Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Location: Cranleigh
Salary: Qualified HLTA: £29,600 - £32,763
Unqualified HLTA: £25,632 - £28,412
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
Hours: 36 hours per week, 39 weeks per year (term time plus 5 INSET days)
Closing date – 8th June 2026
Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant ready to take the next step in your career? Or an existing HLTA looking for a rewarding new opportunity?
At The Specialist Trust, they are seeking a compassionate and motivated Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated education team as soon as possible.
Based in Cranleigh, Surrey – midway between Guildford and Horsham – The Trust is a specialist SEN school, college, children’s home and adult supported living provision. Set within a beautiful 23-acre site on the edge of the Surrey Hills, they support children and young people aged 5-19 with complex learning disabilities, autism, severe social communication difficulties and behaviours that challenge.
About the role
This is a class-based HLTA role where you will work closely alongside the class teacher to deliver engaging learning experiences and contribute to lesson planning and preparation. You will also help monitor student progress and provide mentoring and guidance to Teaching Assistants within the classroom team.
Their students have a wide range of complex needs and require patient, consistent and compassionate support to help them develop communication, independence and life skills. You will play a vital role in helping them learn, grow and achieve their individual potential.
As part of the role, you may also support students with personal care needs to ensure they remain comfortable and supported throughout the school day. Full training and ongoing support will be provided, including positive behaviour support and physical intervention training where required.
Mental, emotional and physical resilience, teamwork and a proactive approach are essential qualities for this role.
Working hours
Working hours during term time and INSET days are:
* Monday: 8:30am – 4pm
* Tuesday to Thursday: 8:30am – 4:15pm
* Friday: 8:30am – 3:45pm
(plus 30 minutes per week worked flexibly to meet operational needs, with a 30-minute unpaid break each day).
This role is for 38 weeks term time plus 5 CPD days.
Who they’re looking for
They welcome applications from:
* Qualified HLTAs
* Experienced Teaching Assistants looking to progress into an HLTA role
* Unqualified HLTAs willing to undertake relevant training
Due to their semi-rural location, access to your own transport is desirable, as Cranleigh does not have a train station.
Why join The Specialist Trust?
They value and invest in their staff and offer a wide range of benefits, including:
* Free lunch during term time, prepared by their in-house catering team
* Ample free onsite parking
* £1,000 retention bonus for new employees:
* Life insurance and Medical Cashplan
* Comprehensive induction programme
* Regular training, supervision and 1:1 mentoring
* 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme with confidential wellbeing and counselling support
* Access to Adult Mental Health First Aiders and Occupational Health support
* Discounted fitness classes with Surrey Fitness Camps and Go Fest Active Studio
* Excellent opportunities for career progression and promotion
* A supportive and welcoming multidisciplinary team environment
* The opportunity to work within a beautiful countryside setting on the edge of the Surrey Hills
*
o £250 after 1 month
o £250 after 1 year
o £500 after 18 months
Please note that they are unable to sponsor applicants to relocate from overseas or convert study visas into work visas at this time.
Interviews and selection activities will take place shortly afterwards and will include teaching a prepared lesson a topic provided in advance.
If appointed, you will be required to complete Team Teach positive behaviour support training as part of your induction prior to commencing employment (refreshed annually).
The Specialist Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This role requires an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for The Specialist Trust, please do not hesitate to apply.