Teaching Assistant

Contract: Full-Time, Term Time Only

Salary: £20,422.00 - £23,232.69

Benefits: Company Pension, Life Assurance, Employee Discount Scheme

Location: Headingley, Leeds

Start Date: April 2026

At Ormston School in Leeds, we believe in the power of community and collaboration to achieve the best outcomes for our young people. If you're passionate about education and eager to contribute to a nurturing environment, this is the perfect opportunity for you! We are looking for dedicated Teaching Assistants to join our new secondary class starting in April 2026.

Located in the vibrant area of Headingley, our school provides a safe and supportive environment for pupils aged 5 to 18. With significant investment and a wealth of new resources, you will have the chance to help shape a learning space that promotes self-discipline, engagement, and inspiration. Our mission is to offer each pupil a diverse and appropriate education that encourages aspiration and achievement.

As part of the Polaris Community, we have been transforming the lives of young people for over 30 years. With over 15 SEN schools across the UK, we work collaboratively to provide tailored education in a safe and supportive environment. We are proud that 100% of our inspected services have been rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Mentor and support one pupil or a small group of no more than six pupils.
• Assist the classroom teacher during lessons.
• Report on pupils' progress and concerns, collaborating with other staff to meet their needs.
• Supervise pupils during non-classroom time, including extracurricular activities and school trips.
• Help with lesson planning and classroom preparation.
• Set work where appropriate and provide marking support.
• Build positive relationships with pupils to drive interaction and positive learning outcomes.

To thrive in this role, you should:

• Have a strong educational background, ideally to A-level, with at least GCSE Grade C or equivalent in English Language and Mathematics.
• Possess sound IT skills and previous experience as a Teaching Assistant.
• Have experience working with pupils with SEMH in an educational setting.
• Be confident in taking on additional responsibilities in areas such as Food Hygiene, Forest School, Lunchtimes, or School Yoga.
• Demonstrate experience in behavior management techniques.
• Be committed to professional development and eager to learn.
• Be willing to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check prior to starting work.

We value the emotional health and wellbeing of everyone in our community, including you! Here’s what you can expect:

• A commitment to support your professional development through a variety of opportunities.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable children who deserve high-quality teaching in a safe environment.
• A friendly and inclusive team dedicated to improving pupil outcomes.

Join us in our mission to create a brighter future for our students. We can’t wait to welcome you to our team!

Polaris Community is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment.