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- Tasks: Support students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Leeds East Academy, part of White Rose Academies Trust, dedicated to transforming young lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by helping them thrive academically and emotionally.
- Qualifications: Passion for education and experience in supporting vulnerable learners.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to creating life-changing opportunities for students.
The predicted salary is between 19200 - 19800 £ per year.
Leeds East Academy is a thriving 11-16 school committed to transforming the lives of young people through education. Rooted in values of resilience, integrity, trust, and ambition, the academy fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where every student is encouraged to excel, regardless of their background.
As part of the White Rose Academies Trust, the school is dedicated to delivering a world-class education, continuously evolving to meet the needs of its students and embracing innovative approaches to learning. Recognised by Ofsted in 2024 for its strong leadership, positive student behaviour, and personal development opportunities, Leeds East Academy has undergone remarkable improvement in recent years. The school is driven by the belief that every child can achieve exceptional outcomes.
More than just a place of learning, the academy nurtures and inspires students, equipping them with the skills and character to succeed in life and contribute positively to society. We are committed to investing in our staff and supporting their continuous professional growth. As part of our Trust, colleagues have access to a range of nationally recognised qualifications from Level 3 to Level 6, fully funded by the organisation. We provide protected time during the working week to enable staff to complete these qualifications successfully, ensuring professional development is both achievable and meaningful.
This commitment reflects our belief in nurturing talent and supporting career progression across all roles within the Trust. Leeds East Academy is part of White Rose Academies Trust, a local trust dedicated to raising aspirations and unlocking the potential of young people across Leeds. Together, we are committed to delivering a world-class education and creating life-changing opportunities for all.
Connect is our academy’s specialist, nurturing pathway for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Purpose-built and highly resourced, it offers a calm, structured environment where pupils receive personalised support to re-engage with learning and rebuild confidence. The provision includes two dedicated learning rooms, each led by an Inclusion Leader who ensures consistency, aspiration and a positive climate for growth. Oversight comes from the Connect Manager, who drives the strategic vision and maintains high-quality support across the team.
You’ll be joining a committed group of five colleagues, all working together to deliver a cohesive, specialist offer for our learners. Connect provides an adapted curriculum, targeted interventions and exceptional pastoral care to help students overcome barriers, develop key social and emotional skills, and prepare for a successful return to mainstream lessons.
In this role, you’ll be central to that mission. Working closely with the Inclusion Leader, Connect Manager and teaching staff, you’ll help create a safe, encouraging space where pupils feel understood and supported. Your work will include guiding emotional regulation, promoting engagement, supporting daily routines and delivering tailored activities that make a real difference.
This is a rewarding opportunity to champion some of our most vulnerable learners through a compassionate, relationship-driven approach—giving every student the tools they need to thrive.
We are securing our vision for World Class by growing our family of exceptional education professionals; dedicated specialists and passionate leaders with the shared goal of transforming future prospects for the next generation in West Yorkshire.
The trust currently employs over 500 members of staff and is responsible for educating and developing almost 4,000 students between the ages of 3 to 16. The trust consists of three secondary schools - Leeds City Academy, Leeds East Academy and Leeds West Academy, and also welcomed its first primary school Alder Tree Primary Academy on 1st December 2020.
We believe the trust is a highly desirable place of work for an ambitious professional, who will be joining one of the most supportive and talented teams in the country.
Application Timetable
- Closing Date: Monday 2nd March 2026, 9am
- Shortlisting: Monday 2nd March 2026
- Interview Date: Week Commencing 9th March 2026
- Start Date: As soon as possible upon completion of pre-employment checks
If you would like to arrange a visit to the academy, please contact us on 0113 273 1964.
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
White Rose Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its students and expects all staff and volunteers to share the commitment. Appointments will be subject to Safer Recruitment Procedures and an enhanced DBS check. Please note this role will involve contact with children and you will be engaging in regulated activity. It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. We promote diversity and want a workforce which reflects the population of Leeds. Applications are welcome from all, irrespective of sex, sexuality, race, religion, marital status, age or disability.
Learning Support Assistant –Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) in Leeds employer: WHITE ROSE ACADEMIES TRUST
Contact Detail:
WHITE ROSE ACADEMIES TRUST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Support Assistant –Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Leeds East Academy and its values. When you walk into that interview, show them you understand their mission and how you can contribute to transforming the lives of young people.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current staff or alumni on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the school culture and what they really value in a Learning Support Assistant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario questions! Think about how you'd handle specific situations with students who have SEMH needs. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and ready to impress during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Support Assistant –Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students with SEMH needs shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have that aligns with the role. Whether it's working with children or in a similar educational setting, we want to know how your background makes you a great fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us see your strengths quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly and gives you a chance to explore more about Leeds East Academy and our values.
How to prepare for a job interview at WHITE ROSE ACADEMIES TRUST
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Learning Support Assistant, especially in the context of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH). Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students in this area and think about how your skills can help them thrive.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for supporting vulnerable learners shine through. Share personal experiences or anecdotes that demonstrate your commitment to helping students overcome barriers and develop their social and emotional skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the academy's approach to SEMH support. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and want to understand how you can contribute to their mission of transforming lives through education.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with other staff members, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked as part of a team in the past, particularly in educational or support settings, to show that you're a great fit for their cohesive team environment.
