Level Teaching Assistant; Compass Plus at Compass Learning Centre

HLTA (Compass Plus):
Fixed Term in the first instance until 31 August 2027

Hours: 32 hours per week, worked over 5 days.

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

Salary Scale: Grade 9, points 19-25 depending on experience. Actual salary range £23,957 - £27,172 (Pay Award Pending) (£32,061 – 36,363 PA FTE)

Compass Learning Centre is looking to appoint an experienced, qualified Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) 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. The role will involve planning and facilitating the delivery of classroom subjects (English, Maths, Vocational Studies) alongside supporting the delivery of a variety of outdoor education activities.

Compass Plus caters for students with a range of educational needs who are Key Stage 4, Years 10 or 11. Hours of work are 32 hours per week over 5 days, term time including INSET days. This post is fixed term until 31 August 2027 in the first instance with the potential to become permanent.

The salary range for this post is Dorset Council Grade 9, points 19-25 dependent on experience.

This post would suit someone who enjoys working outdoors, has a passion for working with young people, and who would like to make a difference to lives of young people with complex needs and challenging behaviour.

Responsibilities:

• The role will involve planning and facilitating classroom subjects (English, Maths, Vocational Studies) and supporting outdoor education activities.
• Working alongside teachers and other education professionals and independently under teachers' direction, supporting groups of children and individuals.
• Addressing the varied duties depending on the special needs of the students.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Have achieved a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 / C or above, including English and Mathematics
• Qualified HLTA status
• Ideally have experience working with young people with complex needs and challenging behaviours and 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 requires someone who is caring, understanding, energetic and has a strong positive behaviour management ethos. Class sizes are small and all of our students need bespoke individualised learning.

We want a good team player who is motivated, patient, resilient, and able to establish rapport with young people in a busy and lively setting.

Contact:

Michelle Nokes, Heads PA –  email: [email protected]

Further Information:

Compass Learning Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to have a Disclosure & Barring Service check in line with the Government’s safer recruitment guidelines.

We value the diversity of our workforce and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Midnight on Sunday 21 June 2026.

The salary quoted is the annual salary for the position at the time of advert. The salary will be paid in equal monthly instalments and will be adjusted at the start of employment and again if leaving part way through the school year to ensure the correct salary is received for the work completed in an academic year.

This role is UK based and your Right to Work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The amendments to the ROA 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, (2013 and 2020)) provide that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are…