Dedicated Teaching Assistant
The Downs School
Berkshire
- Expiring soon
- Salary:
- West Berkshire Council Salary Band C £24,796 FTE (to be pro-rated accordingly for term-time and hours worked) Contract type: Permanent, full-time and part-time options available, term-time only. Plus 1 inset day in September
- Job type:
- Full Time, Part Time, Permanent
- Apply by:
- 2 March 2026
Job overview
We are looking to recruit a talented, motivational, and inspiring individual to provide teachers and the SEN team with practical support. You will work either individually or with small groups of children to promote positive learning and behaviour.
A passion and interest in supporting all children in a school setting is essential. This is an immensely rewarding role in its own right but also provides good experience for anyone considering training as a teacher.
About the Role: As a successful candidate, you will:
be organised, flexible and reliable, with the ability to work with students in a professional and appropriate way
be well-motivated and keen to show their enthusiasm for the role
introduce work to students, set by a subject specialist, and support the students with their learning in the absence of the classroom teacher
issue (not setting) work, managing behaviour, responding to students' general queries and ensuring students are working to their full potential,
contribute to the development of the department as part of a dedicated team
have a professional attitude that is open to innovative ways of working
be flexible and adaptable when faced with challenges
In return, you’ll enjoy:
Caring Environment: Our positive ethos prioritises staff well-being and recognition.
Empowerment: Work alongside ambitious, dedicated colleagues who are committed to developing the whole child.
Exceptional Students: Engage with children who love being at school, exhibit exceptional behaviour and have a strong attitude towards their learning.
Professional Environment: Join a stimulating and collaborative workplace in a school Ofsted labelled as ‘exceptional’ in October 2024
Professional Growth: Access extraordinary professional development and support to enhance your skills.
Flexible Work Options: We value work balance through the availability of flexible working, our ‘Time for you Tuesdays’, commuted INSETs and Employee Assistance Programme
About Us - The Downs School and Sixth Form is a successful, oversubscribed, and highly regarded secondary school located in the beautiful Downs area of West Berkshire. Praised in our recent Ofsted for the exceptional behaviour of our students, we are ranked in the top 5% of schools nationally for Progress 8, reflecting our commitment to high-quality teaching, learning, and student outcomes.
The Downland Federation (namely The Downs School & Sixth Form, Compton CofE Primary School and Basildon CofE Primary School) is preparing to become a Multi Academy Trust, called Summit Education Trust from April 2026.
Application Details - We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy if sufficient applications are received. We welcome pre-arranged visits to the school. Please apply via TES and for more information, please contact recruitment@thedownsschool.org,
Closing date: 2 March 2026, 8am
The Downs School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be subject to social media checks, an Enhanced Disclosure Check through the DBS and provide evidence that they have a right to work in the UK.
Attached documents
Recruiter contact:
About The Downs School
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Welcome to our School
The Downs School & Sixth Form is a co-educational, non-denominational school set in the heart of the West Berkshire Downs near Newbury. We provide a balanced approach to the pursuit of excellence by offering an interesting, challenging and lively curriculum. Students gain academic, creative, sporting and social skills, both in and out of the classroom, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience for all. We also place a strong emphasis on the partnership between staff, students and parents and respect the trust placed upon us by parents who actively choose our school for their children.
Our Sixth Form is vibrant, welcoming, all-inclusive and purposeful. Staff, students and parents work together to create an environment in which our young people are supported to realise their full potential and achieve their personal goals.
Values and vision
Our staff are committed to excellence and achievement at all levels and we develop our students into well-rounded young adults, able to venture into a rapidly changing world with confidence and determination. These principles are summed up in our school vision ‘Educating today’s students for the world of tomorrow.’ Ofsted has judged us as outstanding in every category but we are not a school that wants to stand still. We know that there is always more to do to ensure that every child’s educational experience is rich, character building and of the highest possible standard. We are striving to beyond outstanding through our philosophy of “Learning together, learning for life.”
We work in partnership with our students who contribute to the decision-making in the school, ensuring they feel valued and confident. Despite our size, we pride ourselves on our small school feel.
Beyond the classroom
Learning extends beyond the classroom to extra-curricular activities and trips, both within the UK and overseas. Lessons are brought to life through a wide range of educational trips; from visiting theatres in London and New York for our Performing Arts students, an annual Geography trip to Iceland and exchange visits for our language students to France. Our Sixth Form students often choose to join the bi-annual skiing trip and there is the opportunity to take part in a major expedition. Past expeditions have travelled to Borneo, Norway and India.
We also offer other opportunities including inter-house sporting competitions and a variety of lunchtime and after school sport clubs. For those interested in dance, music or drama we offer a number of house competitions through the year and the opportunity to take part in our annual productions which have included Les Misérables and Billy Elliott. We also offer opportunities in debating, public speaking, creative writing and more.
Ofsted
“Students make very rapid progress across all year groups and in a wide range of subjects. The proportions of current Year 11 students making more than expected progress from Key Stage 2 in English and mathematics are very high. Together with students’ very high levels of attainment, this represents outstanding and sustained high achievement throughout Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4."
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