Join Our Team as a Teaching Assistant (Secondary)
Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only
Salary: £20,422.00 - £23,232.69
Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme
Location: Headingley, Leeds
Start Date: April 2026
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people? At Ormston School in Leeds, we believe in the power of community and collaboration to achieve the best outcomes for our students. We are excited to invite dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our new secondary class starting in April 2026!
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 investments and new resources, you will have the chance to help shape a supportive atmosphere that fosters self-discipline, engagement, and a love for learning.
As part of the Polaris Community, we have been transforming the lives of young people for over 30 years. Our network includes over 15 SEN schools across the UK, all dedicated to offering tailored, diverse education in a safe and encouraging environment. We are proud to have 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 collaborate with staff to meet their needs.
* Supervise pupils during non-classroom activities, including extracurricular events and school trips.
* Help with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
* Set work and mark assignments as needed.
* 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 SEMH in an educational setting.
* Confidence to take on additional responsibilities in areas like Food Hygiene, Forest School, or School Yoga.
* Skills in behaviour management and 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 You
Join us and enjoy:
* A workplace that prioritizes the emotional health and wellbeing of everyone, including you!
* Support for your professional growth through a variety of development opportunities.
* The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality education.
* A friendly, inclusive team dedicated to improving pupil outcomes.
The successful candidate will need to complete an enhanced DBS Check, which will be covered by Polaris Community.
Polaris Community is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from 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.