At a Glance
- Tasks: Support teachers and help children thrive in a positive learning environment.
- Company: Join the friendly team at Wyke Primary School, part of Pickwick Academy Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in education while making a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Passion for working with children and a willingness to learn.
The predicted salary is between 24796 - 24796 £ per year.
About this Role
Salary: Dorset Grade 3, pay point 3, £24,796 per annum (DOE) FTE Actual Salary: £14,952 per annum (DOE) FTE
Contract: Permanent, Part Time, 27 hours per week
Closing date: Midnight, Monday 31st August 2026
Interview Date: Wednesday 9th September 2026
Start Date: October 2026
Job summary: Are you passionate about working with children and interested in starting a career in education? We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Apprentice Teaching Assistant to join our friendly and supportive school team. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable classroom experience while working towards a recognised Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Qualification. Working alongside experienced teachers and support staff, you will help pupils access learning, develop confidence and achieve their potential. You will gain practical experience supporting individuals and small groups, assisting with classroom activities, and contributing to a positive learning environment.
Full details of the role can be found in the job description and person specification. The successful applicant will support a community where everyone is encouraged to reach their potential, work together toward shared goals, feel valued, enjoy a positive environment, and build relationships founded on kindness and trust.
Our Vision for the children at Wyke Primary School is to leave our care with a life-long love of learning, a curious and enquiring mind, resilience, integrity and a self-belief which gives them the confidence to embrace challenge.
Why choose Pickwick Academy Trust? You'll be joining a trusted community that is built on shared values and genuine care for every learner. As part of 21 schools, you will benefit from shared expertise, strong professional development, and clear pathways for progression. Our scale allows us to invest in high-quality training, mentoring, and resources to help you succeed. We offer a supportive, inclusive workplace where staff wellbeing truly matters, including:
- Excellent pension scheme
- Flexible working and family-friendly policies
- Employee wellbeing support & counselling
- Strong central team support and a real sense of family and belonging
- Staff involvement in shaping key HR policies
- Free eye tests (and glasses if required for your role)
- Free annual flu jab
- Retail Discounts & savings, including Wiltshire Rewards retail savings/ Blue Light Card
- Emergency salary advance scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Ongoing career and professional development
Our vision is to provide the very best education, empowering our children to become lifelong learners, global citizens and deep thinkers. We are seeking dedicated staff to join our supportive trust and help make a real impact. Our mission is to attract and retain individuals who share our values and vision. As a Diversity & Inclusion employer, we warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled, neurodivergent, or otherwise needing applicants.
What we Value in Our Team: At Pickwick Academy Trust, we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences. We are looking for colleagues who can work in a way that reflects our values of aspiration, collaboration, inclusion, enjoyment, and nurturing relationships. This means setting clear goals, working respectfully with others, treating everyone fairly, creating a positive environment, and building supportive and consistent relationships with pupils and colleagues. You do not need to "be a certain type of person" to succeed here, what matters is how you work. If you want to support children to do well, enjoy being part of a team, and want to contribute to a warm, inclusive, and ambitious Trust, we would be delighted to receive your application.
Safeguarding: Pickwick Academy Trust is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, governors, trustees and volunteers to share this commitment. Please note that this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. As such, all applicants are required to disclose any criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands, even if they are considered "spent." An enhanced DBS check will be undertaken prior and a requirement to the commencement of any employment. References will be requested at the shortlisting stage for all roles and may be used during the interview process. If any of your previous employments includes working with children, one referee must be from that role regardless of whether it is your current or most recent position. All gaps in employment must be accounted for and explained in the relevant section of the application form. In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026 and our safer recruitment procedures, an online search will be carried out for all shortlisted candidates. This search will involve reviewing publicly available information to help assess a candidate's suitability to work with children. Further guidance will be provided to shortlisted candidates, who may be asked to clarify aspects of their online presence.
Apprenticeship Teaching Assistant at Wyke Primary School in Gillingham employer: Wyke Primary School
At Pickwick Academy Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment. As an Apprentice Teaching Assistant at Wyke Primary School, you will benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to staff wellbeing, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of our students. Join us in our mission to empower children and enjoy a range of benefits including flexible working policies, employee support services, and a collaborative culture that values every team member's contribution.
