SEMH Teaching Assistant

Lift Wishmore, Woking, Surrey, GU24 8NE

21 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  ASAP

• Closing date

  6 October 2026 at 10:35am

• Date listed

  15 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: £23728 - £24497 per annum

SEMH Teaching Assistant job summary

Are you ready to make a real difference in young people's learning? We're looking for a SEMH Teaching Assistant to join Lift Wishmore and help every student access an excellent education.

About the role

You'll work alongside teachers to support students' learning, helping them participate fully in lessons and develop skills they can use independently. Your role will focus on understanding each student's needs and creating the right conditions for them to succeed. You'll also help build a positive and safe classroom where everyone feels valued. Could this be the role where you truly make an impact?

Key responsibilities

• Support students to access lesson content and achieve learning goals
• Work with teachers to plan and assess learning, and guide individual or small group sessions
• Help students build independent learning skills and manage their own progress
• Create positive relationships and support wellbeing, behaviour and personal care
• Work with teaching staff, parents and carers to achieve the best outcomes for every student
• Contribute to preparing resources, trips and activities that meet diverse needs

We are looking for someone who

You don't need years of experience, but you do need the right values. We're looking for someone with good communication skills and a reflective approach to learning. You'll be patient, empathetic, and calm under pressure. IT skills and a basic understanding of child development are helpful, but we can support you to build these if needed. What matters most is your willingness to learn and grow with us.

Do you have GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths, or are you willing to work towards functional skills? Can you work collaboratively as a trusted team member?

What we offer

• Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeship for those working 20+ hours per week (if you don't already hold this qualification)
• Future progression routes including Level 5 apprenticeships and Initial Teacher Training
• A supportive team culture where ideas are shared openly and feedback is valued
• Opportunities to build your skills and confidence in a meaningful role
• A workplace that values diversity and welcomes people from all backgrounds

About Lift Wishmore

Lift Wishmore is a special school in Chobham, Surrey for boys aged 7 to 16 years who have social, emotional and mental health difficulties.We can admit up to 82 pupils which means that class sizes are small and we work very closely with our students to ensure they get the most out of each day with us. Set in beautiful grounds, we provide high quality CPD to all staff routed through the instructional excellence model.

Who is Lift Schools?

We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 62 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.

We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:

• Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships and travel deals.

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

Prior to employment all staff (paid or voluntary) are DBS checked for their suitability to work with children and young people. For more information on the Disclosure Barring Service, please click the link below.

Once the member of staff joins our school, they complete online Safeguarding training provided by Educare and sign an online AET Code of Conduct. Refresher training is provided every academic year by either one of the safeguarding team or an outside provider.

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 Lift Wishmore

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 7 to 16
• Size: 92 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 7 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Lift Wishmore website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/wishmore-cross-academy

Lift Wishmore is a nurturing and ambitious school for students aged 7–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, including Autism and ADHD. Currently serving 90 boys, we are excited to become a co-educational school from September 2025, with plans to expand our junior provision and grow to 120 pupils over the next four years.

Our vibrant, purpose-built campus — including a new junior building — offers a visually inspiring and inclusive learning environment. We deliver a tailored curriculum designed to meet diverse needs, with a strong focus on reading, core academic subjects, and engaging GCSE options such as Business & Enterprise, Food & Nutrition, and Art.

Therapeutic support is central to our approach. Working in partnership with Surrey County Council, the National Autistic Society, and using the Thrive Approach, we prioritise emotional well-being and holistic development. Beyond the classroom, students can access enriching activities including Forest School, theatre trips, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

We are deeply committed to community engagement, regularly hosting parent events, supporting charities, and working closely with local primary schools and organisations.

At Lift Wishmore, we empower every student to thrive — academically, emotionally, and socially — and to build a positive and successful future.

Who is Lift Schools?

Lift Schools is made up of 57 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

Our mission:

We will provide an excellent education to every child, in every classroom, every day.
With excellent leadership and teaching in every school, we will help children go on to lead successful and happy lives.
We will work with others beyond our network to benefit more children and communities.

School location

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