27 days remaining to apply

  • Start date details

    As soon as possible

  • Closing date

    4 January 2026 at 11:59pm

  • Date listed

    8 December 2025

Job details

Job role

  • Teaching assistant

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Key stage

Key stage 2, Key stage 3, Key stage 4, Key stage 5

Working pattern

Part time: 30.75hrs per week (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 8.50am-15.35pm and Weds 8.50 – 16.20), Term time only

Contract type

Permanent

Full-time equivalent salary

£25,686 – £26,937

Actual salary

For part-time, term time only working £18,268 – £19,158

What skills and experience we're looking for

Have you ever seen a pupil’s face light up when they finally master something they’ve been struggling with? Or felt the pride of cheering them on as they take that first confident step? At Wyvern Academy, you’ll be part of those moments – big, small, and everything in between.

Every day here is a new adventure. You won’t just support pupils – you’ll be their superhero, cheerleader, and guide, helping them discover their potential in ways as unique as they are. If you love making a real difference, sparking joy, and seeing young people grow in confidence, independence, and happiness, this is the role made for you.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Be the superhero pupils need, helping them access learning in their own unique way.
  • Deliver personalised learning that’s as individual as each pupil (because no two days are the same!).
  • Support pupils’ emotional, social, and physical growth.
  • Create a safe, supportive space where pupils feel free to explore, experiment, and grow.
  • Keep the day running smoothly with your organisational superpowers.
  • Celebrate every breakthrough – big or small – with cheers, high-fives, and smiles all around.
  • Team up with teachers and colleagues to ensure every pupil thrives.
  • Offer compassionate support with dignity and care, backed by training and guidance.
  • Bring joy to the classroom through sensory activities, play, music, and a dash of fun every day.

Who we’re looking for:

  • Patient, kind-hearted, creative, and open-minded, ready to help every pupil feel like they belong.
  • Experience working with children or young people – bonus points if you’ve supported those with additional needs or disabilities (full training provided to build confidence across a range of needs).
  • Strong communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills.
  • Flexible and adaptable, embracing the surprises and challenges that come with each day.
  • Calm under pressure, able to juggle multiple tasks (flaming torches optional!).
  • Passionate about supporting children and young adults with complex needs, with patience to match the “fascinating” moments.

What the school offers its staff

Why join us?

  • The chance to make a huge difference in the lives of young people, one small victory at a time.
  • Comprehensive support, Induction and training package
  • We’re a supportive team who’ll have your back during the good, the bad, and the “Did that really just happen?” moments.
  • 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!
  • You will be part of an inclusive and collaborative team that, no matter what the challenge may be, are ready to face it head on and are committed to seeing it through.
  • A school that celebrates progress, not just results.
  • A rewarding role where no two days are the same and every day makes a difference!
  • The opportunity to develop your career in a School and Southern Education Trust, a growing Trust.

About us:

At Wyvern Academy, part of the Southern Education Trust, we’re passionate about “making lives better” by creating an environment where every child, regardless of their challenges, can shine.

We specialise in supporting children and young people aged 2 to 19 years with learning difficulties, including autism, physical and sensory disabilities and healthcare needs.

If you’re looking for a role that challenges, rewards, and fills you with purpose in a world where every day is unique and every moment counts, this could be the role for you!

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.

Become part of our journey, by completing our Support Staff Application Form and returning it to recruitment@southern.educationif you would like to apply. See our Teaching Assistant Job Description for further details on the role and our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

Closing date: 4th January 2026

Interview date: 12th January 2026

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect 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 check for this post prior to commencement. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.

If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search including social media platforms of your ‘name, education and employment’, to demonstrate due diligence following ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.

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)

Upload additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

About Wyvern Academy

School type
Academy, ages 2 to 19
School size
90 pupils enrolled
Age range
2 to 19
Ofsted report
View Ofsted report

School location

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