Sports Teaching Assistant / Pupil Support - The Harbour School
The Harbour School, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 8RA12 days remaining to apply
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
21 January 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
8 January 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, Term time only
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £25,583 – £26,403 per annum (pro rata to £21,893-£22,595 per annum for term time only working)
What skills and experience we're looking for
Do you want to be the adult who helps a young person feel confident enough to take part, brave enough to try something new, and proud of what their body and mind can achieve?
Some students don’t fit into the mainstream – and that’s okay. They thrive in environments where learning looks different, where sport and physical activity become powerful tools for engagement, confidence and connection. We need someone who understands that for some young people, success starts on the pitch, in the sports hall, or simply by being willing to take part.
We’re looking for a dedicated Pupil Support Worker to join The Bay Campus at The Harbour School, supporting 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. This role will be heavily involved in sports and physical activity lessons, so we are particularly keen to hear from candidates with a background in sport, coaching, fitness, PE, youth work or active lifestyles.
As a Pupil Support Worker, you will:
- Support and, where appropriate, cover sports and physical activity lessons, using movement as a way to build trust, confidence and positive relationships.
- Work closely with teachers to support students in small groups and one-to-one, helping them engage with learning through practical and active approaches.
- Encourage resilience, teamwork, emotional regulation and positive choices, even on the hardest days.
- Supervise and support targeted students both inside and outside the classroom, including outdoor and physical learning environments.
- Celebrate the small wins – because for some of our students, taking part or giving it a go is a huge achievement.
- Help students work towards their individual learning, behaviour and wellbeing targets.
- Work closely with families and external professionals to ensure consistent support for our students.
We are looking for someone who:
- Sees the child, not the behaviour, and understands how sport and physical activity can transform engagement and self-belief.
- Is calm, patient and confident, particularly in active or high-energy environments.
- Is a strong team player who understands that progress takes time and trust.
- Can model positive relationships, fair boundaries and emotional regulation through sport and activity.
- Has experience working with children or young people, ideally within SEMH, alternative provision, coaching, youth work or a related field.
- Has experience and/or a strong interest in sport or physical activity and feels confident supporting and delivering sports-based learning.
- Holds 5 GCSEs (minimum grade C/4 or above) including English and Mathematics, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications with relevant experience.
- Never gives up – especially on the tough days, when your consistency matters most.
What the school offers its staff
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!
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.
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.
Further information about the job
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. See our Pupil Support Job Description Job Description for further details on the role and our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.
Closing date: 21st January 2026
Interview date: 28th & 30th January 2026
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)Upload 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”.
School location
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