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

Ormston School is dedicated to providing 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. We are proud to be part of the Polaris Community, which has been transforming the lives of young people for over 30 years. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 100% Good or Outstanding ratings from 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 their needs.
• Supervise pupils during non-classroom time, 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 at least 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 Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
• Confidence to take on additional responsibilities in areas such as Food Hygiene, Forest School, or School Yoga.
• Skills in behavior management and techniques.
• A commitment to professional development and a willingness to learn.
• Willingness to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

What We Offer

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.
• The chance to make a significant contribution to the lives of vulnerable children.
• A friendly and inclusive team dedicated to improving pupil outcomes.

Join us in creating a positive impact in education! The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, with the cost covered by Polaris Community. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

Polaris Community is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment.