Overview
The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth. We are a family school known for excellent teaching, superb pastoral care and wide-ranging co-curricular opportunities, offering education from Pre-School to Sixth Form. We are looking for a well-qualified Higher Level Teaching Assistant to assess and support pupils across the Junior and Senior School from January 2026 (an earlier start date may be available). Reporting to the Head of Learning Support (SENCO), the role holder will help remove barriers to academic progress and provide individually tailored learning and personal support to an agreed cohort of pupils. The HLTA will work on a one-to-one or small group basis with a caseload referred by the Head of Learning Support, providing additional support that complements existing academic and pastoral structures.
Responsibilities
* Assess and support pupils across the Junior and Senior School, primarily on a one-to-one or small-group basis.
* Work with a caseload referred by the Head of Learning Support and provide tailored learning and personal support to remove barriers to progress.
* Collaborate with the Learning Support team to complement existing academic and pastoral provisions.
* Deliver interventions in literacy, numeracy, study skills, revision techniques and curriculum support as required.
Qualifications and Experience
* Essential: A good standard of education with GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above.
* Desirable: Level 4 Certificate in Higher Level Teaching Assistant; Level 4 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning; Level 4 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools; HLTA status gained through assessment of an evidence-based portfolio and classroom observations; PGCE or QTS.
* Willingness to work towards accreditation as an HLTA and to demonstrate ability to operate within the HLTA Standards framework as set out by the HLTA National Assessment Partnership.
Additional Information about Learning Support
Learning Support is a well-established, integral part of the school, based in a newly refurbished suite of offices and teaching spaces. Interventions are termly commitments that may incur an additional cost and can include literacy, numeracy, study skills, revision techniques and curriculum support. The department identifies pupils’ strengths and weaknesses through screening of new entrants and targeted testing where necessary. The role offers opportunities for work, personal and professional development across all key stages and sectors of the school. The Learning Support Department is line-managed by the Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning).
Contract and Working Hours
This is a permanent, full-time, term-time only role, with attendance at all INSET days. Hours are 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm, or 8:00am to 4:00pm (to suit the successful candidate), with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. Applications from candidates seeking a part-time role of at least 0.8 FTE will also be considered. Please indicate clearly in your application whether you want a full- or part-time position.
How to Apply
Candidates should apply using the PGS application form linked to our advert on Tes or via the “Work With Us” page on our website: https://www.pgs.org.uk/about-us/work-with-us. For any queries, please contact recruitment@pgs.org.uk. The closing date is midday on 9 October 2025, with interviews scheduled in the week commencing 13 October 2025 and a provisional interview date of 16 October 2025.
Safeguarding and Recruitment
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and applicants may be asked to provide details of their online profile, including social media handles, as part of the application. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offences Act 1974; applicants may be asked to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview to assess suitability to work with children.
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