At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in lessons and help them thrive academically and personally.
- Company: Join a supportive school dedicated to student wellbeing and achievement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and access to great facilities.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career growth in education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while gaining valuable experience in education.
- Qualifications: 5 good GCSEs including English and maths; passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 18360 - 19577 £ per year.
32.92 hours per week, plus one training day a year of 6.5 hours. Term‑time only (37 weeks per annum). Full‑time equivalent pay scale 1, points 2‑6: £24,648‑£26,282 per annum. Pro‑rata actual salary 74.49% of FTE: £18,360‑£19,577 per annum. Preferred hours Monday‑Friday 8.30 am‑3.40 pm are negotiable. Start date: September 2026.
MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE – EVERY SINGLE DAY
Are you passionate about helping young people succeed? Are you considering a career in education or looking to take your first step in a supportive, high‑performing school? We are seeking a motivated and caring Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with secondary‑aged students and wants to make a positive difference to their learning and wellbeing. The role is particularly well suited to those looking for a term‑time position, including recent graduates or individuals exploring a future career in teaching or education.
Who This Role Is For
- Enthusiastic, caring and reliable
- Enjoys working with young people
- Keen to learn and develop skills in an educational setting
- May be considering teacher training or another education‑based career
You will receive guidance, training and support from experienced staff, making this an ideal opportunity to gain valuable school‑based experience. Above all, you will share our commitment to student wellbeing, inclusion and achievement, and to supporting every young person to succeed.
About the Role
As a Teaching Assistant you will:
- Support students in lessons, small groups and targeted interventions
- Work closely with teachers and SENCOs to deliver tailored learning support
- Help students build respect for themselves and others
- Prepare students to be successful, building their confidence, independence and a love of learning
- Be part of a collaborative and highly supportive inclusion team
- Assist with literacy, numeracy and general learning activities
- Contribute to a positive, inclusive and supportive school environment
The role includes working within our Designated Special Provision (DSP) for students with Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), offering a bespoke and nurturing curriculum that enables outstanding progress.
Why Join Catmose College?
- Strong, supportive Teaching Assistant team
- Outstanding technology‑rich facilities and purpose‑built laboratories
- Genuine commitment to ongoing professional development
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Priority school admission for children of staff to the College
- Subsidised staff restaurant and complimentary lunch on training day
- Cycle‑to‑work salary sacrifice scheme
- Opportunities to be involved in trips, activities and wider school life
- On‑site staff gym
Who We’re Looking For
- Experienced Teaching Assistants
- Those new to education and eager to learn
- Individuals seeking flexible working arrangements
Most importantly, you will be enthusiastic, patient, reliable and committed to supporting young people. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and welcome applications from candidates looking for a variety of flexible working arrangements.
Job Purpose
The Teaching Assistant’s role is to support the learning of students to ensure their achievements are outstanding.
Teaching and Learning
- Work in partnership with the teacher to support learning and manage students’ needs, ensuring barriers to learning are addressed and that they make at least the same progress as their peers and close attainment gaps.
- Support students’ inclusion within the Federation.
- Support students in taking responsibility for their own learning.
- Provide the teacher with accurate and objective feedback and reports on students’ progress and achievement.
- Arrange liaison with professionals and parents/carers, as agreed with the line manager, to support the educational development and well‑being of students.
- Continue to develop own practice through training and collaboration, using new technologies when appropriate to improve learning.
Federation
- Familiarise yourself and comply with the Federation rules, policies and procedures in force, including those contained in the Staff Handbook.
- Support the vision and ethos of the Federation.
- Uphold routines for learning and uniform.
- Contribute to monitoring and evaluating the success of the Federation.
- Proactively respond to issues identified in the Transformation Plan to bring about sustained improvement.
- Contribute to the range of extra‑curricular opportunities on offer to students.
- Any other reasonable duties as requested by the Executive Principal.
Safeguarding, Health and Safety
The Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students in our care and expects all staff to share this commitment. We provide safeguarding training to all staff on an annual basis. All staff are responsible for ensuring safeguarding, health and safety policies are implemented in line with Federation policy and current legislation. Please familiarise yourself with our Safeguarding Policy, available online at www.rutlandfederation.com/policies. This position advertised is a ‘regulated position’ which means it will involve regular contact with children and young people; under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 it is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. This position is also ‘exempt’ from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Qualifications and Experience
- Basic level of education with at least 5 good GCSEs including English and mathematics.
- Specialist qualification with evidence of an interest in continued training.
- Letter of application and interview including evidence of examination results.
- Good understanding of the importance of meeting individual learning requirements and current educational issues.
- Understanding of monitoring.
- Successful experience in a school or college supporting students who have special educational needs.
- Clear practical strategies for supporting students.
- Experience of monitoring and evaluating learning leading to students making outstanding progress.
- Evidence of establishing excellent relationships with a range of stakeholders within an organisation.
- Proven desire to improve, with recent evidence of certified professional development.
Bottom line: we are looking for someone who brings motivation, reliability and a passion for supporting young learners.
Teaching Assistant employer: RUTLAND AND DISTRICT SCHOOLS' FEDERATION
Catmose College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional development and wellbeing of its staff, offering a supportive environment for Teaching Assistants to thrive. With access to outstanding facilities, a commitment to ongoing training, and opportunities to engage in school life, employees can make a meaningful impact on students' learning while enjoying a collaborative work culture. The college also provides attractive benefits such as a Local Government Pension Scheme, priority school admissions for staff children, and a subsidised staff restaurant, making it an ideal place for those passionate about education.
Contact Details:
RUTLAND AND DISTRICT SCHOOLS' FEDERATION Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Teaching Assistants and educators on LinkedIn or at local events. They can provide insider info about the role and might even give you a heads-up on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by practising common questions. Think about how you’d support students with different needs, especially in a diverse environment like a Designated Special Provision. Show us your passion for making a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows initiative and keeps you on our radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your skills during the interview. Bring examples of how you've supported young people in the past, whether through volunteering or previous roles. We want to see that you’re committed to student wellbeing and success!
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for helping young people shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Teaching Assistant. We love seeing candidates who understand what we’re all about!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at RUTLAND AND DISTRICT SCHOOLS' FEDERATION
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Teaching Assistant. Familiarise yourself with how you can support students in lessons and contribute to their wellbeing. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Education
During the interview, express your enthusiasm for working with young people and your commitment to their success. Share any relevant experiences, whether from previous roles or personal anecdotes, that highlight your dedication to education and student support.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to inclusion, professional development opportunities, and how they support Teaching Assistants. This shows you're engaged and serious about the role, plus it helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As a Teaching Assistant, collaboration is key. Be ready to discuss how you've worked effectively in teams before, whether in educational settings or other environments. Highlight your ability to communicate and build relationships with teachers, students, and parents alike.
