Student Support Officer

Location: Staffordshire University Academy
Contract: Permanent, term time only + inset days

Work pattern: 32.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Salary: Grade 4 (SCP 6-7) pro-rata (£20,470 - £20,794)
Start date: 2nd November 2026

We are currently seeking to appoint a Student Support Officer, working in a Teaching Assistant role, to join our team.

We have access to high quality facilities and resources and work within a strong team structure that allows best practice to be shared. The successful candidate will join a team of friendly and supportive colleagues who want to achieve the very best outcomes for our students.

The successful candidate will work with small groups of students or on a one-to-one basis, to help them to achieve their potential and be successful both inside and outside school by providing support to overcome barriers to learning.

It is desirable but not essential that you have prior experience of working with groups of 11 – 18-year-olds.

As a Student Support Officer, you will play a vital role in our pastoral provision. Your responsibilities will include:

• Provide structured support for students following planned programmes set by teaching staff
• Help raise standards by promoting high expectations and positive behaviour
• Support the implementation of Graduated Response plans for identified students
• Ensure student safety and wellbeing, including basic first aid and welfare support
• Accompany staff and students on trips, visits and off‑site activities when required
• Encourage students to engage positively with learning and interact with others
• Act as keyworker for identified students, offering targeted pastoral support
• Assist teachers with behaviour management and classroom organisation
• Monitor and record student progress, providing regular feedback to teachers
• Support curriculum activities, including literacy, numeracy, SEN and the use of ICT

We’re seeking someone who is:

• Experienced in working with young people (in schools, youth work, mentoring, care or similar)
• Calm, patient and able to build strong relationships
• Skilled at managing challenging situations professionally and empathetically
• An effective communicator with strong organisational skills
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding or willing to undertake relevant training
• Resilient, caring and motivated by making a positive impact

• A friendly, supportive and collaborative team
• A rapidly improving academy with a clear vision and strong values
• Modern facilities and access to high‑quality resources
• Excellent professional development opportunities
• A positive working environment that prioritises staff wellbeing
• The chance to play a meaningful role in shaping young people’s futures

Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 19th October
2026
Interviews: Thursday 22nd or Friday 23rd October 2026

We warmly welcome visits to the academy — come and see what makes SUA a great place to work.

Staffordshire University Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants will be required to disclose all unspent and unfiltered spent reprimands, cautions and convictions.