Teaching Assistant

Please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.


A small school with a big heart. A place where relationships matter and every achievement counts.

We are a small, independent specialist secondary school for pupils aged 11–16. Our community is creative, compassionate and deeply connected. We know our pupils well, celebrate their individuality and believe every young person deserves to feel understood, valued and successful.

We are looking for a caring, resilient and enthusiastic Learning Support Assistant who shares our belief that education is about more than academic achievement. It is about helping young people develop confidence, communication, resilience, independence and the skills they need for life.

What Does the Role Involve?

Although we are a secondary school, our pupils work at a range of learning levels, including KS1, KS2 and KS3.

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will work closely with teachers and colleagues to create a positive, engaging and supportive learning environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils with their learning across subjects including English, maths, science, reading, life skills and creative subjects.

• Working with individual pupils and small groups, adapting support to meet their different needs and abilities.

• Encouraging pupils to develop independence, confidence and resilience rather than simply completing tasks for them.

• Supporting teachers with classroom preparation, learning activities and assessment.

• Helping pupils develop communication, social skills and positive relationships.

• Establishing consistent routines, expectations and boundaries in line with our whole-school positive behaviour matrix.

• Supporting pupils to recognise their emotions and develop practical tools and strategies for self-regulation.

• Occasionally supervising and delivering pre-planned lessons in the teacher's absence, with appropriate guidance and support from the teaching and leadership team.

• Working collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a safe, nurturing and purposeful learning environment.

Relationships, Behaviour and Emotional Regulation

At New Horizon Academy, we believe behaviour is communication, but behaviour is also something we teach.

Our approach is trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming and built on positive relationships. We recognise that some pupils need significant support to understand their emotions, communicate their needs and develop the skills to manage challenging situations.

We believe that warmth and boundaries go hand in hand. Our pupils need adults who are compassionate, patient and understanding, but also confident in maintaining clear expectations and consistent boundaries.

Some of our pupils experience significant difficulties with emotional regulation, which can at times lead to behaviours that challenge, including physical aggression towards others.

You will not be expected to manage these situations alone. All staff receive Team Teach training and are supported by an experienced, collaborative team. We work together to understand behaviour, keep everyone safe and help pupils develop greater independence in managing their emotions.

Who Are We Looking For?

We would love to hear from someone who:

• Is compassionate, patient, resilient and genuinely enjoys working with young people.

• Believes every pupil can learn, develop and achieve.

• Can build positive relationships while maintaining clear and consistent boundaries.

• Is calm, confident and able to respond appropriately to challenging situations.

• Is willing to support learning across a variety of subjects and developmental levels.

• Can take initiative, adapt to changing situations and work collaboratively with others.

• Is reflective, open to feedback and enthusiastic about developing new skills.

• Brings warmth, creativity, humour and a positive attitude to the school day.

Previous experience working with pupils with SEND, including SEMH needs, would be an advantage but is not essential. We are equally interested in people who have the right values, attitude and willingness to learn.

Come and See Us!

We are proud of our school and would love to show you what makes it special. We warmly welcome prospective applicants to visit, meet our team and see our school in action.

For an informal conversation or to arrange a visit, please contact:

Jennie Marinho, Head Teacher
jennie@newhorizon-academy.co.uk
0121 448 3737

New Horizon Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check with children's barred list information, references and other relevant pre-employment checks.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.