Graduate Teaching Assistant - Bristol

Teaching Personnel; Bristol; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly PAYE pay

CPD training including SEN & SEMH, Saf

Dedicated consultant support

Job summary

Teaching Personnel is recruiting Graduate Teaching Assistants to support pupils across primary, secondary and SEN schools in the Bristol area. Roles offer term-time schedules with full or part-time hours and start ASAP.

Ideal for recent graduates pursuing education, psychology or child development careers, with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in school settings and to develop classroom-based skills.

Qualifications

• No formal teaching qualification required; proactive approach and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small-group support for pupils with additional needs.
• Build positive relationships to support engagement and progress.
• Support students with emotional regulation, behaviour, and social development.
• Assist pupils in accessing the curriculum and staying focused in lessons.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral teams.
• Encourage independence, confidence, and resilience.
• Promote a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.

Skills

Interest in education

SEN awareness

Communication skills

Teamwork

Job description

Graduate Teaching Assistant – Bristol

Location: Bristol
Start Date: ASAP
Hours: Full or Part-time, Term-time only
(Monday to Friday, 8:00/8:30am – 3:00/3:30pm)

Are you a recent graduate looking to gain practical experience supporting children and young people with additional needs?

We are recruiting Graduate Teaching Assistants to work across primary, secondary, and specialist SEN schools in the Bristol area, supporting students with Autism, SEMH, ADHD, communication needs and learning difficulties.

This role offers a strong foundation for graduates interested in pursuing careers in Education, Psychology, Mental Health, or Child Development, providing valuable, hands‑on experience in school settings.

Key Responsibilities (Classroom & SEN Support Duties)

• Provide 1:1 and small‑group support for pupils with additional needs


• Build positive, consistent relationships to support engagement and progress


• Support students with emotional regulation, behaviour, and social development


• Assist pupils in accessing the curriculum and staying focused in lessons


• Work collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral teams


• Encourage independence, confidence, and resilience


• Promote a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment

Who This Role Suits

This role is particularly well‑suited to:

• Psychology, Criminology, Education or Health & Social Care graduates


• Individuals seeking experience ahead of further study (e.g. Educational Psychology, PGCE)


• Those interested in working with children with SEN or behavioural needs


• Candidates with experience in care, support work, youth work, or mentoring

No formal teaching qualification is required - a proactive approach, strong communication skills, and a genuine interest in supporting young people are key.

Essential Skills & Qualities

• A strong interest in education, SEN, or child development


• Calm, patient and consistent approach


• Ability to build rapport and positive relationships


• Resilience and adaptability in a dynamic school environment


• Strong communication and teamwork skills


• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)

Desirable (Not Essential)

• Previous experience working with children or young people


• Knowledge of Autism, SEMH, ADHD or behaviour support strategies


• Understanding of safeguarding or school‑based environments


• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

What You’ll Get

• Weekly pay via PAYE (no umbrella deductions)


• Access to accredited CPD including:
  
  
  
  • SEN & SEMH training
  
  
  • Safeguarding & Child Protection
  
  
  • Behaviour management / Team Teach
  
  
  
  


• Ongoing support from your dedicated consultant


• Opportunities for long‑term and permanent positions

Graduate Opportunity

• Gain direct, practical experience in schools from day one


• Develop skills highly valued in education and psychology careers


• Work within a structured, professional environment


• Build experience supporting children with a range of needs


• Follow a term‑time schedule aligned with the school calendar

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.