Higher Level Teaching Assistant

The Stephen Longfellow Academy is seeking to recruit an inspirational colleague to the role of Higher Level Teaching Assistant. This role is of great importance to our work as an Academy - the successful applicant will be expected to complement the professional work of teachers by taking responsibility for agreed learning activities under an agreed system of supervision. This may involve planning, preparing and delivering activities for individuals/groups or short term for whole classes (PPA cover) and monitoring pupils and assessing, recording and reporting on pupils’ achievement, progress and development.

The post holder will be responsible for the management and development and management of other Teaching Assistants including allocation and monitoring of work, appraisal and training.

Potential applicants should have:

·       Higher Level Teaching Assistant status or working towards this (Level 4).

·       Level 2 Numeracy/ Literacy (or willingness to work towards).

·       Working knowledge and experience of implementing national/ foundation stage curriculum and other relevant learning programmes/strategies.

·       Good understanding of child development and learning processes. 

What we offer you:

As a trust, we want to ensure that professionals at every stage in their career have the opportunity to enjoy expert support and training. We are pleased to offer a generous benefits package to our team – as we work together to create a rewarding future for all including: 

·       Membership of a teacher or local government pension scheme, depending on the role.   

·       A commitment to continued investment in our professionals, supporting every member of staff throughout their career in the trust. 

·       Access to an Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential professional advice and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

·       £2k Cycle to work scheme. 

About us:

Working as part of The GORSE Academies Trust, The Stephen Longfellow Academy offers both exceptional education and therapy. Students are taught national curriculum subjects and have access to a range of therapeutic services such as counselling. Therapy is delivered as both an integrated part of our timetable but also within discrete groups or on a 1:1 basis. We believe a therapeutic and nurturing approach allows our students to grow in confidence and increase their self-esteem so that they can successfully integrate into their learning environment and the wider community.   

By developing personalised learning programmes to meet the needs of vulnerable young people, we want all of our students to have the opportunities similar to those found in large mainstream schools, so that they can leave as confident young adults, ready to seize the opportunities of further education, training or work.   

Please note if you submit an electronic application, we will not require a hard copy. CVs are not accepted.

Closing date for applications: 6 February 2026    

Interviews will take place: TBC                  

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to full employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and barring service check. We promote diversity and aim to establish a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds.    

Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK – either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.   

Please note that, as a sponsor licence holder, we only provide sponsorship for teacher vacancies.