Teaching Assistant

Location: St Edward’s School, SO51 6ZR

Contract: Permanent, full-time, term-time only (35.83 hours per week)

Salary Range: £21,861 to £24,160 per annum (actual salary), dependent on experience.

Start Date: Negotiable.

Closing Date: 1st March 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a high volume of suitable applications is received.

‘Make yourself necessary’ and build your career at St Edward’s School.

St Edward’s School (rated Outstanding by Ofsted, 2025) provides a nurturing, specialist learning environment where every pupil is supported to grow, build resilience, and thrive. With increasing pupil numbers, we are seeking experienced and committed Teaching Assistants to join our highly skilled team. This is an exciting opportunity to join St Edward’s School.

The Role

As a Teaching Assistant at St Edward’s School, you will:

• Provide invaluable support for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, both within the classroom and across the wider school context, including one-to-one work.

• Work closely with teachers, therapists, and pastoral staff to help pupils overcome barriers to learning and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

• Promote positive behaviour, resilience, and self-confidence.

• Contribute to a calm, safe, and inclusive learning environment.

What we are looking for

We are seeking compassionate, motivated professionals who:

• Have experience supporting children or young people with learning difficulties and/or additional needs, including SEMH.

• Communicate effectively and demonstrate a calm, patient, and empathetic approach.

• Have secure skills in English, Mathematics, and ICT.

• Are passionate about making a meaningful difference to young people’s lives.

• Thrive as part of a collaborative and supportive team.

Our vision

At St Edward’s, our vision is clear:

To ensure that every pupil has access to an accredited, high-quality education tailored to their individual needs, complemented by meaningful opportunities for vocational learning.

We aim to equip young people with not only academic qualifications, but also the confidence, strategies, and resilience they need to manage challenges, build self-belief and succeed in education, employment, and life beyond St Edward’s School.

Why Join St Edward’s?

Staff Wellbeing

Your wellbeing is a priority. Staff benefit from:

·         A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (legal, financial, health, and counselling support)

·         Two dedicated staff wellbeing days per year

·         A two-week October half-term break

·         Access to professional supervision and support from a Clinical Psychologist

·         A dedicated senior leader responsible for staff wellbeing. 

Career Development

We are committed to your professional growth through:

·         A thorough induction programme

·         High-quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

·         Clear pathways for career progression and development.

Rewards and Benefits

·         Competitive salary scales reflecting experience and expertise.

·         Pension scheme including life cover

·         Free on-site lunches during term time

·         Free on-site parking

·         Use of excellent sports facilities outside school hours, including a fitness suite, swimming pool, and sports hall.

Community Spirit

St Edward’s is a warm, inclusive, and collaborative community. We are proud of our strong staff retention, supportive culture, and shared commitment to putting pupils first. Our staff work creatively and collectively, always supporting one another and celebrating success.

Safeguarding and Application Procedure

St Edward’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

Appointments are subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and other relevant pre-employment checks.

Online searches are conducted on all shortlisted candidates. This may include search engines and social media platforms.

St Edward’s is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons.

Please note: CVs are not an acceptable alternative to a fully completed application form.