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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, parking, retention bonuses, and comprehensive training.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team environment and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career.
- 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
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
HLTA / Senior 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 HLTA / Senior Teaching Assistant in Cranleigh, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research St Joseph’s Specialist Trust and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your teaching demo! Since you'll need to teach a prepared lesson, rehearse it multiple times. Make sure you can deliver it confidently and engage with the students, as this is a key part of the selection process.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current staff! If possible, reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insights about the role and the school culture, which can be super helpful for your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
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. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace HLTA / Senior Teaching Assistant in Cranleigh, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the HLTA role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant background!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through in your application. We’re looking for compassionate individuals who are genuinely motivated to make a difference in our students' lives.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for the role. Remember, first impressions count!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
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 how you can support them. This will show your passion and commitment during the interview.
✨Prepare a Lesson Plan
Since you'll be required to teach a prepared lesson, take this opportunity to showcase your creativity and teaching style. Choose a topic that resonates with you and think about how you can engage students effectively. Practise delivering it to ensure you're confident on the day.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
This role requires a lot of patience and empathy. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated these qualities. Whether it's helping a student overcome a challenge or supporting a colleague, real-life stories will make your application stand out.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school’s approach to SEN education, team dynamics, or professional development opportunities. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.