Education Support Assistant

THE CASTLE SCHOOL; West of England; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Teachers’ Pension Scheme

Health Shield

Sick leave

Family‑friendly leave

Job summary

The Castle School in Thornbury invites applications for an Education Support Assistant. You will reinforce teaching, deliver targeted interventions and support pupils with diverse needs, including those with EHCPs. You’ll work as part of a team to promote pupils’ emotional and educational development and model professional behaviour.

We value warmth, inclusion and commitment to safeguarding. The role suits someone who can build positive relationships with students, families and staff while

Qualifications

• Experience supporting pupils with individual needs, particularly those with EHCPs.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and adapt to changing needs.
• Confident delivering pre-planned lessons to small groups.
• Builds strong, positive relationships with students, staff and families.

Responsibilities

• Deliver targeted interventions to identified students.
• Support pupils inside and outside the classroom.
• Promote emotional, physical and educational development of pupils, including those with special needs.
• Act as a professional role model and safeguarding advocate.

Skills

Experience EHCPs support

Independent working

Deliver small-group lessons

Effective communication

Safeguarding awareness

Education

Level 3 Teaching Assistant

Job description

Job title: Education Support Assistant

Salary: PATH 5 £27,275 FTE, £20,606 prorated

Hours: 32.5 per week

Working weeks: 39 per year (term time + INSET)

Contract type: Fixed term until 31/08/2027

About the role

The ideal person will reinforce the excellent work of the teaching staff by supporting the individual both within and outside of the classroom environment. You will be a professional role model to the pupils, with the confidence to challenge and the creativity to motivate. Your key role will be delivering targeted interventions to identified students who need additional support with maintaining high expectations as directed, and help identify personal aspirations. You will work as part of a team to promote the emotional, physical and educational development of pupils, including those with special needs.

About you

You’re someone who brings warmth and a deep commitment to inclusive education. You understand that every student is unique and you’re ready to support them in reaching their full potential.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting pupils with individual needs, particularly those with EHCPs
• Can work independently, take initiative, and adapt to changing needs
• Is confident delivering pre-planned lessons to small groups
• Builds strong, positive relationships with students, staff, and families
• Is a role model for professionalism, positivity, and care
• Communicates clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing
• Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people
• Has a good level of general education
• Holds a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification—or is willing to work towards it

About us

The Castle School, we are proud of our strong track record of academic achievement and pastoral care for our students. Situated in Thornbury we have great transport links with Bristol, Bath, Gloucester and South Gloucestershire.

As part of a family of trust schools, The Castle School currently has 1,426 students and is shaped by our clear values, kindness, fairness and aspiration. This inclusive culture is reflected in our outstanding student conduct, a genuine sense of belonging and an on-site alternative provision that ensures every learner has the support to succeed. We have a thriving Post-16 centre, a committed junior leadership team and a strong track record of supporting our local community.

We can offer you:

• Happy, engaging students who thrive on inspirational leadership
• A supportive trust and school community
• Strong collaboration across the trust family of schools and access to a centralised team of specialists across all areas of school operations
• A commitment to high‑quality CPD, with dedicated time and budget for your development
• A values‑driven ethos where diversity, equity and inclusion are lived every day
• Recognition of continuous service (modification order) to protect employment rights and entitlements
• Teachers’ Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions and death‑in‑service cover
• Access to Health Shield, a fully funded healthcare scheme
• Occupational sick pay to support you during illness or unexpected emergencies
• Family‑friendly leave packages to help maintain a healthy work–life balance

Join us in Providing a Great Education for Every Child

Pathway Trust is committed to equal opportunities and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and communities, as we recognise the importance and benefit this has for our pupils.