Dedicated Teaching Assistant

The Downs School, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 6AD

25 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  Negotiable for suitable candidate

• Closing date

  2 March 2026 at 8am

• Date listed

  5 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5
• Working pattern: Full time, part time: Permanent, full-time and part-time options available, term-time only. Plus 1 inset day in September
• Contract type: Permanent
• Pay scale: West Berkshire Council Salary Band C £24,796 FTE (to be pro-rated accordingly for term-time and hours worked)

What skills and experience we're looking for

We are looking to recruit a talented, motivational, and inspiring individual to provide teachers and the SEN team with practical support. You will work either individually or with small groups of children to promote positive learning and behaviour.

A passion and interest in supporting all children in a school setting is essential. This is an immensely rewarding role in its own right but also provides good experience for anyone considering training as a teacher. About the Role: As a successful candidate, you will:

•be organised, flexible and reliable, with the ability to work with students in a professional and appropriate way

•be well-motivated and keen to show their enthusiasm for the role

•introduce work to students, set by a subject specialist, and support the students with their learning in the absence of the classroom teacher

• issue (not setting) work, managing behaviour, responding to students' general queries and ensuring students are working to their full potential,

•contribute to the development of the department as part of a dedicated team

•have a professional attitude that is open to innovative ways of working

•be flexible and adaptable when faced with challenges

What the school offers its staff

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• Caring Environment: Our positive ethos prioritises staff well-being and recognition.

• Empowerment: Work alongside ambitious, dedicated colleagues who are committed to developing the whole child.

• Exceptional Students: Engage with children who love being at school, exhibit exceptional behaviour and have a strong attitude towards their learning.

• Professional Environment: Join a stimulating and collaborative workplace in a school Ofsted labelled as ‘exceptional’ in October 2024

• Professional Growth: Access extraordinary professional development and support to enhance your skills.

• Flexible Work Options: We value work balance through the availability of flexible working, our ‘Time for you Tuesdays’, commuted INSETs and Employee Assistance Programme

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

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

TA Advert Feb26.pdf - 123 KB (opens in new tab)

Teaching Assistant JD.pdf - 233 KB (opens in new tab)

About The Downs School

• School type: Local authority maintained school, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary school
• School size: 1437 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: The Downs School website
• Email address: recruitment@thedownsschool.org
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/the-downs-school

The Downs School, a Foundation, 11-18 comprehensive school, is a successful, oversubscribed and popular school serving the Downs area of West Berkshire. The roll is nearly 1300 with a well-established sixth form. Results at all levels are consistently above national averages and Ofsted described our students as having ‘excellent personal and social skills’ who ‘achieve well academically’.

Arranging a visit to The Downs School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@thedownsschool.org.

School location

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