Learning Support Assistant

Starting from September 2026 (one – two terms)

Working as part of a dedicated and friendly team, under the direction of the Head of Student Support, we have an exciting opportunity for a Learning Support Assistant to join our Associate Staff to cover a period of maternity leave. You will support a caseload of students, run group activities and undertake associated administration.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has good interpersonal skills.

• Confident working independently.

• Works successfully as a member of a team.

• Is able to work in a fast moving, and sometimes changing, environment, can evidence independent working and shows a flexible approach to supporting students.

• Is keen to learn about special educational needs and education.

At Reading School, we have a clear educational philosophy and a deeply rooted commitment to social mobility. In all we do we seek to nurture character and develop academic excellence, and we know that what we do really matters. More than 10% of our Year 7 students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and we are proud of the difference that we make. In 2026, the school was rated the Sunday Times South East State Secondary School of the Year.

We are a short walk from central Reading and close to transport links. Reading is a diverse place to live with arts, culture and heritage at the heart of the town.

Hours of work: 25 hours per week (5 hours per day, Mon to Fri – exact hours to be discussed at interview) Grade: RS03 Point 8

Full Time Equivalent Salary: £26,823 pa; actual salary: £15,728 pa

This is a fixed term appointment to cover Maternity Leave.

Deadline for Applications: Friday 12 June 2026.

Application Process

To conform with our Safer Recruitment process, all applicants must complete an application via our recruitment portal. Links to the portal can be found on our website:https://www.reading-school.co.uk/vacancies

Stand-alone CVs will not be considered for shortlisting.

Candidates should complete the personal statement section of the application form clearly detailing how their skills and experience meet the job description and person specification.

USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI): At Reading School, we do not prohibit the appropriate use of AI in the application process for our job vacancies. We recognise the role that technology can play in supporting fairness and accessibility for all applicants. That being said, as a school that holds integrity and leadership at the core of our values, we believe that the individual character and potential of each candidate are what truly matter. We encourage all candidates to present an application that truly reflects their own abilities, ideas and voices as authentically as possible, providing us with an insight in to their genuine character and aspirations. Synthetically generated applications that do not include the applicant’s own voice will not be considered favourably.

Application Forms will be reviewed on receipt. Early application is advised as we hold the right to close the application process early if a suitable applicant applies and is appointed.

Safeguarding guidelines look to references being obtained prior to interview. Please ensure any referees who you are happy for us to contact before interview are aware that they may be asked to provide a reference with a relatively short deadline.

Reading School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate must be willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS Disclosure. Full details of our Safeguarding - Staff Recruitment Policy and Data Policy can be found on our website.

Reading School seeks to create a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.

If you have any queries regarding our current vacancies or the Safer Recruitment process, please contact: hr@reading-school.co.uk

or by telephone:0118 901 5600