Teaching Assistant; Compass Plus Compass Learning Centre

Teaching Assistant (Compass Plus):
Fixed Term until 31 August 2026

Hours:

30 hours per week, worked over 5 days (9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily) during term time including INSET days.

Paid Weeks:
Term Time including INSET Day (45.05 paid weeks).

Salary Scale:
Grade 5–6, points 5–9 depending on experience.

Actual salary range £17,922 – £19,092 PA (Pay Award Pending).

Compass Learning Centre is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and energetic Teaching Assistant starting 1 September 2026, joining our team to work predominantly within our exciting off‑site provision,
Compass Plus
. This project is based in premises on the outskirts of Dorchester, working alongside existing Compass staff and specialist instructors.
Compass Plus caters for students with a range of educational needs who are Key Stage 4, Years 10 or 11. Hours of work are 30 hours per week (9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily) over 5 days, term time including INSET days. This post is fixed term until 31 August 2026 in the first instance with the potential to become permanent. The salary range for this post is Dorset Council Grades 5–6 dependent on experience, and we can offer a progression route through to Senior Teaching Assistant at Grade 7 for the right candidate.

We are looking for someone who enjoys working outdoors, has a passion for working with young people, either in a professional or volunteer role, and who would like to make a difference to lives of young people with complex needs and challenging behaviour. Whether you are looking to gain experience during a gap year before going on to higher education, looking for a role during the school day which could fit around a family, or an opportunity to build on existing skills or experience, this could be the perfect job for you.

This position is challenging but rewarding and will require you to work both alongside teachers and other education professionals, as well as independently under teachers' direction, supporting the work of groups of children and individuals. Duties are varied, depending on the needs of the students concerned.

• Have achieved a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 / C or above, including English and Mathematics
• Ideally have experience working with young people with complex needs and challenging behaviours and experience or interest in working in outdoor education or education out of the traditional classroom environment
• Promote the inclusion of all students
• Contribute to the safeguarding and protection of all students

The young people we educate have struggled to maintain a place in mainstream school and come to us with a variety of additional needs. Our challenge is to help them build the confidence, knowledge and skills to unlock their potential. This role will suit someone who is caring, understanding and can demonstrate energy and enthusiasm with a strong positive behaviour management ethos.

Class sizes are small and all of our students need bespoke individualised learning.

If you are a good team player, who is motivated, patient, resilient, understanding and have the ability to establish a rapport with young people in a busy and lively setting, this may be the job for you. You will be joining an outstanding, hardworking and friendly team of staff.