Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Simply Education Ltd; West of England; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stated permanent role

Term-time only schedule

Professional development

Job summary

Simply Education Ltd is supporting a brand-new specialist school opening in January 2027 in Bristol. The role is for an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join the founding team and help shape a nurturing learning environment for pupils aged 5–19 with ASD and SEMH needs.

You will lead whole-class sessions, deliver targeted interventions and contribute to high-quality teaching in a supportive setting with small class sizes and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Higher Level Teaching Assistant qualification or equivalent Level 4 qualification.
• Experience supporting pupils with SEND including ASD and SEMH.
• Strong ability to plan and deliver engaging learning activities.

Responsibilities

• Deliver planned lessons and provide classroom cover when needed.
• Plan, prepare and deliver engaging activities tailored to pupil needs.
• Support pupils with ASD/SEMH to access learning.
• Promote independence and assist with personal care where required.
• Monitor and report pupil progress and behaviour to the team.
• Collaborate with teachers and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Prepare resources and contribute to curriculum delivery.
• Mentor less experienced Teaching Assistants where appropriate.

Skills

Behaviour support

Classroom management

Deliver interventions

Interpersonal skills

Education

HLTA qualification

GCSE English & Maths

Job description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) - Be Part of a Brand-New Specialist School

Bristol

£27,463 - £29,982.50 Actual Salary (Dependent on Experience & Qualifications)

40 Hours per Week | Permanent | Term Time Only

Help Shape a New School From Day One

Simply Education is delighted to be recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join a brand-new specialist school opening in January 2027.

This isn't just another HLTA role—it’s an opportunity to help build a new school from the ground up, creating an inspiring learning environment where children and young people can thrive.

The school will support pupils aged 5-19 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. With small class sizes, a supportive leadership team and a shared vision for delivering exceptional education, you'll play a key role in shaping the culture of the school from day one.

Why Join This School?

• Be part of a brand-new specialist school from its very first year
• £27,463 - £29,982.50 actual annual salary, depending on experience and qualifications
• Permanent, term-time only position
• Small class sizes, allowing you to build meaningful relationships with pupils
• Supportive leadership team committed to staff development
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• Excellent career progression within a growing specialist education setting
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people

The Role

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, you'll work alongside the Class Teacher to deliver engaging, high-quality learning experiences that support pupils academically, socially and emotionally.

You’ll lead whole-class sessions when required, deliver targeted interventions, and help create a positive, safe and nurturing environment where every child feels supported to reach their full potential.

Working with pupils with ASD and SEMH, you’ll play a vital role in building confidence, encouraging independence and celebrating every achievement—no matter how big or small.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver planned lessons and provide classroom cover in the absence of the Class Teacher.
• Plan, prepare and deliver engaging learning activities tailored to individual pupil needs.
• Support pupils with Autism (ASD) and SEMH to access learning successfully.
• Promote independence while providing personal care where required.
• Monitor, record and report on pupil progress, behaviour and achievements.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, teaching assistants and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Prepare classroom resources and contribute to curriculum delivery.
• Support and mentor less experienced Teaching Assistants where appropriate.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is passionate about supporting children with additional needs and believes every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Essential

• Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) qualification or an equivalent Level 4 qualification.
• GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above).
• Experience supporting pupils with SEND, including ASD and SEMH.
• Strong classroom management and behaviour support skills.
• Ability to plan and deliver engaging learning activities.
• Excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• A positive, patient and resilient approach to supporting young people.

Desirable

• Experience working within a specialist or SEND school.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.

About the School

Our client is opening an exciting new specialist school in January 2027, providing high-quality education for children and young people aged 5-19 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

Designed to offer a safe, nurturing and ambitious learning environment, the school will support up to 96 pupils, combining personalised education with therapeutic support to help every learner develop confidence, resilience and the skills they need for the future.

This is a rare opportunity to join a school before it opens and help shape its culture, values and success from the very beginning.