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- Tasks: Support SEN and Special Facility students in PE and physical interventions.
- Company: The St Leonards Academy, dedicated to enriching lives through education.
- Benefits: Generous salary, pension, health support, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Teaching Assistant or HLTA with SEN knowledge.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community focused on student success and wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 19100 - 25500 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Term time only (39 weeks)
Actual starting salary (calculated pro rata): £23,116 per annum
Salaries are paid in 12 equal monthly instalments
Are you committed to the development and achievement of pupils? Do you take a creative approach when interacting with children?
We are looking to recruit a Higher Level Teaching Assistant – SEN & PE Specialist to work with our SEN and Special Facility students in class at The St Leonards Academy. You will be required to plan, deliver and assess physical interventions for students with physical disabilities in the Academy, as well as plan, deliver and quality assure physical education lessons for students with SEND within the Facility.
The successful candidate will be someone who:
- Has previous experience as a Teaching Assistant or HLTA
- Has SEN experience
- Is patient, calm and relaxed with an enthusiastic approach to learning
- Is confident in running stimulating, fun and educational activities with children
- Can build and encourage confidence in children, allowing them to lead their own learning when appropriate
Please download the attached job description for full details.
The St Leonards Academy
At The St Leonards Academy, we believe in the power of knowledge to enrich lives and shape educated citizens. We are committed to a broad and balanced curriculum ensuring every student, regardless of background, encounters the best of human thought and achievement.
The academy takes pride in its meticulously planned curriculum, dedication to excellence, and robust pastoral support system. We prioritise reading and offer comprehensive mental health support. Exceptional assistance is provided for students with additional needs, alongside a wide array of enriching extracurricular activities.
With rigorous safeguarding measures and opportunities for student leadership, The St Leonards Academy creates a safe, supportive environment where all 1400 students can thrive.
Visit us: Home – The St Leonards Academy
We truly value the experience, dedication, and commitment of all our employees and believe in the power of motivated and happy staff. This is why we seek to enrich and reward our employees wherever we can, by offering a wide range of exciting and useful employee benefits. These include:
- Automatic annual pay increments: Pay progression is not linked to performance and all our staff benefit from automatic pay progression (subject to the maximum salary for the role). Cost of living awards are also reviewed annually.
- Generous Pension: Safeguard your future with financial security throughout your retirement. Employer contribution rate of 18.9%.
- Holiday Entitlement: Take advantage of 27 days annual leave per annum (FTE), plus statutory Bank Holidays.
- Health and Wellbeing: A strong commitment to your health and wellbeing including; onsite Wellbeing Champions, designated Mental Health Ambassadors and an annual day devoted to your health and wellbeing. This day provides the opportunity to spend valuable time catching up with colleagues, as well as some \’Time for You\’ to do whatever most enhances your wellbeing.
- Personal Development Day: One day annually dedicated to your personal development which could include volunteering, training or a seminar (self-funded).
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to free and confidential counselling services, providing support for both work and personal issues.
- Cycle to Work: Build exercise into your commute, with our cycle-to-work programme, offering a £2K loan to purchase a bicycle.
- Retail Discount: Savings with hundreds of retailers including gym, private medical, dental and online GP service, as well as eligibility for the Blue Light Discount Scheme.
Our commitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check. This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013, 2020 and 2023. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Further information is available here: Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order GOV.UK )
We welcome applications from all members of the community.
The Trust is proud to be part of the government\’s Disability Confident scheme which underpins our staff and volunteer recruitment practices. If you would like any support or assistant at any stage of the recruitment process please let us know, by contacting us by email to or by telephone to Emma Richings
Find out more
For further information about this opportunity please download the attached job description and personal specification, and view our candidate pack here: Candidate Pack
To arrange a visit or to have an informal discussion about this role please contact Gail Sidders, Academy Admin Manager on
Key dates
Closing date: 7 September 2025
Interview date: TBC
Proposed start date: ASAP
Not your perfect job? Please register for job alerts to learn about our future vacancies: Future Job Alerts
A helpful guide to completing your application is available here: Guidance on your application
HLTA - SEN & PE Specialist employer: University of Brighton Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
University of Brighton Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HLTA - SEN & PE Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research The St Leonards Academy and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the academy and might even give you a heads-up about the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical scenarios! Think about how you'd handle specific situations with SEN students or during PE lessons. Being ready to discuss your strategies will impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and keen to engage with the academy directly.
We think you need these skills to ace HLTA - SEN & PE Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure to read the job description thoroughly. It’s packed with clues about what we’re looking for, so tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with our needs.
Show Your Passion for Education: We want to see your enthusiasm for working with children, especially those with special educational needs. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in their learning and development.
Be Creative in Your Approach: Since we value creativity, don’t hesitate to showcase your innovative ideas for engaging students. Whether it’s through fun activities or unique lesson plans, let your personality shine through!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Brighton Academies Trust
✨Know Your SEN and PE Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of special educational needs (SEN) and physical education (PE). Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used in the past to support students with disabilities, as well as how you can make PE engaging for all students.
✨Show Your Creative Side
Since the role requires a creative approach, think of some fun and innovative activities you could implement. Prepare examples of how you've previously designed lessons or interventions that were both educational and enjoyable for children.
✨Demonstrate Patience and Enthusiasm
During the interview, convey your calm and patient nature. Share anecdotes that highlight your ability to remain composed in challenging situations and how your enthusiasm has positively impacted students' learning experiences.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the academy's approach to SEN and PE. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission of enriching students' lives.
