Access Leader (Teaching Assistant)

Sir John Talbot's School, Whitchurch, Shropshire, SY13 2BY

18 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  2nd November 2026

• Closing date

  13 October 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  25 September 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: Grade 6 (SCP 7–11) (Currently £26,403 to £28,142 Pro Rata) (Actual £22,361 to £23,834)

Access Leader (Teaching Assistant) job summary

Teaching Assistant (Access Leader)

Do you have a passion for working with children with SEND being dedicated to developing the mindset of the future generation and ensuring they are fully included?

Do you wish to take the next step in your career and work in a department where learning provides opportunities to ensure students with SEND reach their full potential?

If you are flexible and adaptable and willing to work with children who have a high need and the desire and commitment to raise the achievement of pupils at all levels, come and join our passionate and supportive team.

Grade 6 SCP 7-11 (Currently £26,403 to £28,142 Per annum (Pro Rata) (£13.69 to £14.59 per hour)

Permanent

Term Time plus 2 days

Required for 2nd November 2026

To be successful you will need to:

Have skills in communication, collaboration, listening, adaptability, empathy, and patience.

Possess outstanding organisational and administrative skills

Think creatively to anticipate and solve problems

Embody the values of ‘Achievement through Caring’

Contribute fully to school life

Have high expectations of yourself and be a role model to others

Be determined to play a pivotal role in the SEND Department, working closely with the Assistant Headteacher/ SENCO to achieve this

Why this Teaching Assistant (Access Leader) role above others?

Our SEND team works collaboratively to promote the progress and achievement of students with SEND throughout the school.

The department thrives on delivering a knowledge rich curriculum in well-resourced classrooms.

The successful applicant will be part of a team that has a variety of specialised staff, all offering support and guidance to each other, which creates a positive and hardworking ethos. They go above and beyond to ensure all pupils achieve.

Sir John Talbot’s School is at the centre of the community of Whitchurch, with excellent links to sports, business, and partner primary schools. We are committed to equipping all pupils with the skills and experiences that will prepare them for life. As part of The Marches Academy Trust, we have access to a network of support and challenge, ensuring we are operating at the forefront of educational thinking. The school sits in mature grounds with historic roots, providing an attractive setting in which pupils can thrive. Facilities are extensive including the community Leisure Centre, well-resourced faculty areas and Sixth Form.

We offer:

An ‘outstanding’ curriculum offering students a strong core entitlement in English, Mathematics and Science.

A full extra curricular programme with opportunities for enrichment activities for all.

Excellent professional learning and support, with opportunity for continued personal development.

Career development opportunities including funded NPQs.

Excellent staff facilities – workroom, kitchenette, and social space.

Staff benefits include staff wellbeing offer, teacher and local government pension schemes, use of laptop and free membership of our onsite fitness suite.

An enthusiastic and supportive team of staff, parents, and governors.

If you are interested in this post and would like the opportunity to visit the school, or if you have any queries, please email Mrs Gail Winstone, Headteacher’s PA: Gail.Winstone@sjt.mmat.co.uk

For further information or to apply for the post please visit our online recruitment site via the school’s website https://www.sirjohntalbots.co.uk/ (Please note we do not accept CVs).

Closing date: Monday, 12th October 2026 at 9am

Interview date: Thursday, 15th October 2026

The Marches Academy Trust values each person equally. We are committed to building a diverse team and embedding a welcoming, inclusive culture that encourages diversity and authenticity. We believe this will encourage creative ways of thinking – ensuring we collaborate more effectively and achieve better outcomes. We welcome applicants from all qualified candidates who share this commitment.

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in our care and expect all staff to share this commitment. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to declare any criminal convictions and will be subject to online checks. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Sir John Talbot's School

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 11 to 19
• Education phase: Secondary school
• Size: 861 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Sir John Talbot's School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/sir-john-talbot-s-school

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