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- Tasks: Support students with complex needs and deliver engaging learning experiences.
- Company: Join St Joseph’s Specialist Trust, a compassionate SEN school in beautiful Surrey.
- Benefits: Free lunches, retention bonuses, and comprehensive training for career growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment and stunning countryside views.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Teaching Assistant or willingness to train as an HLTA.
The predicted salary is between 29600 - 32763 £ per year.
Location: Cranleigh
Salary: Qualified HLTA: £29,600 - £32,763 Unqualified HLTA: £25,632 - £28,412
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
Hours: 36 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (term time plus 5 INSET days)
Closing date – 8 June 2026
Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant ready to take the next step in your career? Or an existing HLTA looking for a rewarding new opportunity? At St Joseph’s Specialist Trust, we are seeking a compassionate and motivated Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated education team as soon as possible.
Based in Cranleigh, Surrey – midway between Guildford and Horsham – St Joseph’s is a specialist SEN school, college, children’s home and adult supported living provision. Set within a beautiful 23-acre site on the edge of the Surrey Hills, we support children and young people aged 5-19 with complex learning disabilities, autism, severe social communication difficulties and behaviours that challenge.
About the role
This is a class-based HLTA role where you will work closely alongside the class teacher to deliver engaging learning experiences and contribute to lesson planning and preparation. You will also help monitor student progress and provide mentoring and guidance to Teaching Assistants within the classroom team.
Our students have a wide range of complex needs and require patient, consistent and compassionate support to help them develop communication, independence and life skills. You will play a vital role in helping them learn, grow and achieve their individual potential. As part of the role, you may also support students with personal care needs to ensure they remain comfortable and supported throughout the school day. Full training and ongoing support will be provided, including positive behaviour support and physical intervention training where required.
Mental, emotional and physical resilience, teamwork and a proactive approach are essential qualities for this role.
Working hours
Working hours during term time and INSET days are:
- Monday: 8:30am – 4pm
- Tuesday to Thursday: 8:30am – 4:15pm
- Friday: 8:30am – 3:45pm (plus 30 minutes per week worked flexibly to meet operational needs, with a 30-minute unpaid break each day).
This role is for 38 weeks term time plus 5 CPD days.
Who we’re looking for
We welcome applications from:
- Qualified HLTAs
- Experienced Teaching Assistants looking to progress into an HLTA role
- Unqualified HLTAs willing to undertake relevant training
Due to our semi-rural location, access to your own transport is desirable, as Cranleigh does not have a train station.
Why join St Joseph’s?
We value and invest in our staff and offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Free lunch during term time, prepared by our in-house catering team
- Ample free onsite parking
- £1,000 retention bonus for new employees
- Life insurance and Medical Cashplan
- Comprehensive induction programme
- Regular training, supervision and 1:1 mentoring
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme with confidential wellbeing and counselling support
- Access to Adult Mental Health First Aiders and Occupational Health support
- Discounted fitness classes with Surrey Fitness Camps and Go Fest Active Studio
- Excellent opportunities for career progression and promotion
- A supportive and welcoming multidisciplinary team environment
- The opportunity to work within a beautiful countryside setting on the edge of the Surrey Hills
- £250 after 1 month
- £250 after 1 year
- £500 after 18 months
Please note that we are unable to sponsor applicants to relocate from overseas or convert study visas into work visas at this time.
Interviews and selection activities will take place shortly afterwards and will include teaching a prepared lesson on a topic provided in advance. If appointed, you will be required to complete Team Teach positive behaviour support training as part of your induction prior to commencing employment (refreshed annually).
St Joseph’s Specialist Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This role requires an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for St Joseph's Specialist Trust, please do not hesitate to apply.
Locations
Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Cranleigh, Surrey employer: St Joseph's Specialist Trust
Contact Detail:
St Joseph's Specialist Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Cranleigh, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, attend local job fairs, and join online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Higher Level Teaching Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research St Joseph’s Specialist Trust, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise answering common interview questions and be ready to showcase your teaching skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion! During interviews or networking events, share stories about your experiences working with children with complex needs. Highlight your patience and compassion – these qualities are key for an HLTA role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at St Joseph’s.
We think you need these skills to ace Higher Level Teaching Assistant in Cranleigh, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so mention specific examples that relate to the role of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through in your application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in the lives of students with complex needs.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about St Joseph’s Specialist Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Joseph's Specialist Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Higher Level Teaching Assistant inside out. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with complex learning disabilities and autism, as well as the responsibilities you'll have in lesson planning and student support.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, highlight your experience working with children who have special educational needs. Share specific examples that demonstrate your patience, empathy, and ability to provide consistent support, as these qualities are crucial for this role.
✨Prepare for the Teaching Task
Since the interview includes teaching a prepared lesson, practice delivering it clearly and engagingly. Focus on how you would adapt your teaching style to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring everyone can participate and learn effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school’s approach to supporting students and staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the environment aligns with your values and career goals.