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 a fully funded TA qualification, and receive a retention bonus.
- Other info: Work in a beautiful setting with ongoing training and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Empathy, resilience, and strong communication skills are essential; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 27981 - 27981 £ per year.
Location: Cranleigh
Salary: Earn up to £27,981 FTE (36 hours over 52 weeks) dependent on qualifications and experience
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
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 1, 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).
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
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 making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to SEN roles. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated empathy, patience, and resilience, as these qualities are key for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. 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 education and support.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the SEN Teaching Assistant role. Highlight your communication skills, patience, and ability to work with children who have complex needs. This will show us that you understand what the job entails.
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 suitability for the role.
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 shows us that you’re keen on joining our community at St Joseph’s Specialist Trust.
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 involves. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with severe social communication difficulties and complex learning disabilities. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be sure to highlight your empathy and compassion. Share examples from your past experiences where you've supported individuals in challenging situations. This is crucial for a role that requires patience and understanding, especially when working with students who may display complex behaviours.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss practical scenarios during your interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations, such as helping a student manage their emotions or using communication aids. Practising these responses can demonstrate your readiness for the role and your ability to think on your feet.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training programmes, support systems, and team dynamics at St Joseph’s. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.