About this role
Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale F: £25,120 to £27,249 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£28,598 - £31,022 full time/full year equivalent)
Working Weeks: 39 weeks
Start Date: June 2026
Jane Austen College is looking for an enthusiastic, reliable and responsible higher level teaching assistant to support our pupils across the school. This role will involve supporting a small group of pupils who are struggling to access mainstream curriculum and supporting the teacher in delivering a modified support curriculum for them.
What You’ll Be Doing
Working with pupils with complex needs including behaviour, SEND (Special Education Needs), mental health, social and emotional needs, and those for whom English is not their first language to ensure they can thrive in mainstream education.Providing support with personal and social development; deliver academic and needs based sessions that help pupils to build the self-esteem, skills, and the aspirations they need to successfully engage with mainstream education.Working with pupils in a variety of formats; group work, classroom and one-to-one and covering a whole class when required.Providing academic and pastoral support for pupils as required.Assessing pupil needsServing as an additional point of contact for parents relating to academic and pastoral issues.Supporting the other Designated Safeguarding Leads with aspects of safeguarding and welfare.
About You:
The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and inspiring practitioner who is patient and adaptable with strong communication skills. You will support both teachers and pupils effectively by understanding learning needs, managing behaviour, and fostering a positive environment through proactive help and continuous learning. You will also be passionate about raising achievement through motivating and inspiring pupils and keen to contribute to the school’s visions and values.
Essential:
Excellent numeracy/literacy skills/GCSE (or equivalent NVQ 2 level) Maths and EnglishNVQ 2 or equivalent in teaching assistance or equivalent experienceExperience of working in roles that expect a high level of contact with parents or members of the public and experience liaising with different stakeholdersExperience of working with vulnerable young people with SENDGood ICT skills
Desirable:
Relevant level 3 or 4 qualificationQualifications in assessing SEND e.g. CCET or equivalent will be desirable. If you do not have this qualification, it would be useful if you would be willing to achieve this.First Aid qualification
Why Join Inspiration Trust
At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.
We offer:
Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributionsHealth Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *Free parking at most sitesPersonalised CPD and development programmesA structured and specific induction programme.*Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.
About Us
Jane Austen College opened in 2014 as a flagship free school of the Inspiration Trust, with a focus on English and Humanities. Since then, it has grown from serving just two-year groups to become a full school of over 1,000 pupils.
In May 2024, the college was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in all inspection areas, including leadership, behaviour and sixth form provision. Inspectors noted that pupils benefit from “exceptional academic education, excellent pastoral support and a character curriculum building life skills to see them succeed in progressing to some of the top universities in the country and into prosperous careers.”
The college prides itself on ensuring that all pupils, regardless of background or disadvantage, have access to powerful knowledge and transformative extracurricular experiences, as well as strong mental health and wellbeing support.
We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.
The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners.
For information on what it is like to live and work in Norwich, click here.
Next Steps
Before applying, please read the attached Recruitment Pack and Job Description, for more details about the role. We ask that you read this pack carefully, especially the “Planning your application” section from page 11. This will support your application ensuring you have the opportunity to tell us about your relevant skills, experience and qualifications that relate to the job description and person specification in addition to details of your references covering the last 5 years.
If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Rowan Wood, PA to Principal ([email protected]).
To apply for this role please click the Apply button to complete the online application form.
When you start your application, you will receive several emails from our application provider, Vacancy Filler. Please be aware that some email providers may mistakenly mark these messages as spam. To avoid missing important updates, we recommend checking your spam or junk folders regularly throughout the application process and marking these emails as safe.
Closing date for applications: 12pm on Monday 18th May 2026
Interview date: Monday 1st June 2026
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.