Teaching Assistant
The Lodestar Academy, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 8JE13 days remaining to apply
Start date details
October 2026
Closing date
20 September 2026 at 11:59pm
Date listed
7 September 2026
Job details
Job role
- Teaching assistant
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Key stage
- Key stage 3, Key stage 4
Working pattern
- Part time: 20 hours per week, term time only
Contract type
- Fixed term - TBC
Actual salary
- £11,958 - £13,352 (£25,077 - £28,001 FTE)
What skills and experience we're looking for
Do you have experience and expertise in working with young people with complex needs and behavioural difficulties?
Are you passionate about improving the life chances of children and helping families to live happy and fulfilling lives?
Do you have what it takes to meet the demands of this varied, challenging and highly rewarding role?
Being a Teaching Assistant requires resilience, tenacity and compassion to support children and families living in varied and challenging circumstances.
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.
As Teaching Assistant, you’ll have a significant part to play in the school’s success. Working closely with the teaching staff and other support staff,to support the wellbeing and learning of students with complex and additional needs. You will advise and support other members of staff on child protection and SEND matters.
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.
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
Similar jobs nearby
Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed
Find more school jobs in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay