At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in specialist schools, fostering engagement and emotional regulation.
- Company: Dynamic educational organisation focused on supporting young people with diverse needs.
- Benefits: Funded training, clear career progression, and weekly pay without deductions.
- Other info: Long-term roles with opportunities for professional development and permanent positions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while building a meaningful career in education.
- Qualifications: Degree in Psychology, Education, or related field; experience with children is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
Bristol | Gloucester | Full-Time | Term-Time Only | Long-Term Opportunities Immediate Starts | Funded Training | Clear Career Progression
Are you a graduate looking to build a structured and meaningful career working with children and young people? We are recruiting Graduate Learning Support Assistants to work across a network of specialist SEN and SEMH schools in Bristol and Gloucester. These are long-term, full-time roles offering hands-on experience supporting pupils with additional needs, alongside funded training and clear routes for progression within education and related fields.
This role is particularly well suited to graduates considering careers in educational psychology, clinical psychology, teaching, social work or youth justice. As a Graduate Learning Support Assistant, you will gain practical, transferable experience supporting pupils with a range of additional needs in specialist educational settings. You will work both 1:1 and in small groups, supporting students to engage with learning, develop emotional regulation, and build confidence within a structured environment.
Pupils you support may have:
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Autism (ASC), ADHD or communication needs
- Anxiety, attachment needs or behavioural challenges
- Additional learning or sensory needs
Some pupils may present behaviours that challenge. This role requires resilience, consistency and a calm, professional approach. You will be placed in a specialist SEN or SEMH school across Bristol or Gloucester, matched to your experience and career goals. These settings typically offer:
- Small class sizes and high levels of staff support
- Established behaviour and pastoral frameworks
- Structured environments designed to promote engagement and progress
- Opportunities to work alongside experienced SEN professionals
Your responsibilities will include:
- Provide 1:1 and small group support within the classroom
- Assist with learning tasks, routines and behaviour strategies
- Build consistent, positive relationships with pupils
- Support emotional regulation and engagement in lessons
- Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs and pastoral teams
- Contribute to a calm, structured and supportive learning environment
We are looking for graduates who:
- Hold a degree in Psychology, Education, Criminology or a related field
- Have experience working with children or young people (e.g. tutoring, coaching, care, mentoring)
- Demonstrate an interest in SEN, mental health or behaviour support
- Are patient, resilient and motivated to pursue a long-term career in this field
Previous school experience is beneficial, but not essential. This role is designed as a long-term career stepping stone, offering:
- Funded Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification in Gloucester schools
- Ongoing CPD in SEN, behaviour management and safeguarding
- Practical, hands-on experience working with complex needs
- Opportunities to progress into roles such as:
- Behaviour Mentor
- Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
- Teacher Training pathways
- Educational or Clinical Psychology routes (via further study)
Additional benefits include:
- Weekly pay via PAYE (no umbrella deductions)
- Long-term placements (not day-to-day supply)
- Consistent support from experienced consultants
- Access to training and development opportunities
- Opportunity to secure permanent roles within partner schools
Build relevant, high-quality experience for competitive postgraduate routes. Develop skills in behaviour support, SEN and safeguarding. Work in structured, supportive specialist school environments. Begin a clear and credible career pathway within education and beyond.
Graduate Learning Support Assistant Bristol & Gloucester employer: Teaching Personnel
Join a dynamic and supportive team as a Graduate Learning Support Assistant in Bristol and Gloucester, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with additional needs. Our commitment to funded training and clear career progression ensures that you will not only gain invaluable hands-on experience but also develop professionally within a nurturing environment. With small class sizes and high levels of staff support, you will thrive in a structured setting designed to foster engagement and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Learning Support Assistant Bristol & Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your university alumni, join local education groups, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know in the field, the better your chances of landing that Graduate Learning Support Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEN and SEMH. Think about your experiences working with children and how they relate to the role. We want you to shine, so rehearse your answers and be ready to showcase your passion!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at securing your dream job! We’ve got loads of resources and support to help you along the way. Plus, it’s a great way to show you’re serious about joining our team in Bristol or Gloucester.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Learning Support Assistant Bristol & Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Graduate Learning Support Assistant. Highlight any relevant experience you have working with children or young people, especially in SEN or SEMH settings. We want to see how your background aligns with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about supporting pupils with additional needs and how your degree and experiences make you a great fit for this role. Keep it personal and engaging – we love to see your personality come through!
Showcase Relevant Skills:In both your CV and cover letter, be sure to showcase skills that are crucial for this role, like patience, resilience, and the ability to build positive relationships. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate these qualities through their experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to find all the information you need about the role and our application process. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teaching Personnel
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Graduate Learning Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of pupils with SEN and SEMH, and think about how your background in psychology or education can help you support them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have working with children or young people. Whether it's tutoring, mentoring, or any hands-on roles, highlight how these experiences have prepared you for this position and how they align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Demonstrate Resilience and Patience
This role requires a calm and professional approach, especially when dealing with challenging behaviours. Prepare examples from your past where you've shown resilience and patience, and be ready to explain how you would handle difficult situations in the classroom.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training opportunities available, the support you'll receive from experienced staff, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
