Level Teaching Assistant; HLTA

About The Role

Are you passionate about making a real difference in pupils’ lives? Do you want to support their learning journey in a collaborative and supportive school environment?

Paignton Academy is seeking a dedicated Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our team on a permanent contract. This is a vital role where you will contribute directly to pupils’ learning, development, and confidence.

• Adopt an informed and effective approach to teaching and learning, using appropriate strategies to support the work of the class teacher and raise achievement for all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Work alongside class teachers to raise pupil attainment, promoting independence, self-esteem, and social inclusion
• Support individual pupils or small groups to access the curriculum and engage fully in their learning
• Contribute to classroom and wider school activities, making a positive impact on school life

• HLTA qualification is desirable, or willingness to work towards it
• Experience supporting pupils in a secondary school setting
• Passion for inclusive education and the ability to support all learners
• A collaborative team player with initiative and the ability to work independently
• Strong interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with pupils, staff, parents, and external professionals
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

You will be an integral part of our school community, helping pupils to thrive every day.

For a full list of responsibilities, please see the attached job description.

At Paignton Academy, we focus on developing well-rounded students who excel academically and grow socially, emotionally, and morally. We inspire our students to be kind, resilient, and responsible, preparing them to face challenges and contribute positively to society.

Paignton Academy is on a significant improvement journey which was recognised in its most recent Ofsted report (December 2024):

The school has redesigned its curriculum to be broad and ambitious. The knowledge pupils will learn is organised in a logical order. The impact of these improvements is evident in key stage 3, where pupils demonstrate they know and remember more of what they have been taught.

Since the previous inspection, the quality of provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has improved. Pupils’ needs are identified quickly, and appropriate support is put in place. Teachers have a growing understanding of how to adapt their teaching successfully for the benefit of these pupils. The school ensures that pupils with SEND are included in the wider life of the school.

Pupils’ behaviour has improved. Lessons are calm and purposeful. The ‘speak up, speak out’ campaign has led to more pupils feeling confident to report concerns.

• Strong Relationships: We value respectful connections between students, staff, and parents, working together to ensure student success.
• Love of Learning: We foster a passion for lifelong learning, helping students grow into curious, well-rounded individuals.
• Community & Pride: We instill pride in both our school and the local community, empowering students to make a positive impact.

If you re passionate about shaping young lives and helping students reach their full potential, come join our team at Paignton Academy!

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools consisting of both primary and secondary schools across the South West, South, South East, and East of England.

We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. That’s why we invest in our people, so that our staff are best supported to positively impact our pupils.

Learn more about our Vision and Values here

We’re proud to offer more than just a job—we provide a range of exceptional benefits to support and reward our staff:

• Competitive Pay Scales
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  Our TSAT pay scales exceed national levels.
• Performance Related Pay
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  We operate a…