Gilbert Ward Academy
Princess Louise Road
Blyth
Northumberland
NE24 2TS
37 hours per week, term time + 5 additional training days
Please note that candidates who applied to the recent advert, which closed on 26.02.2026, need not apply.
Are you looking for an exciting new role to support pupils?
Gilbert Ward Academy is seeking to appoint a Pastoral Support Officer. We are looking for a committed and experienced individual to support the school in the lead-up to our Ofsted inspection.
This role is perfect for a positive and professional individual with
* 4 GCSEs Grade C+/4+ (or equivalent) including Maths and English
* NVQ Level 3 DfE recognised Teaching Assistant / SEND Assistant, EYFS or Childcare qualification or higher qualification with relevant experience
* Willingness to participate in relevant training and development opportunities
* Good ICT skills and the proven ability to use them effectively to support learning
As a valued member of our team, you will
* Develop and maintain effective relationships with pupils most of whom struggle with formal education
* Play a key role in an on-call support network available to pupils throughout the working day
* Be responsible for pastoral support, re‑engagement and interventions for pupils within a particular pathway
* Act as a role model to other teaching assistants and support staff with behaviour interventions
Does this sound like the role for you?
Gilbert Ward Academy is a new, purpose‑built Department for Education (DfE) special free school designed to provide a tailored education for pupils aged 11‑16 with SEMH needs and ASC. Opened recently to meet a growing demand in the region, the academy is proud to offer a modern, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment.
Our facilities have been specifically designed to support the unique needs of our pupils, with specialist spaces to encourage personal growth, learning, and well‑being. Located in Blyth, Northumberland, we are deeply committed to fostering resilience, independence, and aspiration in every pupil we serve.
As part of Prosper Learning Trust, which supports five specialist schools in the North East, we share a commitment to empowering vulnerable young people to succeed.
To learn more about Gilbert Ward Academy and Prosper Learning Trust, please visit the websites.
Prosper Learning Trust was established in January 2018 to help vulnerable young people succeed against the odds. Four core values underpin everything we do as a Trust: Aspiration, Integrity, Resilience and Kindness. We are looking for staff who share those values and want to support our young people.
The Trust currently has 5 schools in the region
* Newcastle Bridges School – Alternative Provision academy offering education to pupils unable to access mainstream school due to medical needs including hospitalised children and young people (3‑19 years)
* Mary Astell Academy – Alternative Provision academy offering education to permanently excluded pupils and pupils who are struggling in mainstream school (11‑16 years)
* Thomas Bewick Special School – Special School academy for pupils with a diagnosis of autism (3‑19 years)
* Harry Watts Academy – Special School academy for pupils with a diagnosis of autism (5‑16 years)
* Gilbert Ward Academy – Special School academy for pupils with SEMH or a diagnosis of autism (11‑16 years)
The successful candidate will be deployed initially at Gilbert Ward Academy but will be expected to work at any Prosper Learning Trust site should the need arise.
Benefits of working for Prosper Learning Trust
* The Trust is proud to say that we match the Real Living Wage and we also offer successful candidates:
* A friendly and supportive team of staff who are willing to share expertise and learn from one another
* Opportunities for career development and support with development through Trust‑wide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes
* Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and support from the Trust's Wellbeing Network Group
* Access to either Teacher's Pension or Local Government Pension Scheme, each with favourable employer contribution rates.
* Employee‑centred policies that support you in and beyond the workplace
* Funds eye tests for DSE users (subject to T/Cs)
* Bike 2 Work scheme
For more information on why we think you should work for us see our Trust website, where you will also find videos of what our current staff think.
The successful candidate will be welcomed into the Trust, so if this sounds like the job for you please don't hesitate to apply.
Please note that all successful candidates will be required to complete an online pre‑employment medical questionnaire.
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