Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the whole-school reading strategy and support students in improving literacy.
- Company: Idsall School, a vibrant and oversubscribed secondary school in Shifnal.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by enhancing their reading skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant and a passion for literacy.
- Other info: Join a diverse and inclusive team dedicated to student success.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36000 £ per year.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) with Responsibility for Whole-School Reading Required for Easter 2026 or sooner.
Location: Shifnal, Shropshire
Salary: Grade 7 Spinal Points 12 - 17 (£14.37 - £15.58)
Hours: 37 hours per week – Term Time Only plus 2 PD Days - Permanent
Are you a highly skilled HLTA with experience in primary literacy? Do you want to bring your expertise to a secondary setting and lead a transformational approach to reading across the school? Are you a highly motivated individual and have a passion for working with children with SEND?
We are seeking a committed HLTA to lead our whole-school reading strategy. You will coordinate reading assessments, tracking, and targeted interventions, working with a team to ensure all students, especially those with low reading ages, make accelerated progress. This is a unique opportunity to shape literacy development in a secondary context, drawing on your primary experience to close gaps and raise achievement.
Idsall School is a heavily oversubscribed 11-18 rural school with excellent facilities throughout the school. You will be joining the school at an exciting stage of its development. We offer a welcoming, friendly, hard-working and committed team of colleagues whom, at all levels, are dedicated to making a difference to the children in their care.
The Marches Academy Trust values each person equally. We are committed to building a diverse team and embedding a welcoming, inclusive culture that encourages diversity and authenticity. We believe this will encourage creative ways of thinking – ensuring we collaborate more effectively and achieve better outcomes. We welcome applicants from all qualified candidates who share this commitment.
Closing date for applications is midday on Friday 13th February 2026.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in our care and expect all staff to share this commitment. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to declare any criminal convictions and will be subject to online checks. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Hlta) in Shifnal employer: Smart Hire
Contact Detail:
Smart Hire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Hlta) in Shifnal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education, especially those who work in secondary schools. They might have insider info on openings or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your experience in primary literacy and any successful interventions you've led. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get together with a friend or mentor and do mock interviews. Focus on how you can lead a whole-school reading strategy and support students with SEND.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Hlta) in Shifnal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in primary literacy and working with SEND. We want to see how your skills align with our whole-school reading strategy!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in literacy development, especially for those with low reading ages.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences are easy to spot!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smart Hire
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of primary literacy and how it translates to a secondary setting. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support students with low reading ages and how you can adapt those for a whole-school approach.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for working with children, especially those with SEND, shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives. This will help the interviewers see your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like coordinating reading assessments or implementing targeted interventions. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully tackled similar challenges and be ready to share them.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be working with a team to enhance literacy across the school, highlight your collaborative skills. Discuss how you've worked with colleagues in the past to achieve common goals and how you plan to foster a supportive environment at Idsall School.
