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 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 their 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 interaction 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.
* Skills in behavior 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
At Ormston School, we value the emotional health and wellbeing of our staff and students. Here’s what you can expect:
* A workplace that prioritizes your wellbeing.
* Support for your professional development through a variety of opportunities.
* The chance to make a significant contribution to the lives of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching.
* A friendly and inclusive team dedicated to improving pupil outcomes.
Join us in our mission to inspire and educate! The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, the cost of which will be 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, and expects all staff to share this commitment.