Apprentice Learning Support Assistant

Fixed Term until completion of the Apprenticeship, approximately 18 months. On completion, the need for the role will be reviewed and a permanent role may be offered.

The East Manchester Academy is a vibrant and innovative educational community in the heart of Beswick. We are a part of the Greater Manchester Education Trust. Together, we create lives of opportunity.

‘The East Manchester Academy is a beacon of hope and aspiration for pupils’ (Ofsted 2023)

‘The sense of community is tangible in this inclusive school.’ (Ofsted 2025)

This is an exciting opportunity to join The East Manchester Academy, a vibrant and ambitious school at the heart of a diverse community. Following our positive Ofsted inspection in March 2025—where we achieved ‘Good’ overall and ‘Outstanding’ for Personal Development and Leadership and Management—we are continuing to build on our rapid improvement journey.

We are a growing academy and we are now looking to add further capacity to our team as we enter the next stage of our development; to become an exceptional school that ensures the children of East Manchester flourish both academically and socially. We are a forward thinking and happy school, we embrace research and work collaboratively with colleagues within and beyond our trust to drive standards.

Please visit our website to learn more about us and contact:  if you would like to arrange a visit to the academy prior to application.

Do you have a passion for helping young people succeed? Are you looking for a meaningful career where you can learn, develop and make a genuine difference every day?

The East Manchester Academy is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Apprentice Learning Support Assistant to join our thriving and ambitious SEN Faculty.

This is much more than a job. It is an opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in a successful secondary school while completing the Be Ready SEND Teaching Assistant Level 3 Apprenticeship Programme, a fully funded development programme designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and experience needed for a long‑term career in education.

As an Apprentice Learning Support Assistant, you will receive a recognised Level 3 SEND Teaching Assistant qualification while working directly with students and experienced professionals. The programme includes:

• A fully funded Level 3 qualification.
• Approximately 14-15 months of structured learning.
• Monthly live training sessions and masterclasses.
• Dedicated support from a Skills Coach throughout the programme.
• Peer‑to‑peer networking and support across schools within the Trust.
• Regular progress reviews and preparation for End Point Assessment.
• CPD-accredited professional development.

Working within our SEN Faculty, you will support students with special educational needs and additional learning needs to access learning, achieve academic success and develop confidence.

You will:

• Work alongside teachers and Learning Support Assistants in lessons.
• Support students on a one‑to‑one and small‑group basis.
• Assist with intervention programmes and targeted support.
• Encourage independence and positive engagement with learning.
• Help students overcome barriers to learning.
• Support the social, emotional and personal development of young people.
• Develop your professional knowledge through structured apprenticeship training.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about supporting children and young people.
• Is patient, positive and caring.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Is organised, reliable and eager to learn.
• Believes in the importance of inclusion and equal opportunities for all students.
• Has GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths, or is willing to work towards the required Functional Skills…