Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

St Gildas Catholic Primary School; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 11,459 - 14,006; Part time

Job summary

St Gildas Catholic Primary School in Yeovil is seeking a dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant to support learning across classes during term-time. The role is part-time (18.92 hours per week) and runs Tuesday to Friday, with an immediate start date in September 2026.

The successful HLTA will lead learning for individuals and groups, model excellent practice, and help create a caring classroom environment in line with our Catholic values. PV training provided.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification in working with children.
• Excellent classroom role model with high expectations for every child.
• Able to lead learning for individuals, groups and whole classes.
• Strong relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Committed to professional growth and flexible team working.

Responsibilities

• Support teaching and lead learning when required.
• Assist in managing pupil behaviour and class routines.
• Contribute to wider school life and school events.

Skills

NVQ Level 3

Lead learning

Child engagement

Education

NVQ Level 3 in working with children

Job description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant - St Gildas Catholic Primary School, Yeovil

Salary: Grade 12, Point 12-19 - £12,733.10 (actual)

Hours: 18.92 hours per week, Tuesday - Friday 10:40am - 3:30pm

Start date: 1st September 2026

Permanent, term-time only

Behind every confident learner is an adult who believed in them first - someone who knows when to encourage, when to challenge, and can keep the lesson running smoothly even when the teacher’s juggling ten things at once.

At St Gildas Catholic Primary School, being a Higher Level Teaching Assistant means much more than supporting lessons. It means inspiring curiosity, nurturing independence, and helping shape a classroom where children feel safe to question, explore, persevere - and enjoy the joyful surprises that learning brings.

St Gildas is a warm, welcoming and ambitious school rooted in our Catholic values. We are proud of our caring community, where children are encouraged to "shine their light" as confident learners, thoughtful friends, and respectful members of our school family.

We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic HLTA who is ready to make a real difference and play a key role in supporting teaching, leading learning, and helping our pupils flourish.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an excellent classroom role model with high expectations for every child
• Has NVQ Level 3 or at least equivalent qualification in working with children
• Can confidently lead learning for individuals, groups and whole classes
• Brings lessons to life with enthusiasm, creativity and curiosity
• Builds strong, positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues
• Believes every child deserves to feel valued, challenged and supported
• Shows initiative, flexibility and a commitment to professional growth
• Enjoys working collaboratively and contributing to wider school life
• Understands that great support blends patience, warmth and clear boundaries

At St Gildas, you will find:

• Children who are eager to learn, kind-hearted and full of potential
• A supportive, collaborative and friendly staff team
• A school where wellbeing, trust and professional development are genuinely valued
• Opportunities to grow your expertise and develop your HLTA practice
• A strong sense of community where every member is known, appreciated and encouraged

St Gildas Catholic Primary School is proud to be part of The Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, offering excellent professional development and collaboration across a family of schools across the South West.

If you are an HLTA who believes that the little moments matter - the quiet encouragements, the shared celebrations, and the relationships that spark confidence and character - we would truly love to hear from you.

We welcome and encourage visits from prospective applicants. Please contact our School Office Team on 01935 423630 or send an email to [e-mail] to arrange a visit. For more information about our application process, please contact [e-mail].

Closing date: 9am, Monday 31st August 2026 (closing sooner if position filled)

Interview date:TBC

Please note applications will be reviewed on receipt, and we may close the role early.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants willbe required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.

If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search including social media platforms of your ‘name, education and employment’, todemonstratedue diligence following ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.