At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers and help students thrive in a vibrant classroom environment.
- Company: Join the dynamic team at Willows Academy, rated 'Good' by Ofsted.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, pension scheme, gym discounts, and 35 days holiday.
- Other info: Exciting career prospects in a supportive multi-academy trust.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for education and a desire to support young learners.
The predicted salary is between 17641 - 18900 £ per year.
Willows Academy is looking to appoint a Teaching Assistant Level 1 to join our academy in March/April 2026 on a permanent, part‑time basis. The role will work under the direct instruction of teaching/senior staff, usually in a classroom with the teacher, supporting pupils to access learning and providing general support in classroom management.
Salary & Hours
- Salary: Grade C Points 04 to 06 (£25,185 to £25,989 Full Time Equivalent) subject to pro‑rata. The minimum actual pro‑rata salary per annum starts at £17,641.67.
- Hours: 30 hours per week / Term Time only plus 5 days (39 weeks).
School
At Willows Academy, we teach from Nursery through to Year 6 and are proud of our achievements: Ofsted rated 'Good' for the third time in 2024, Phonics results reached 96% in 2024‑25, and outcomes remain consistently in line with or above national levels. We value strong relationships between staff, pupils, and the community and offer a personal development curriculum, residential trips, and CPD opportunities.
Why Join Us?
Staff across the trust are talented, enthusiastic, and contribute to the trust’s success. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an outstanding team within a high‑performing multi‑academy trust with exciting career prospects.
Benefits
- Financial Wellbeing: Membership to the Local Government Pension Scheme, Technology scheme, Vehicle Leasing Scheme, Access to an extensive discounts platform.
- Physical Wellbeing: 24/7 access to an online GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner for you & your household, Gym & fitness discounts, Cycle to Work scheme.
- Mental Wellbeing: Access to an industry‑leading Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Support Service, Trained Mental Health First Aiders in all our settings.
Holiday Entitlement: minimum 35 days (subject to pro‑rata if working part‑time and dependent upon salary and continuous service) including statutory Bank Holidays.
Recruitment Process: In accordance with DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education, an online search will be completed on all shortlisted applicants prior to interview. Any relevant information will be discussed further with the applicant during the recruitment process.
Teaching Assistant Level 1 employer: The Willows
The Willows in St. Neots is an excellent employer that prioritises a supportive work culture and employee growth, offering benefits such as paid time off during Christmas and team member discounts. With a focus on personal development through apprenticeships, we ensure our kitchen staff have the opportunity to thrive in a clean and dynamic environment, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant Level 1
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Willows Academy on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about how your experiences align with supporting pupils and classroom management. We want you to shine, so rehearse your answers!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for education! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've supported learning in the past. Let them see your enthusiasm for helping students thrive.
✨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 our fantastic team at Willows Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant Level 1
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Teaching Assistant role at Willows Academy. We want to see how you can support our pupils and contribute to our community!
Show Your Passion for Education:Let us know why you're excited about working in a school environment! Share any relevant experiences or anecdotes that demonstrate your enthusiasm for helping students learn and grow.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Willows
✨Know the Academy's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Willows Academy and understand its values and achievements. Familiarise yourself with their Ofsted rating and recent successes, like the impressive phonics results. This will show your genuine interest in the school and help you align your answers with their ethos.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
As a Teaching Assistant Level 1, you'll likely face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would support pupils with different learning needs or manage classroom behaviour. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and adaptability in these situations.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through. Share why you want to be a Teaching Assistant and how you can contribute to the students' learning experience. Highlight any relevant training or volunteer work that showcases your commitment to education.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role or the academy. This could include inquiries about professional development opportunities or how the school supports its staff. It shows that you're engaged and serious about the position, which can leave a positive impression.
