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 supportive and nurturing community dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for young people? If so, Ormston School in Leeds is the perfect place for you to grow your career and make a meaningful impact. We are currently seeking enthusiastic Teaching Assistants to join our new secondary class starting in April 2026.

About Us

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

As part of the Polaris Community, we have been passionately transforming 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, and appropriate education in a safe environment. We take pride in our achievements, with 100% of our inspected services 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 pupils' needs.
• Supervise pupils during non-classroom time, including extracurricular activities and school trips.
• Help with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
• Set work where appropriate and provide marking support.
• Build positive relationships with your pupil(s) to drive engagement and positive 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 in a similar role, such as a Teaching Assistant.
• 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.
• 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 opportunities to acquire new skills.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives and lifelong learning of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching in a safe environment.
• A friendly and inclusive team passionate about improving pupil outcomes.

The successful candidate will need to complete an enhanced DBS Check, with the cost covered by Polaris Community.

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