Join Our Team as a Teaching Assistant (Secondary)
Are you ready to make a real difference 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 learning. As part of the Polaris Community, we have been dedicated to improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, with a network of over 15 SEN schools across the UK. We take pride in our commitment to excellence, 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 mark assignments.
* Build positive relationships with your pupil(s) to drive interaction 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 a minimum of GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics.
* Possess sound IT skills.
* Bring previous experience as a Teaching Assistant or in a similar role.
* Have experience working with pupils with SEMH in an educational setting.
* Be confident in taking on additional responsibilities, such as Food Hygiene, Forest School, Lunchtimes, or School Yoga.
* Be experienced in behavior management techniques.
* Be committed to your professional development and eager to learn.
* Be willing 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. 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 impact on the lives of vulnerable children.
* A friendly and inclusive team dedicated to improving pupil outcomes.
Join us in our mission to provide high-quality education in a safe environment. We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates. Together, let’s inspire the next generation!