- Adapt learning materials and resources to meet varying student needs
- Monitor, assess and report on student progress
- Promote positive behaviour and independence within learning environments
- Support literacy, numeracy and wider learning programmes
- Build constructive relationships with students, families, colleagues and external agencies
- Contribute positively to the ethos and values of the school and Maiden Erlegh Trust
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds HLTA standards or equivalent qualifications or experience
- Has Level 2 qualifications in English and mathematics
- Has experience supporting teaching and learning activities
- Understands the National Curriculum and effective learning strategies
- Has strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Can work collaboratively and use initiative effectively
- Demonstrates a calm, positive and flexible approach
- Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
About Maiden Erlegh Trust
Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.
We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference—a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning. Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.
About the School
River Academy is a purpose-built secondary school serving the growing need for school places in the Reading area. Located on Richfield Avenue, the site includes specialist teaching facilities across the curriculum, including a hall, activity studio, learning resource centre, drama studio and sports studio. Classrooms are fully equipped with interactive screens and visualisers.
The school has high expectations for all students, with a clear focus on academic excellence and participation. When fully open, River Academy will serve students of all abilities and backgrounds, alongside an additional resource base for students with moderate learning difficulties. The school also offers a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities through its after-school Electives programme, available to all students.
Benefits
Further information about working at Maiden Erlegh Trust can be found on our website. Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work, and colleagues across our Trust benefit from a range of opportunities and schemes designed to recognise their contribution and support their growth.
- Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto-enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.
- Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.
- ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day’s leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child’s sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.
- Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff.
- Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office-based work where appropriate.
- Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.
- Wellbeing and Health: Free flu vaccinations are offered to all staff, and free eye tests are provided to those who are eligible.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Incorporating discount vouchers, access to 24/7 support and more.
- Mental Health First Aid support.
- Recognition and Community: We regularly celebrate staff achievements, milestones and contributions across our schools, reinforcing a strong sense of belonging within the #TeamMET community.
- Employee Referral Scheme.
Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.
Additional Information
If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution to the future of our Trust and its schools, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time. Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
Dynamic HLTA: Accelerate Learning & Support Wellbeing in Reading employer: River Academy
Maiden Erlegh Trust is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, generous leave policies, and a commitment to wellbeing, all while contributing to the educational success of students in a purpose-built school setting. Joining River Academy means being part of a vibrant community that values collaboration and invests in the growth of its team members.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Dynamic HLTA: Accelerate Learning & Support Wellbeing in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at River Academy or Maiden Erlegh Trust. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school’s ethos and values. Show us how your approach aligns with our commitment to high-quality education and student wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those about supporting diverse learning needs. We want to see your passion for helping students thrive!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Dynamic HLTA: Accelerate Learning & Support Wellbeing in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for supporting students' learning and wellbeing. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles or experiences, as this will really help you stand out!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and expectations outlined in the job description. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with what we're looking for at River Academy.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your qualifications and experiences without having to sift through unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures we receive all your information correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at River Academy
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the National Curriculum and effective learning strategies. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in supporting students' learning.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported teaching and learning activities. Highlight how you've adapted resources for different student needs or contributed to a positive learning environment. Real-life examples can make a big impact!
✨Engage with the Ethos
Research River Academy and Maiden Erlegh Trust's values. Be ready to discuss how you align with their commitment to high-quality education, inclusion, and collaboration. Showing that you share their ethos can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the school's approach to wellbeing or how they support professional development. It shows you're engaged and thinking about how you can contribute to the team.
