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 passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people? At Ormston School in Leeds, we believe in creating a supportive and nurturing community that empowers students to achieve their best. We are excited to invite dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our new secondary class starting in April 2026!

About Us

Located in the vibrant area of Headingley, our school provides a safe and encouraging environment for pupils aged 5 to 18. With significant investment and a wealth of new resources, you will have the chance to help shape a supportive atmosphere that fosters self-discipline, engagement, and a love for learning.

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 proud to offer tailored, diverse education in a safe environment. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 100% Good or Outstanding ratings from Ofsted inspections.

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.
• Monitor and report on pupils' progress, collaborating 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 and mark work as needed.
• 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.
• Confidence to take on additional responsibilities in areas like Food Hygiene, Forest School, Lunchtimes, or School Yoga.
• Skills in behaviour management and 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

At Ormston School, we value the emotional health and wellbeing of our staff. Here’s what you can expect:

• A supportive workplace that prioritizes your wellbeing.
• Opportunities for professional development and skill acquisition.
• A chance to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality education.
• A friendly, inclusive team dedicated to improving pupil outcomes.

The successful candidate will need to complete an enhanced DBS Check, which will be covered by Polaris Community.

Polaris Community is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from 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.