Teaching Assistant

Join Our Team as a Teaching Assistant (Secondary)

Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £21,257 - £23,232.69
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Headingley, Leeds
Start Date: April 2026

Are you ready to be part of a vibrant and nurturing community dedicated to helping young people thrive? At Ormston School in Leeds, we’re looking for passionate Teaching Assistants to join our new secondary class starting in April 2026. This is your chance to make a real impact on the lives of our students!

About Us

Located in the heart of Headingley, Leeds, our school provides a safe and supportive environment for pupils aged 5 to 18. With significant investment and a wealth of new resources, you will have the opportunity to help shape a learning environment that fosters self-discipline, engagement, and inspiration.

As part of the Polaris Community, we have been transforming the lives of young people for over 30 years. With over 15 SEN schools across the UK, we are committed to delivering tailored, diverse, and appropriate education in a safe and supportive setting. We’re proud to say that 100% of our inspected services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted!

Your Role

As a Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Mentor and support one pupil or a small group of no more than six pupils.
• Assist the classroom teacher during lessons.
• Report on pupils' progress and collaborate with staff to meet their needs.
• Supervise pupils during non-classroom activities, including extracurricular events and school trips.
• Help with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
• Set work and mark assignments when appropriate.
• Build positive relationships with pupils to drive engagement and learning outcomes.

What We’re Looking For

To thrive in this role, you should have:

• A strong educational background, ideally to A-level, with at least GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics, along with sound IT skills.
• Previous experience as a Teaching Assistant or in a similar role.
• Experience working with pupils with SEMH in an educational setting.
• The confidence to take on additional responsibilities in areas like Food Hygiene, Forest School, Lunchtimes, or School Yoga.
• Knowledge of behaviour management techniques.
• A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn.
• A readiness to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check prior to starting work.

What We Offer You

In return for your dedication, we provide:

• A workplace that prioritizes the emotional health and wellbeing of everyone, including you!
• Support for your professional development through a variety of training opportunities.
• The chance to make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality education in a safe environment.
• A friendly and inclusive team passionate about improving pupil outcomes.

The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, the cost of which will be covered by Polaris Community.

At Polaris Community, we are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment.