Learning Support Assistant

Paignton Academy, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 3WA

22 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  January 2027

• Closing date

  4 November 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  13 October 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Teaching assistant
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Key stage: Key stage 3, Key stage 4
• Working pattern: Term time, part time: 28.08 hours per week, term time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Actual salary: £16,966 - £18,944 (£25,905 - £28,925 FTE)

What skills and experience we're looking for

Paignton Academy are seeking to appoint a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Learning Support Assistant to join our team on a permanent basis, working across our Borough Road and Waterleat Road sites.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), providing the support and encouragement they need to access learning, develop confidence and achieve their full potential.

About the Role

As a Learning Support Assistant, you will work closely with teaching staff and the wider SEND team to provide effective, individualised support for students with a range of additional needs.

You will support students both within the classroom and through targeted activities and interventions, helping them to engage positively with learning, develop their independence and make progress both academically and socially.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide tailored support to individual students and small groups
• Support students to access the curriculum and engage positively in lessons
• Assist with planned learning activities and targeted interventions
• Encourage students to develop confidence, independence and positive learning behaviours
• Support students' academic, social and emotional development
• Work collaboratively with teaching, SEND and pastoral colleagues
• Monitor students' progress and wellbeing, sharing relevant information with colleagues
• Help create a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience of working with children or young people, with school-based experience desirable
• Is passionate about supporting students with SEND and helping them achieve positive outcomes
• Is patient, empathetic, approachable and encouraging
• Can build positive and professional relationships with students
• Has strong communication and teamwork skills
• Is organised, reliable and able to use their initiative
• Is flexible and willing to work collaboratively across the Academy

What the school offers its staff

Why Join the Thinking Schools Academy Trust?

We’re proud to offer more than just a job—we provide a range of exceptional benefits to support and reward our staff

Career Development: We’re committed to your growth and offer fantastic opportunities for career advancement. From staff development days and conferences to apprenticeships at every level, we provide clear pathways for progression and exciting promotional opportunities across regions.

Health and Wellbeing Support: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations and eye care vouchers. Enjoy reduced membership fees at our fully-equipped fitness suite and classes.

Employee Recognition: Refer a Friend and TSTARS Staff Recognition Programme.

TSAT Benefits Portal: A one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including cashback on your favourite supermarkets and high street retailers, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.

Blue Light Card: Offering exclusive discounts and savings at thousands of retailers, restaurants, and attractions.

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

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process please email recruitment@tsatrust.org.uk

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.

PNA - LSA - Job Description - October 2026.pdf - 1 MB (opens in new tab)

About Paignton Academy

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 11 to 16
• Education phase: Secondary school
• Size: 1568 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Paignton Academy website
• Email address: tracy.pocock@tsatrust.org.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/paignton-academy

At Paignton Academy, we focus on developing well-rounded students who excel academically and grow socially, emotionally, and morally. We inspire our students to be kind, resilient, and responsible, preparing them to face challenges and contribute positively to society.

Paignton Academy is on a significant improvement journey which was recognised in its most recent Ofsted report (December 2024):

The school has redesigned its curriculum to be broad and ambitious. The knowledge pupils will learn is organised in a logical order. The impact of these improvements is evident in key stage 3, where pupils demonstrate they know and remember more of what they have been taught.

Since the previous inspection, the quality of provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has improved. Pupils’ needs are identified quickly, and appropriate support is put in place. Teachers have a growing understanding of how to adapt their teaching successfully for the benefit of these pupils. The school ensures that pupils with SEND are included in the wider life of the school.

Pupils’ behaviour has improved. Lessons are calm and purposeful. The ‘speak up, speak out’ campaign has led to more pupils feeling confident to report concerns.

Arranging a visit to Paignton Academy

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email tracy.pocock@tsatrust.org.uk.

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