At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in their learning journey and create an inclusive classroom environment.
- Company: Join a collaborative school network in Preston dedicated to education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, term-time hours, and free professional development training.
- Other info: Opportunities for fast-track teacher training and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while growing your career in education.
- Qualifications: Passion for education and strong communication skills; experience not required for unqualified pathway.
The predicted salary is between 23100 - 28000 £ per year.
Looking to start or progress your career in education this September? Whether you are an experienced, qualified Level 3 Teaching Assistant looking for a supportive new environment, or a passionate, unqualified individual searching for a fully funded foot in the door, our collaborative school network in Preston wants to hear from you. From September 2026, we are hiring a cohort of dedicated Teaching Assistants across our primary, secondary, and specialist provisions. We meet you exactly where you are in your career, providing structured mentorship for those with experience and comprehensive on-the-job training for those starting fresh.
Choose Your Pathway
- Pathway A: The Experienced/Qualified TA
- Who you are: You hold a Level 2 or Level 3 TA qualification (or equivalent) and possess a strong track record of classroom support.
- The Role: You will hit the ground running, leading small group literacy or numeracy interventions, supporting pupils with EHCPs (Special Educational Needs), and working hand-in-hand with class teachers to track pupil progress.
- Pathway B: The Trainee/Unqualified TA
- Who you are: No school-based experience? No problem. If you have a background in sports coaching, youth work, care, or are a recent graduate looking for a meaningful career change, this is your route.
- The Role: You will start on a fully supported placement, acting as classroom assistance, managing learning resources, and working 1:1 as a behaviour mentor while training for your formal qualifications.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver targeted 1:1 and small-group academic support to boost pupil engagement and confidence.
- Create a positive, safe, and inclusive environment that accommodates diverse learning needs and SEND requirements.
- Assist teachers with classroom management, resource preparation, and emotional coaching.
- Manage student behaviour effectively using trauma-informed and positive reinforcement practices.
What We Offer Our Preston Team
- Competitive Pay: Pro-rata salary aligned with Lancashire local authority NJC pay scales.
- The Perfect Balance: Term-time hours only (enjoy school holidays off).
- Professional Growth: Free CPD training modules including Safeguarding, Autumn Term Phonics, and Team Teach (De-escalation).
- Teacher Progression: For those interested, a fast-track internal route into school-centered initial teacher training (SCITT) or assessment-only QTS pathways.
Application Requirements
- A genuine passion for boosting the life chances of young people in Preston.
- Exceptional communication skills, immense patience, and emotional resilience.
- An Enhanced DBS check registered to the Update Service (or a willingness to process a new one immediately).
How to Apply
Secure your placement ahead of the busy September 2026 academic year. Please submit an up-to-date CV, indicating clearly whether you are applying for our Qualified or Unqualified development pathway.
Teaching Assistant (Qualified or Unqualified Pathway) in Preston employer: Tradewind Recruitment
Tradewind Recruitment is an excellent employer for those passionate about early childhood education, offering a supportive work culture in Northampton. With competitive pay and opportunities for permanent positions, employees can thrive in a nurturing environment that prioritises professional growth and development. Join a dedicated team where your contributions to children's learning and development are truly valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Teaching Assistant (Qualified or Unqualified Pathway) in Preston
✨Get Involved in EdTech Communities
Dive into digital learning and education forums like EdSurge or join EdTech Meetups. Engaging with industry professionals can give you insights into the latest trends and potentially lead to opportunities that'll help you land that placement.
✨Show Off Your Passion for Learning
Create a blog or vlog showcasing your insights on online learning, teaching strategies, or educational tools. Share this on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, where education innovators hang out—proving your passion might just open doors for that placement at Tradewind Recruitment.
✨Utilise University Career Services
Don’t forget about your university’s career centre! They often have tailored resources for placements, including connections with local firms. Make them your secret weapon in your search for that perfect spot at Tradewind Recruitment.
✨Engage with Digital Learning Events
Keep an eye out for webinars, workshops, or conferences related to digital education. These not only help you learn but are also networking goldmines where you can chat with people looking for placement interns like yourself—with a little luck, it could lead you straight to Tradewind Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Teaching Assistant (Qualified or Unqualified Pathway) in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Digital Skills:In the digital learning education space, it's super important to highlight any tech skills you have. Make sure your CV mentions any platforms you're familiar with, as well as any digital tools or teaching software you’ve used in the past. This helps us see how tech-savvy you are and if you’d fit in with our digital vibe at Tradewind Recruitment.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:Since this is a placement, we’re looking for genuine interest in the field. Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about digital education and how this opportunity will help you grow. Share specific examples of what you hope to learn and achieve during your time at Tradewind Recruitment.
Include Relevant Projects or Experiences:If you’ve worked on any projects related to digital learning—be it through university, past jobs, or even volunteer work—don’t just list them. Explain your role and the impact you made. This will help us gauge your real-world experience and how you might contribute to our team.
Academic Achievements Matter:While it’s not all about grades, sharing your relevant academic achievements can certainly help your application stand out. If you’ve taken courses or received certificates that relate to digital learning, highlight those in your CV. It shows us that you’re dedicated to your studies and serious about entering this field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradewind Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Passion for Learning
When you're going for a placement in digital learning and education, it's crucial to highlight your enthusiasm for innovative teaching methods. Share examples from your studies or projects where you’ve embraced new learning technologies or strategies, as it shows you're not just a candidate but a future advocate for digital education.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect interview questions that put you in real-world scenarios common to the field. For example, you might be asked how you'd handle a disengaged student in a digital classroom. Practising these situation-based questions can help us illustrate our problem-solving skills effectively, so think through potential challenges and your creative solutions.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools
Make sure you know your way around popular digital learning platforms and tools (like Moodle or Google Classroom). Be prepared to discuss any experience you have with them, as this can set us apart. If you’ve created or used any learning resources, definitely have them ready to share during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Eager to Learn
Since this is a placement, showing that you're a keen learner is key. Talk about your adaptability, willingness to take on challenges, and how you seek feedback. They want to see that you’re ready to absorb all the knowledge and skills possible during your time with Tradewind Recruitment. Let’s make them feel excited about what we can bring to the team!
