Pastoral Teaching Assistant
The Lodestar Academy, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 8JE23 days remaining to apply
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
4 October 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
11 September 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4
Working pattern
- Full time: 37 hours per week, 40 weeks per year Monday to Friday
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- £24,216 - £28,104 (£26,866 - £31,179 FTE)
What skills and experience we're looking for
Be the Difference That Changes a Life
We are seeking an exceptionalPastoral Teaching Assistantto join our dedicated team and support some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in our community. This is more than a job. It is an opportunity to help students who may have struggled in mainstream education rediscover confidence, develop resilience, re-engage with learning and realise their potential.
If you are someone who believes in the power of positive relationships, understands that behaviour is communication, and wants to make a genuine difference every day, we would love to hear from you.
The Role
Working alongside our pastoral and teaching teams, you will play a vital role in supporting students' emotional wellbeing, behaviour and engagement with learning. Reporting to the Lead for Behaviour, you will:
- Deliver pastoral interventions for individual students and small groups.
- Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
- Use trauma-informed approaches to support students to regulate emotions and make positive choices.
- Promote engagement, attendance, resilience and independence.
- Support behaviour plans tailored to individual needs.
- Work collaboratively with teachers, families and external agencies.
- Help create a safe, supportive and aspirational learning environment for every student.
No two days are the same. You will be part mentor, advocate, role model and champion for young people who need someone to believe in them.
We are looking for someone who:
- Shares our belief that every child can succeed.
- Has a passion for supporting young people facing disadvantage and barriers to learning.
- Can remain calm, compassionate and consistent in challenging situations.
- Is skilled at building positive relationships with students, colleagues and families.
- Understands the importance of safeguarding and student wellbeing.
- Values teamwork and thrives in a collaborative environment.
- Is reflective, resilient and committed to continuous professional growth.
- Has experience working with children or young people, particularly those with additional needs, social, emotional or mental health needs, or challenging circumstances.
Most importantly, we are seeking someone who leads with empathy, maintains high expectations and never gives up on a young person.
This role would suit someone who believes that education is about more than academic achievement. It is about helping young people rebuild confidence, develop character and create brighter futures.
If you want to be part of a team that changes lives every day and shares a relentless commitment to ensuring no child is defined by their circumstances, we encourage you to apply.
Together, we transform life chances.
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 are committed to supporting your professional growth and offer a wide range of opportunities for career advancement. From staff development days and conferences to apprenticeships, we provide clear pathways for progression and promotional opportunities across our regions.
Health and Wellbeing Support: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support, preferential access to Benenden Health, free flu vaccinations and eye care vouchers.
Employee Recognition:Referral Scheme, Long Service Awards and the TSTARS Recognition Programme.
TSAT Benefits Portal:A one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including cashback from supermarkets and high street retailers, dental insurance scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym membership.
Blue Light Card:Offering exclusive discounts and savings at thousands of retailers, restaurants, and attractions.
What you need to do now:
If you are interested in working at our friendly school, benefitting from a supportive network of colleagues across our Trust, and are keen to progress your career then please apply today!
Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found.
To arrange an informal chat with the line manager or arrange a visit to the school, please contact Paula George (paula.george@lodestaracademy.tsat.uk)
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 emailrecruitment@tsatrust.org.uk
Further information about the job
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.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About The Lodestar Academy
- Organisation type
- Academy, ages 11 to 16
- Size
- 38 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- Website
- The Lodestar Academy website
- Email address
- tracy.pocock@tsatrust.org.uk
Lodestar Academy is a dynamic academy based in Torbay, who have built an impressive reputation in the alternative education provision sector for young people aged 11-18. We believe that all young people have the capacity to learn, regardless of their life situation. And our aim is to open the door to learning for those - often with social, emotional and mental health needs - who have been excluded or marginalised.
Our academy will provide a safe, nurturing environment for 50 secondary-age students who have been unable to sustain a place in mainstream education. By prioritising academic achievement and introducing behaviour interventions and therapeutic support where necessary, it will enable them to re-integrate at the same key stage as their peers, and go on to access opportunities into employment and further education.
Ofsted recently judged Lodestar Academy to be a good school:
"The welfare of pupils and their families is at the heart of The Lodestar Academy."
Arranging a visit to The Lodestar Academy
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email tracy.pocock@tsatrust.org.uk.
School location
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