Teaching Assistant

Join Our Team as a Teaching Assistant (Secondary)

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people? At Ormston School in Headingley, Leeds, we are looking for passionate Teaching Assistants to join our supportive community starting in April 2026. This is your chance to develop your career while helping students thrive!

About Us

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

As part of the Polaris Community, we have been dedicated to improving the lives of young people for over 30 years. Our network includes over 15 SEN schools across the UK, all committed to delivering tailored, diverse education in a safe and encouraging environment. We are proud 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 concerns, collaborating with other staff to meet individual needs.
• Supervise pupils during non-classroom times, including extracurricular activities and school trips.
• Help with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
• Set work and mark assignments where 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 a minimum of GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics.
• 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 such as Food Hygiene, Forest School, Lunchtimes, or School Yoga.
• Experience in behavior management techniques.
• A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check prior to starting work.

What We Offer

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

• A supportive workplace that prioritizes your professional development with a variety of training opportunities.
• The chance to make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality education.
• A friendly and inclusive team dedicated to 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.

Polaris Community is an equal opportunities employer and encourages 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.

Join us in creating a brighter future for our students!