Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Learning Support)

The Portsmouth Grammar School; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading co-educational school in Portsmouth is seeking a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to assess and support pupils from January 2026. The role involves providing tailored assistance to help students overcome academic barriers. Candidates should have strong educational qualifications, and a willingness to work towards HLTA accreditation is desirable. This full-time, term-time position offers a collaborative environment with a commitment to safeguarding children.

Qualifications

• Good standard of education with GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C/Grade 4 or above.
• Willingness to work towards accreditation as an HLTA.
• Evidence of ability to work within the HLTA Standards framework.

Responsibilities

• Assess and support pupils across the Junior and Senior School.
• Deliver individually tailored learning and personal support.
• Help to remove barriers to academic progress.

Education

GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C/Grade 4 or above

Level 4 Certificate in Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Level 4 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning

Level 4 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

HLTA status

PGCE or QTS

Job description

Overview

The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth. We are a family school known for excellent teaching, superb pastoral care and wide-ranging co-curricular opportunities, offering education across the age range from Pre-School to Sixth Form.

Role

We are looking for a well-qualified Higher Level Teaching Assistant to assess and support pupils across the Junior and Senior School at PGS from January 2026, with the possibility of an earlier start. Reporting to the Head of Learning Support (SENCO), the role holder will help remove barriers to academic progress and provide individually tailored learning and personal support to an agreed cohort of pupils. They will work on a one-to-one or small group basis with a caseload referred by the Head of Learning Support, and provide additional support that complements existing academic and pastoral structures.

Responsibilities

• Assess and support pupils across the Junior and Senior School on a one-to-one or small-group basis.
• Deliver individually tailored learning and personal support to an agreed cohort of pupils.
• Work with pupils referred by the Head of Learning Support to remove barriers to academic progress.
• Contribute to the early identification of pupils’ strengths and weaknesses through screening procedures and follow-up testing where necessary.
• Support the Learning Support Department as part of a team led by the Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning).
• Assist with interventions that may include literacy, numeracy, study skills, revision techniques and curriculum support.
• Participate in termly interventions and related costs as appropriate.
• Attend Professional Development (INSET) days as required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Essential: A good standard of education with GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C/Grade 4 or above.
• Desirable:
• Level 4 Certificate in Higher Level Teaching Assistant
• Level 4 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning
• Level 4 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
• HLTA status gained through assessment of an evidence-based portfolio and classroom observations
• PGCE or QTS

In addition, the successful candidate should demonstrate willingness to work towards accreditation as an HLTA and show evidence of the ability to work within the HLTA Standards framework as set out in the HLTA National Assessment Partnership.

Employment Details

• This is a permanent, full-time, term-time only role, with attendance at all INSET days.
• Hours: 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday 8.30am–4.30pm, or 8.00am–4.00pm (to suit the successful candidate), with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break.
• Applications from candidates seeking a part-time role of at least 0.8 FTE will be considered; please indicate your preference in your application.

How to Apply

Candidates should apply using the PGS application form linked to our advert on Tes or via the "Work With Us" page on our website: https://www.pgs.org.uk/about-us/work-with-us

For enquiries, please email [e-mail]

Closing date: midday 9 October 2025. Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 13 October 2025 with a provisional interview date of 16 October 2025. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and applicants may be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media account names/handles, as part of the application. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; applicants may be required to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview.