Teaching Assistant (Secondary) - St Mark's Church of England School in Southampton

St Mark's CE School is one whole school community, where we create a sense of belonging for all who enter our school. Our ethos of nurture and high standards and expectations will be modelled through the school by excellent staff. We are looking for a dynamic, talented Teaching Assistant to join our growing Secondary Phase.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will connect directly with the brilliant pupils and young people we care for, helping to make sure they get the very best from their education. You will help prepare learning materials and run classroom activities, with plenty of hands-on experience and some supervision too. You will take responsibility for their emotional and physical needs, supporting them to develop as individuals and engage with the world.

To be successful, you will be able to communicate clearly and persuasively both orally and in writing with children, staff and parents alike, as well as being well organised and hard-working. In addition, you will be proficient in the use of IT and understand issues that arise in the use of digital learning within a school environment.

• To work with individuals or groups of children, as directed by the class teacher and the SENCo, to support subjects and learning across the whole curriculum.
• To establish supportive, caring, and secure relationships with the child/children, promoting respect, self-esteem and a positive, inclusive whole school ethos.
• To develop knowledge and understanding of specific academic, physical, and emotional/behavioural needs of individuals and groups of children and respond to them effectively.
• To assist the class teacher and the Director of Pastoral and Inclusion/SENCo with the planning, development, and delivery of suitable programmes of work for pupils.
• To support class teachers to design, create and produce learning activities, materials, and resources to support aspects of the curriculum.
• To help, support and motivate the children, clarifying instructions, encouraging independent learning and behaviour.

• Previous experience of working with/ guiding the learning of children, preferably within a school setting.
• Strong administrative skills and experience.
• GCSE Grade C (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
• Ability to observe, monitor and analyse learning and learning outcomes in a practical context.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas effectively to a range of audiences.
• Ability to maintain children's interest and motivation for learning and to maintain discipline.
• Understanding of key safeguarding issues and procedures.

• A strong Christian ethos where love, service, and belonging are lived daily.
• A supportive senior leadership team that values pastoral work.
• A school community where pupils are known, valued, and listened to.
• Opportunities to shape and strengthen whole-school pastoral practice.
• A role that balances strategic leadership with meaningful pupil contact.

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Secure on-site car parking.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, including confidential 24/7 counselling support.
• Access to a Benefits Hub, offering a range of discounts and offers.
• Occupational Health support.
• On-site hot and cold food options.
• Access to online training and personal development courses.
• The opportunity to work in a brand-new, high-specification school environment.
• Career development opportunities within a supportive organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated professional to make a meaningful contribution within a caring and ambitious school community.

Closing date: 11:55pm on Monday 11th May 2026. Applications can be made directly via the school website. Please return completed applications to: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We reserve the right to call candidates for interview and appoint to the role before the closing date.

St Mark's Church of England School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Southampton City Council is an equal opportunities employer.