ESOL - Learning Support Assistant in North London Secondary School

Principal Education; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational organization is seeking individuals to support EAL/ESOL students in developing essential English language skills. Responsibilities include in-class support during mainstream lessons, helping students with academic and social English, and working closely with teachers to track progress. Successful candidates will need to communicate clearly, demonstrate strong English skills, and understand EAL strategies for effective learning. This position aims to foster integration and confidence among students in a diverse educational environment.

Qualifications

• Must demonstrate clear and patient communication skills.
• Strong skills in English language are essential, including speaking and writing.
• Understanding of EAL/ESOL strategies, including scaffolding and visual aids.

Responsibilities

• Support EAL/ESOL students in developing English language skills.
• Assist with academic English and provide emotional reassurance.
• Collaborate closely with class teachers and EAL coordinators.

Skills

Clear, patient communication

Strong English language skills

Understanding of EAL/ESOL strategies

Cultural awareness and empathy

Ability to encourage independence

Teamwork and flexibility

Job description

To support EAL/ESOL students so they can:

• Develop English language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing)

• Access the secondary school curriculum

• Build confidence, independence, and social integration

Key Responsibilities 1. In-Class Support

• Support students during mainstream lessons (e.g. English, Maths, Science)

• Clarify teacher instructions using simplified language, visuals, or modelling

• Pre-teach or reinforce key vocabulary and subject-specific language

• Check understanding and encourage participation

• Support note-taking, reading tasks, and written work

Key Responsibilities 2. Language Development Support

• Help students develop:

  • Academic English (subject language, exam vocabulary)

  • Social English (everyday communication)

• Support speaking and listening through discussion, questioning, and modelling

• Assist with reading comprehension and writing structure

Key Responsibilities 3. Small Group / One-to-One Support

• Work with individuals or small groups outside the classroom

• Deliver targeted ESOL interventions planned by the teacher or EAL coordinator

• Support newly arrived students or those at early stages of English acquisition

Key Responsibilities 4. Supporting Inclusion and Wellbeing

• Help students feel safe, included, and confident in school

• Support social integration with peers

• Be aware of cultural differences and sensitivities

• Offer emotional reassurance, especially for newly arrived pupils or refugees

Key Responsibilities 5. Working with Staff

• Work closely with:

  • Class teachers

  • SENCO and EAL coordinator

  • Pastoral staff

• Share observations about student progress and challenges

• Support assessment of English proficiency where required

Key Responsibilities 6. Supporting Assessment and Progress

• Help students understand assessment tasks and expectations

• Support preparation for tests and exams (without giving answers)

• Monitor progress in English development and report back to teachers

Skills and Qualities Needed

• Clear, patient communication

• Strong English language skills

• Understanding of EAL/ESOL strategies (scaffolding, visuals, modelling)

• Cultural awareness and empathy

• Ability to encourage independence (not over-support)

• Teamwork and flexibility

Typical ESOL Strategies Used

• Visual aids, diagrams, and real objects

• Sentence starters and writing frames

• Key vocabulary lists and glossaries

• Chunking instructions

• Modelling answers and thinking aloud

• Use of first language where appropriate (if allowed by school policy)