Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with SEND to achieve their full potential in a dynamic classroom environment.
- Company: Join Paignton Academy, part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, dedicated to transforming lives through education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive work culture focused on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your own skills and career.
- Qualifications: Experience with children in education is essential; compassion and teamwork are key.
- Other info: Be part of a community that values strong relationships and a love of learning.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
About The Role
Paignton Academy is seeking to expand its team of dedicated Learning Support Assistants to work across our Borough Road and Waterleat Road sites. We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated individuals who are committed to supporting teaching and learning and making a positive difference to the lives of young people.
The successful candidates will work with named pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), providing targeted support under the direction of the Learning Support Coordinator. This role is key in helping pupils access the curriculum, develop confidence, and achieve their expected levels of progress, both academically and socially.
Applicants should have proven experience of working with children or young people in a school or similar setting and be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to improving educational and social outcomes. You will be empathetic, patient, and approachable, with the ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team.
If you are passionate about supporting children’s learning and are keen to contribute to a caring and inclusive school community, we would welcome your application.
About Us
At Paignton Academy, we focus on developing well-rounded students who excel academically and grow socially, emotionally, and morally. We inspire our students to be kind, resilient, and responsible, preparing them to face challenges and contribute positively to society.
Paignton Academy is on a significant improvement journey which was recognised in its most recent Ofsted report (December 2024):
Note: In the original, these were quoted statements. To comply with formatting, preserve the text but remove em; the content remains.
Pupils’ behaviour has improved. Lessons are calm and purposeful. The ‘speak up, speak out’ campaign has led to more pupils feeling confident to report concerns.
Why Paignton Academy?
- Strong Relationships: We value respectful connections between students, staff, and parents, working together to ensure student success.
- Love of Learning: We foster a passion for lifelong learning, helping students grow into curious, well-rounded individuals.
- Community & Pride: We instill pride in both our school and the local community, empowering students to make a positive impact.
If you\’re passionate about shaping young lives and helping students reach their full potential, come join our team at Paignton Academy!
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust
The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools consisting of both primary and secondary schools across the South West, South, South East, and East of England.
We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. That’s why we invest in our people, so that our staff are best supported to positively impact our pupils.
Learn more about our Vision and Values here.
Why Join the Thinking Schools Academy Trust?
We’re proud to offer more than just a job—we provide a range of exceptional benefits to support and reward our staff:
- Competitive Pay Scales: Our TSAT pay scales exceed national levels.
- Performance Related Pay: We operate a Professional Growth policy that allows us to reward staff who meet their objectives with additional pay for exceptional performance.
- CPD: Our in-house training provision, Thinking Horizons, offers clear pathways for professional development including Chartered Teacher status, regular MAT meets to share best practice and range of external opportunities to enhance your development.
- Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, eye care vouchers and preferential access to Benenden Health.
- TSTARS Staff Recognition: You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff.
- Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme.
- Blue Light Card: School staff can now access the Blue Light Card for discounts across a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out and much more!
- Convenient Parking: Park for free in our staff car park on-site.
- TSAT Benefits Portal: a one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, dental cover, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.
Next Steps
If you are interested in working at our school, benefitting from a supportive network of colleagues across our Trust, and are keen to progress your career then please apply today!
Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.
We strongly encourage anyone who may be interested in working at our school to contact Sara Robotham (HR & Payroll Officer) via email to arrange an informal conversation about the role. The email address is sara.robotham@paigntonacademy.tsat.uk.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates. If you have any questions regarding this process, please email recruitment@tsatrust.org.uk.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Learning Support Assistant employer: Thinking Schools Academy Trust
Contact Detail:
Thinking Schools Academy Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Paignton Academy on LinkedIn or through social media. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching SEND strategies and how they’re applied in the classroom. Show us your passion for supporting students with special needs, and be ready to share examples from your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. Think about how you’d adapt learning activities for different students and how you’d handle classroom behaviour. Confidence is key!
✨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 team at Paignton Academy!
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in students' lives, especially those with SEND.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in educational settings. Focus on roles where you've worked with children or young people, and emphasise any skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Learning Support Assistant role. Be personal, share your journey, and connect your experiences to our values at Paignton Academy.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thinking Schools Academy Trust
✨Know Your SEND Strategies
Familiarise yourself with various Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) strategies. Be ready to discuss how you can adapt learning activities to meet individual needs, as this will show your understanding of the role and your commitment to supporting students.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences working with children or young people in educational settings. Highlight moments where you made a difference, whether it was helping a student overcome a challenge or fostering their confidence.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since you'll be working closely with teaching staff and the Learning Support Coordinator, demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've successfully worked as part of a team in previous roles, focusing on communication and support.
✨Express Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. Talk about why you’re passionate about education and inclusion, and how you believe you can contribute to the positive environment at Paignton Academy.
