SEND Learning Support Assistant

Contract:
Fixed term and is subject to external funding provided to support an individual pupil with an Education, Health and Care Plan

Salary: £17,133.99 actual (£27,171.00 FTE)

Location:
Northampton High School, Newport Pagnell Road, Hardingstone, NN4 6UU

Closing date: 26 June 2026, however applications may be considered ahead of the deadline

Interviews will take place on: 1 July 2026

We are pioneers in girls’ education and aim to reshape the future of learning itself. We empower our girls to believe in themselves and value the positive contribution they can make to the world. Join our progressive and evolving team, where we work together to promote and enable this ambitious and aspirational cultural, take on the challenge of ensuring we have the right systems in place to support our schools.

To succeed in this role, you will have a passion for supporting individual pupils and want to champion learning and development at every opportunity whilst celebrating individual success. You will be able to form good relationships with individual pupils and bring energy to every task with a patient and positive outlook. You will have a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification or equivalent as a minimum.

• Build strong, trusting relationships and take time to really understand a child’s needs
• Have patience, empathy and a calm, encouraging approach
• Can adapt learning and explain things in a way that makes sense to the child they are supporting
• Use praise, reassurance and gentle challenge to help develop confidence and independence
• Enjoy celebrating progress in all its forms - big and small
• Works well as part of a team, collaborating with teachers, the Learning Enhancement Coordinator and other professionals
• Is observant and reflective, able to respond to a child’s needs in the moment
• Supports positive behaviour with consistency, kindness and clear expectations
• Is committed to inclusion and believes every child deserves to feel successful
• Warmth, positivity and a good sense of humour - to each day

The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) is the UK’s leading group of 23 independent girls’ schools and two academies across England and Wales. We educate around 19,000 students and employ 4,000 staff, all united for a shared purpose: to help girls learn without limits, so they can go on to lead lives without limits and make the world a better place for us all.

The organisation’s values serve as guiding principles:

• We put girls first
• We think and act fearlessly
• We embrace a forward-thinking mindset that shapes the educational offer for girls
• We are a family of schools
• We provide careers that are fulfilling and purposeful for our staff

As recognised global leaders in girls’ education, we combine 153 years of expertise and experience with a progressive and pace-setting vision for the future. We are dedicated to giving our students the tools to thrive, offering them access to innovative educational practices, excellent facilities, and an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.

As part of the GDST, the UK's leading network of independent girls' schools, we can offer a variety of benefits, such as:

• Competitive salaries and pay progression
• Access to extensive professional development opportunities
• Training grants for qualifications
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
• Generous pension schemes
• Free life assurance benefit
• Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
• A Cycle to Work scheme
• Competitive terms and conditions of employment

There are many other good reasons to work with us. Each of our schools and our Trust Office has its own sense of community, and you’ll be part of it. You’ll be in the company of some of the best and brightest people in independent education. Most importantly, no matter what your role, you’ll be playing a major part in the highly regarded education we give our girls.

The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change. We want every colleague to feel valued, respected and supported, and we actively welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.

We are equally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must therefore be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including online searches, checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.