Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with special needs in a compassionate and engaging learning environment.
- Company: Join St Joseph's Specialist Trust, a supportive and inclusive education community.
- Benefits: Earn up to £27,981, enjoy free lunches, and receive ongoing training.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful setting with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Empathy, resilience, and a positive attitude are key; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 20224 - 23999 £ per year.
Location: Cranleigh, Surrey
Salary: Earn up to £27,981 FTE (36 hours over 52 weeks) as a Teaching Assistant at St Joseph's Specialist Trust dependent on qualifications and experience.
Make a Difference Every Day
Do you want to change lives while building a rewarding and meaningful career? We are looking for compassionate and dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our growing education team at St Joseph's Specialist Trust. As student numbers increase, we're expanding – and this is your chance to be part of a truly special community.
A Teaching Assistant role at St Joseph's is very different from a mainstream TA position. You'll be working with students aged 5-19 who have severe social communication difficulties, complex learning disabilities and often challenging behaviours. You'll help them access therapy-based education, develop essential life skills and achieve the highest level of independence possible – preparing them for life beyond school or college.
What the Role Involves
- Small classes of 8-13 students, grouped by ability and social needs rather than age.
- Support with core subjects (literacy, numeracy, PSHE) and daily living skills.
- Helping students communicate using Makaton, signs, symbols or communication aids through a multi-sensory approach.
- Providing guidance when students feel anxious, emotional or frustrated and supporting them to manage their feelings and behaviour.
- Working as part of a skilled, dedicated and supportive team with comprehensive training and mentoring.
- Some students require personal care, for which full training will be provided.
Training and Development
At St Joseph's, learning never stops. All our TAs take part in a twice-weekly training programme combining theory and practical sessions. This leads to a Teaching Assistant apprenticeship qualification, fully funded by the Trust and approved by the CPD Standards Office. Before you start, you'll complete Team Teach Positive Behaviour Support Training as part of your induction. Ongoing refresher training and support from on-site tutors will help you grow your confidence and skills throughout your career here.
What You'll Bring
You don't need previous experience to apply – we'll provide all the training you need. What matters most is your empathy, compassion and resilience, along with a 'can do' attitude. You'll also need:
- Literacy and numeracy skills to support student learning and complete essential records and forms.
- Common sense to work safely and effectively as part of a team.
- Strong communication skills with children, families and professionals.
- Patience and calm under pressure when supporting young people who display complex or challenging behaviours.
- A sufficient level of mental, physical and emotional resilience to meet the demands of the role.
- You must also be prepared to provide personal care for students who require assistance to stay clean and comfortable.
Working Hours
36 hours per week:
- Monday: 8:30 – 16:00
- Tuesday - Thursday: 8:30 – 16:15
- Friday: 8:30 – 15:45
- 30 minutes admin time per week
We cannot accommodate reduced daily hours, but we can consider part-time work (3+ days per week) – please contact us to discuss.
Salary and Progression
Teaching Assistant salary (pro rata for term time, 39 weeks + CPD days): £20,224 - £21,032 (£23,580 - £24,521 FTE) Rising to £21,851 - £23,999 (£25,476 - £27,981 FTE) for Senior Teaching Assistant after completing the apprenticeship (funded by us) and two years with the Trust.
You can also progress to Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) roles:
- Unqualified HLTA: £23,999 (£27,981 FTE)
- Qualified HLTA: £27,715 (£32,313 FTE)
All salaries include the 2025 cost‑of‑living increase (effective April 1st, 2025).
Why Join St Joseph's?
We offer a supportive, inclusive and rewarding workplace with a clear focus on your wellbeing and growth. Our benefits include:
- Fully funded, nationally accredited TA qualification (2 years)
- £1,000 retention bonus (£250 after 1 month, £250 after 1 year, £500 after 18 months)
- Life Assurance and Medical Cash Plan (after qualifying period)
- Annual Team Teach refresher training and ongoing inclusion support.
- Personalised CPD, regular 1:1 line management and online appraisals
- Free hot lunch during term‑time and free on‑site parking
- Employee Assistance Service – 24/7 confidential wellbeing and counselling support for you and your family
- Access to Mental Health First Aiders and Occupational Health support
- Work on a beautiful 23‑acre site in a semi‑rural setting on the edge of the Surrey Hills (own transport desirable).
Please note: we are not accepting applications from candidates requiring sponsorship or graduate visa conversion.
Safeguarding
St Joseph's Specialist Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This position requires an enhanced DBS check and reference checks. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer.
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.
SEN Teaching Assistant 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 SEN Teaching Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former TAs at St Joseph's on LinkedIn or social media. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the unique challenges of working with students who have complex needs. Think about how your empathy and resilience can shine through in real-life scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During the interview, be clear and confident when discussing how you would support students with challenging behaviours. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at St Joseph's!
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Teaching Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for helping students shine through. We want to see your empathy and dedication to making a difference in their lives. Share any personal experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting those with special educational needs.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of SEN Teaching Assistant at St Joseph's. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with our mission and the unique challenges of working with students who have complex needs. This will show us you understand what we're all about!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our community and values before you hit 'send'.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Joseph's Specialist Trust
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, take some time to really understand what being a SEN Teaching Assistant at St Joseph's involves. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of the students and the therapeutic approaches used. This will help you articulate how your skills and values align with the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and compassion in previous roles or situations. Highlight any experiences where you've supported individuals facing challenges, as this is crucial for working with students who have complex needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle challenging behaviours or emotional situations. Think about how you would respond to a student feeling anxious or frustrated, and be ready to discuss your strategies for providing support and guidance.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training programme, team dynamics, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.