Graduate Learning Assistant

Employer: Holcombe Grammar School

Salary: TSAT C/D £16,500 – £22,561 FTE (£13,969 - £19,099 for the hours and weeks stated)

Hours and weeks: 25 hours per week

Location: Chatham, Kent

Start Date: ASAP

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is the best performing Multi Academy Trust for KS4 progress (2017 Performance Tables)

“Holcombe Grammar School deliver an inspiring curriculum” – Ofsted April 2018

Closing Date for Applications: 20 September 2019

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Graduate Learning Assistant who will support the work of the SENCO with individual students and groups of students, supporting with the monitoring of progress for individuals. You will assist in the promotion of high standards of behaviour and conduct within the School and to provide support for colleagues through the enactment of school policy and procedure. You will be required to supervise students during break/lunchtime etc. 

You will support colleagues as directed in all aspects of learning, personal development and emotional literacy both within classrooms and in other defined learning environments. You will support designated colleagues in the preparation and presentation of learning resources of both an academic and pastoral nature. You will also be required to be fully involved with all special activities related to the School and to provide support to extended enrichment provision as directed. 

We are a successful grammar school for students aged 11-18 with a long-standing reputation for being a supportive and caring environment in which to teach and learn. We have seen significant developments in recent years, which have resulted in greatly improved examination results, and much investment in facilities including three new science laboratories and a fully equipped gymnasium installed in 2016. As part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, we aim to guide our students to become successful, well-rounded and confident individuals with the ability to achieve their personal best.

After the school’s 'Good' Ofsted judgement in April 2018, Holcombe Grammar School has continued to make rapid progress towards becoming one of the most successful grammar schools in the South-East. The English department has continued to perform well over the last few years and this post will give the successful candidate opportunities to further develop their teaching and leadership skills as the department takes on new challenges. 

Our mission is to “transform life chances”; at The Thinking Schools Academy Trust, we believe education has the power to change lives and children only have one chance to get this right. To ensure all our academies focus on our mission school leaders translated our mission to core values that would be demonstrated and evident in all our Academies:

Child First, Aspire, Challenge, Achieve

What you will need to succeed:

• Degree (ideally in core subjects) or alternative Level 4 course or above 

• ‘C’ grades or above at GCSE level (or equivalent) in English and Maths 

• An aspiring teacher or someone committed to supporting students within the SEN area at Key Stage 3 or 4, or support students specifically with language needs

• Excellent interpersonal skills 

• Effective communicator both orally and in writing

• Effective ICT skills 

• Good/excellent knowledge of  SIMS (or equivalent) or ability to learn

• Excellent organisational and administrative skills

• Experience of working with children and young people 

• Understanding of the educational system and current developments

• Awareness of current legislation regarding children 

• Ability to motivate and to support learning 

• In addition, due to the special needs of some students, you must be qualified or be willing to undertake training in supporting personal care and hygiene of students

What you will get in return from Holcombe Grammar School:

Opportunity to work in a campus of well-appointed buildings centred on the historic Holcombe Manor with easy access to M2, M20 and M25. We are proud to work with parents who are supportive of our school values and ethos. You will benefit from vast support network from senior leaders and other teachers within the school and our trust

You will also benefit from a discounted price of the Thinking Fitness gym, conveniently located on the site of Holcombe Grammar School.

What you need to do now:

If you are interested in working in our school, benefiting from a supportive network of teachers across our large academy and our Trust and you are keen to progress your career, then please apply today!

We encourage early applications and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.

If this position as a Graduate Learning Assistant is not quite right for you, but you would be interested for any other positions within our Trust please contact recruitment@tsatrust.org.uk, or submit your CV to our talent pool on our website to ensure that you are added to our talent pool and considered for any relevant future positions.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.