At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with complex needs and deliver engaging learning experiences.
- Company: St Josephs Specialist Trust, a compassionate SEN school in beautiful Surrey.
- Benefits: Free lunches, retention bonuses, training, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a stunning countryside setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Teaching Assistant or willingness to train as an HLTA.
The predicted salary is between 29600 - 32763 £ per year.
Location: Cranleigh
Salary:
- Qualified HLTA: £29,600 - £32,763
- Unqualified HLTA: £25,632 - £28,412
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
Hours: 36 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (term time plus 5 INSET days)
Closing date: 8th June 2026
Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant ready to take the next step in your career? Or an existing HLTA looking for a rewarding new opportunity? At St Josephs Specialist Trust, we are seeking a compassionate and motivated Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated education team as soon as possible. Based in Cranleigh, Surrey, midway between Guildford and Horsham, St Josephs is a specialist SEN school, college, children's home and adult supported living provision. Set within a beautiful 23-acre site on the edge of the Surrey Hills, we support children and young people aged 5-19 with complex learning disabilities, autism, severe social communication difficulties and behaviours that challenge.
About The Role
This is a class-based HLTA role where you will work closely alongside the class teacher to deliver engaging learning experiences and contribute to lesson planning and preparation. You will also help monitor student progress and provide mentoring and guidance to Teaching Assistants within the classroom team. Our students have a wide range of complex needs and require patient, consistent and compassionate support to help them develop communication, independence and life skills. You will play a vital role in helping them learn, grow and achieve their individual potential. As part of the role, you may also support students with personal care needs to ensure they remain comfortable and supported throughout the school day. Full training and ongoing support will be provided, including positive behaviour support and physical intervention training where required. Mental, emotional and physical resilience, teamwork and a proactive approach are essential qualities for this role.
Working Hours
During Term Time And INSET Days Are:
- Monday: 8:30am - 4pm
- Tuesday to Thursday: 8:30am - 4:15pm
- Friday: 8:30am - 3:45pm (plus 30 minutes per week worked flexibly to meet operational needs, with a 30-minute unpaid break each day).
This role is for 38 weeks term time plus 5 CPD days.
Who we're looking for
We welcome applications from:
- Qualified HLTAs
- Experienced Teaching Assistants looking to progress into an HLTA role
- Unqualified HLTAs willing to undertake relevant training
Due to our semi-rural location, access to your own transport is desirable, as Cranleigh does not have a train station.
Why join St Josephs?
We value and invest in our staff and offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Free lunch during term time, prepared by our in-house catering team
- Ample free onsite parking
- £1,000 retention bonus for new employees
- Life insurance and Medical Cashplan
- Comprehensive induction programme
- Regular training, supervision and 1:1 mentoring
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme with confidential wellbeing and counselling support
- Access to Adult Mental Health First Aiders and Occupational Health support
- Discounted fitness classes with Surrey Fitness Camps and Go Fest Active Studio
- Excellent opportunities for career progression and promotion
- A supportive and welcoming multidisciplinary team environment
- The opportunity to work within a beautiful countryside setting on the edge of the Surrey Hills
- £250 after 1 month
- £250 after 1 year
- £500 after 18 months
Please note that we are unable to sponsor applicants to relocate from overseas or convert study visas into work visas at this time. Interviews and selection activities will take place shortly afterwards and will include teaching a prepared lesson on a topic provided in advance. If appointed, you will be required to complete Team Teach positive behaviour support.
HLTA in SEN School — Lead Classroom Support & Growth employer: TipTopJob
St Josephs Specialist Trust is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and professional growth of its staff. Located in the picturesque setting of Cranleigh, Surrey, we offer a supportive work culture with comprehensive training, mentoring, and career progression opportunities. Our commitment to employee welfare is reflected in our generous benefits package, including free lunches, a retention bonus, and access to mental health support, making it a truly rewarding place to work for those passionate about supporting children and young people with special educational needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HLTA in SEN School — Lead Classroom Support & Growth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research St Josephs 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 being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your teaching demo! Since you'll need to teach a prepared lesson, rehearse it multiple times. Make sure you can deliver it confidently and engage with the students, as this is a key part of the selection process.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current staff! If you can, reach out to people who work at St Josephs. They can give you insider tips on what the school is looking for and how to stand out during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals ready to make a difference in the lives of our students.
We think you need these skills to ace HLTA in SEN School — Lead Classroom Support & Growth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the HLTA role. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at St Josephs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your passion for supporting students with complex needs!
Showcase Your Compassion:In your written application, let us know about your compassionate approach to teaching and supporting students. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in the lives of young people, as this is key to thriving in our environment.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured writing that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences. Avoid jargon and focus on what really matters for the HLTA position.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you can ensure all your details are submitted correctly and you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team at St Josephs!
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs (SEN) and the specific challenges faced by students. Familiarise yourself with strategies for supporting children with complex learning disabilities and autism, as this will show your commitment and understanding during the interview.
✨Prepare a Lesson Plan
Since you'll be required to teach a prepared lesson, take the time to create a clear and engaging lesson plan. Think about how you can adapt your teaching style to meet the diverse needs of students and include interactive elements to keep them engaged.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
During the interview, highlight your experience in providing compassionate support to students. Share specific examples of how you've helped students overcome challenges or achieve their goals, as this role requires a patient and caring approach.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the school’s approach to supporting students and the team dynamics. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
