Level Teaching Assistant; HLTA

River Academy opened in September 2024 with 180 students and seven students in its resource base. From September 2026, student numbers will increase again as the school welcomes its next cohort of Year 7 students. The school is currently oversubscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups, and expects continued high demand for September 2026.

You will join a strong and committed school team, contributing to the delivery of clear routines and the setting of expectations in line with the River Academy

River Academy is seeking to appoint a committed and enthusiastic Higher Level Teaching Assistant to support learning. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with teaching staff to help students achieve strong academic progress while supporting their wellbeing, confidence and engagement in learning.

About this Role

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, you will plan, prepare and deliver learning activities for individuals, small groups and whole classes under the direction of teaching staff. You will play an important role in supporting students to access the curriculum, develop literacy skills and make sustained progress in their learning.

You will work collaboratively with colleagues to monitor student progress, adapt learning resources and contribute to a positive and purposeful learning environment. The role also includes supporting behaviour management, inclusion and communication with parents, carers and external professionals where appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver learning activities under the guidance of teaching staff
• Support students’ attainment, engagement and wellbeing
• Adapt learning materials and resources to meet varying student needs
• Monitor, assess and report on student progress
• Promote positive behaviour and independence within learning environments
• Support literacy, numeracy and wider learning programmes
• Build constructive relationships with students, families, colleagues and external agencies
• Contribute positively to the ethos and values of the school and Maiden Erlegh Trust

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds HLTA standards or equivalent qualifications or experience
• Has Level 2 qualifications in English and mathematics
• Has experience supporting teaching and learning activities
• Understands the National Curriculum and effective learning strategies
• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Can work collaboratively and use initiative effectively
• Demonstrates a calm, positive and flexible approach
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference—a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust by clicking here to visit our website.

About the School

River Academy is a purpose-built secondary school serving the growing need for school places in the Reading area. Located on Richfield Avenue, the site includes specialist teaching facilities across the curriculum, including a hall, activity studio, learning resource centre, drama studio and sports studio. Classrooms are fully equipped with interactive screens and visualisers.

The school has high expectations for all students, with a clear focus on…