Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Woodston Primary School; England; On-site; GBP 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A primary educational institution in England is seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join their dedicated team. This role involves providing tailored support for students, covering classes, and enhancing phonics and reading programs. The ideal candidate will be skilled in working with children, possess an NVQ Level 3 for Teaching Assistants, and contribute positively to the school environment. The position offers excellent career development opportunities and further training. Applications close on 16th January 2026.

Benefits

Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Defined benefit pension scheme

Healthcare benefits

Free on-site parking

Discounts on various benefits

Qualifications

• Highly skilled in working with children in all year groups.
• Confident, patient, and nurturing.
• Excellent classroom practice with high teaching standards.

Responsibilities

• Provide bespoke provision for pupils not meeting age expectations.
• Cover classes in the absence of teachers.
• Deliver phonics and reading fluency provision.
• Support planning and evaluation of learning activities.
• Encourage inclusion of all children.
• Contribute to after-school educational provision.

Skills

Working with children

Classroom practice

Teamwork

Child protection awareness

Education

NVQ Level 3 for Teaching Assistants/HLTA qualification

Job description

Vacancy for Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Woodston Primary School

Salary:

Meridian Trust Support Staff Grade 5
£22,403 (Actual annual salary)

Hours:

33.75 hours to be working 8.15 am - 3.45 pm, Monday to Friday
39 weeks per year

We are looking for an enthusiastic person who would like to join our friendly and hardworking team as a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant. This is an exciting opportunity for a capable and experienced teaching assistant who is looking to progress their career and who would like to develop their knowledge and expertise in providing specialist intervention for pupils who need to accelerate their rate of progress.

Woodston Primary School is a vibrant and happy place to work where all the staff are dedicated to the support of our fantastic and eager to learn children.

You will be working under the direction of the class teacher and SENDCo to:

• Provide personalised, bespoke provision for pupils who are not on track to meet age expectations, including pupils with EAL.
• Covering classes in the absence of the teacher for PPA & leadership release
• Deliver high quality phonics and reading fluency provision.
• Contribute to the planning and evaluation of learning activities with teaching staff in order to plan and deliver high quality educational provision for our young people.
• Support the implementation of APDRs, behaviour plans, curriculum planning and assessment, providing detailed feedback to the teacher, parent or outside agency as needed.
• Encourage and promote the inclusion and acceptance of all children.
• Contribute to the wider life of the academy, including after school educational provision.

The ideal candidate:

• Is skillful in working with children in all year groups to support their learning and progress.
• Is confident and resilient, patient and nurturing and who wants to help us to support our pupils to thrive and develop into successful young people.
• Demonstrates excellent classroom practice with high standards of teaching and learning.
• Can act on their own initiative.
• Is qualified to NVQ Level 3 for Teaching Assistants/HLTA qualification or equivalent or is willing to work towards this qualification.
• Is a good team player who is willing to contribute to the ethos and wider community of the academy.
• Is motivated, passionate, and reflective about their work.
• Demonstrates an understanding of child protection and safeguarding issues.

About Woodston Primary School

Woodston is a large school with a rich history, located in one of the older areas of Peterborough. The school has a strong relationship with its staff and community, including a private nursery on-site. Our local governance committee is passionate and involved in the school’s daily life.

At Woodston Primary School, we work together with enthusiasm to provide a safe and happy learning environment. We strive to achieve excellence by encouraging everyone to be the best that they can be. We have a safeguarding at the heart of our purpose. We achieve this through our CARE code: Compassion, Ambition, Respect, Equity

About Meridian Trust

Meridian Trust is a values-led organisation formed in 2011 that has risen to be one of the highest-performing academy trusts in the country. The Trust is founded on its commitment to a high-quality educational provision for all at the heart of local communities. Meridian currently operates primary, secondary and special schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

Meridian Trust offers a wealth of fantastic benefits for teaching and support staff which are highlighted below but are not limited to -

• Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities which allow you to gain specialist knowledge in a role you are passionate about developing in
• Opportunity to jump start your career in teaching through our dedicated Initial Teacher Training Team (ITT)
• Support for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and other resources
• Cycle to work scheme
• Defined benefit local government or Teacher’s pension scheme
• Healthcare benefits including free eye test vouchers and flu vaccinations
• Free on-site parking
• Discounts on a wide range of benefits from everyday essentials to holidays

To explore our full range of benefits, please visit https://www.meridiantrust.co.uk/jobs-and-training/benefits/.

For more information about the role please download the Applicant Information Pack below.

Closing date for applications: 16th January 2026

Interviews will be held on: 21st January 2026

Meridian Trust reserves the right to close the applications early in the event that a suitable candidate is sourced. Applications will be reviewed as received so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

The 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 appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches.