About this role
• Priory School • Address: Mount Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7BH • Salary: £27,255 - £29,541 per annum (pro rata), Actual salary £23,139 - £25,071 per annum • Hours: 37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year • Contract: Fixed Term Contract for 12 months initially • Reference: 5562 The Priory School is seeking a HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) to join the dedicated and compassionate team, supporting children and young people with complex moderate learning difficulties, including ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and associated social, emotional, and communication needs. This rewarding role is integral to helping each learner thrive within a calm, consistent, and nurturing environment. As a valued member of our team, you will work closely with teachers to deliver engaging and differentiated learning activities, lead small group and one-to-one interventions, and help create positive, structured routines that promote both academic progress and personal growth. You will also play an important role in fostering emotional wellbeing, independence, and confidence, ensuring that every pupil feels understood, valued, and supported. We are looking for someone who is patient, reflective, and passionate about inclusive education. A good understanding of autism, sensory processing differences, and communication strategies is desirable, alongside the ability to adapt to the needs of individual learners. Experience or training in TIS (Trauma-Informed Practice) would be advantageous, as would any background in supporting pupils with additional or complex needs. In return, you will join a caring and collaborative team where your ideas and professional growth are valued. You’ll have opportunities to develop your skills further and make a genuine difference to the lives of children who benefit from stability, creativity, and understanding in their learning journey. Please note travel across sites is an expectation of this post, willingness and flexibility to support multiple SEND provision sites is required; for which travel allowance would be provided. We offer a wide range of staff benefits including:
• Membership into Local Government Pension Scheme • Family friendly policies and flexible working • Access to our Employee Assistance Programme • Employee wellbeing initiatives • Free parking • Company events • Access to various memberships and discount schemes • Learning and development opportunities - including staff development days • Funded subject course development for your role • Range of staff communities, including EDI and neurodiverse communities • Career progression opportunities. About us Eastern Education Group is a dynamic and forward-thinking education provider committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences across multiple institutions. Our group encompasses a diverse range of educational settings, including schools, further education colleges, and specialist learning provisions, ensuring that learners of all ages and backgrounds receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed. At the heart of our mission is a dedication to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in education. We strive to create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Through strong partnerships with local communities, businesses, and industry leaders, we ensure our curriculum remains relevant, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for future careers. Our group also prioritises supporting students with additional learning needs, offering specialist provisions for those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs), and vocational training to empower every learner. We take a holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with pastoral care, safeguarding, and wellbeing initiatives to foster a safe and supportive learning environment. As a collective, Eastern Education Group is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and maintaining high standards across all our institutions. We work closely with regulatory bodies, including Ofsted, to ensure compliance and the highest quality of teaching, learning, and student support. Our leadership team, educators, and support staff are dedicated to shaping the future of education, driving positive change, and enabling learners to realise their full potential. As a Group, our Character Strengths and Mission Statement underpin our expectations of all our students and employees. Please familiarise yourself with these and incorporate them into your personal statement; this will be of benefit if you are invited to attend for an interview. This is an opportunity to join a hugely supportive organisation where we value, support and facilitate your professional development, as well as offering many other benefits including an attractive pension scheme, staff wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance. To find out more Please read the Job Description (Word). For further information please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing [email protected] How to apply To apply, please complete your application via the School portal vacancy page. Closing date: 8.00 am, 14 October 2026. If you have not heard from a member of the HR Team within 14 working days of the closing date, please presume your application has not been successful on this occasion. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, gender, gender reassignment, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age in accordance with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. The Group is committed to safeguarding children and safer recruitment practices and will undertake all the required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate including an enhanced DBS Disclosure. All data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about how we access and use your information please visit our website.