Pupil Support Worker (Teaching Assistant) - The Harbour School
The Harbour School, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 8RADeadline is today
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
22 March 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
2 March 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
- Learning support or cover supervisor
- Other support roles
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4
Working pattern
- Full time: 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Contract type
- Fixed term - 5 months
Full-time equivalent salary
- £25,583 – £26,403 per annum, actual salary £21,893 – £22,594 for term time only
What skills and experience we're looking for
Do you want to be the adult who helps a young person feel safe enough to learn, confident enough to take part, and proud of the progress they never thought they could make?
Some students don’t fit easily into the mainstream – and that’s okay. They thrive in environments where learning looks different, where relationships come first, and where adults truly understand the impact of anxiety, communication differences and past experiences on a child’s day‑to‑day life. We’re looking for someone who sees beyond behaviour, who notices the small wins, and who believes that every young person deserves someone in their corner.
At The Bay Campus at The Harbour School, we support children and young people in Key Stages 3 and 4 with complex social, emotional and mental health needs who have an Education, Health and Care Plan. As a Pupil Support Worker, you will play a key role in helping pupils feel understood, steady and ready to learn.
What you’ll do
- Build warm, trusting relationships that help pupils feel safe, valued and able to engage with learning.
- Support students both in lessons and during less structured times of the day, offering calm, consistent and steady guidance.
- Work closely with teachers to deliver learning in small groups or individually, adapting your approach to meet each child’s needs.
- Help pupils develop confidence, resilience and emotional regulation – even on the days that feel toughest.
- Support safe, positive behaviour using gentle, trauma‑informed strategies.
- Celebrate important moments of progress – because for some pupils, sitting down, joining in or giving it a go is a huge achievement.
Who you are
- Someone who sees the child behind the behaviour and understands that connection and consistency matter most.
- A calm, patient and emotionally steady person who can support pupils through moments of anxiety or challenge.
- Someone who models respectful relationships, clear boundaries and kindness in every interaction.
- A person with experience supporting children or young people – ideally in SEMH, alternative provision, youth work, childcare or a related field.
- A candidate who holds 5 GCSEs (grade C/4 or above) including English and Maths, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications with relevant experience.
- Someone who doesn’t give up – especially on the tough days – because they know their presence and belief can change a young person’s whole experience of school.
What the school offers its staff
About us:
The Harbour School is a multi-site organisation, with campuses at Bay Campus (including Primary at The Bay), The Bridge Campus, The Lighthouse Campus, and the Vista Campus (including The Horizon Service), all based within the city of Portsmouth. We also have an Outreach Support Team and a Hospital tuition service at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth.
The Bay Campus provides specialist education for secondary students with SEMH needs. We offer small-group teaching, a broad curriculum, and tailored support to help students thrive academically and socially. Staff work closely with families and professionals to ensure each student’s progress and smooth transition to the next stage of education.
What we offer:
- A small, supportive school environment where relationships come first.
- The chance to make a real impact on young people’s confidence, learning, and future choices.
- A team that supports each other – because this job is tough, but you’ll never be alone.
- Professional development opportunities because we’re all about helping you grow, both as a person and in your ability to juggle six things at once!
- A school that celebrates progress, not just results.
- Grow your career in a school and within Southern Education Trust – a growing trust that believes in “making lives better”.
- A rewarding role where no two days are the same and every day makes a difference!
Further information about the job
If you’re the kind of person who celebrates the small wins, stays calm in any situation, and believes in second (and third… and fourth) chances, we want to hear from you.
Closing date: 22nd March 2026
Interview date: 14thApril 2026
Please note: Applications may be viewed on receipt and interviews arranged sooner than the above date.
Become part of our journey by completing our Support Staff Application Form and returning it to recruitment@southern.education if you would like to apply (please see our Pupil Support Worker Job Description and Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy for further information). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kate at the recruitment address, who will be happy to assist you.
Commitment to safeguarding
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) check is required for this post prior to commencement. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.
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 Harbour School
- School type
- Academy, ages 5 to 19
- School size
- 123 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 5 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- The Harbour School website
- Email address
- recruitment@southern.education
The Harbour School is a special school for learners with Social, Emotional and/or Mental Health (SEMH) Needs and/or Medical Needs. The school operates from multiple sites situated across Portsmouth with provision extending beyond these physical locations.
As a trust, our ethos is encompassed in our vision “Learning together in pursuit of happiness”.
Arranging a visit to The Harbour School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@southern.education.
School location
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