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 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 outstanding 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, Leeds, our school provides a safe and nurturing environment for pupils aged 5 to 18. With significant investment and a wealth of 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. With over 15 SEN schools across the UK, we are committed to delivering tailored, diverse, and appropriate education in a safe environment. We take pride in our track record, with 100% of our inspected services rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.
Your Role
As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting our students. Your responsibilities will include:
* Mentoring and supporting one pupil or a small group of no more than six pupils.
* Assisting the classroom teacher during lessons.
* Reporting on pupils' progress and collaborating with staff to meet their needs.
* Supervising pupils during non-classroom time, including extracurricular activities and school trips.
* Helping with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
* Setting work and marking assignments where appropriate.
* Building 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, along with sound IT skills.
* 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.
* Knowledge of behaviour management 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
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 who deserve high-quality teaching.
* A friendly and inclusive team dedicated to improving pupil outcomes.
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS Check, the cost of 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.