Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Thetford)

Inspiration Trust; Tetford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

LGPS pension

Health plan

Cycle-to-work

Free parking

CPD programme

Induction programme

Job summary

Thetford Academy is part of Inspiration Trust. They seek a dedicated Higher Level Teaching Assistant to support pupils with complex needs in the SRB and alongside mainstream classes.

The role is permanent, full-time (37 hours per week, 39 weeks), with a January 2027 start. You will promote inclusion, assist with learning and behaviour plans, provide academic and pastoral support, and help learners build confidence and essential life skills. ASC experience is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Excellent numeracy and literacy skills (GCSE Maths and English or equivalent).
• NVQ 2 teaching assistant or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with children or young people and liaising with parents or the public.
• Experience supporting pupils with SEND is desirable; ASC experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils with complex needs including behaviour and SEND to thrive in mainstream education.
• Assist in developing and reviewing individual learning and behaviour plans.
• Provide academic and pastoral support for pupils, including safeguarding.
• Work with pupils in group, classroom and one-to-one formats, and cover whole classes when required.
• Prepare and use equipment and ICT resources to meet lesson plans and activities.
• Support pupils during routine tests and external examinations.
• Assist with supervision of pupils outside lesson times and liaising with parents.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Excellent numeracy

Excellent literacy

ICT skills

Education

GCSE Maths/English (or NVQ2)

NVQ2 Teaching Assistant or equivalent

Tools

ICT skills

Job description

Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Thetford)

Company: Inspiration Trust

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale F: £25,949 to £28,149 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£29,542 - £32,046 full time/full year equivalent)

Location: Thetford Academy, Croxton Road, Thetford, IP24 1LH

Permanent

Full Time: 37 hours per week from Monday to Friday

Working Weeks: 39 weeks

Start Date: January 2027

Thetford Academy is looking for a dedicated, enthusiastic and compassionate Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our Specialist Resource Base (SRB) team, working under the guidance of teaching staff to support pupils' learning, development and wellbeing.

You will work both within the specialist provision and alongside mainstream classes where appropriate, helping pupils to build confidence, independence and essential life skills while promoting inclusion throughout the academy.

Experience of supporting children and young people with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) would be a distinct advantage, although we also welcome applications from individuals with a genuine passion for inclusive education, excellent communication skills and a commitment to helping every child achieve their potential.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Working with pupils with complex needs including behaviour, SEND (Special Education Needs), mental health, social and emotional needs, and those for whom English is not their first language to ensure they can thrive in mainstream education.
• Supporting the development and review of individual learning and behaviour plans and providing academic and pastoral support for pupils as required.
• Ensuring the highest standards of teaching, learning, specialist support and safeguarding for the pupils within the Autism Base, enabling them to make accelerated progress and to have their special educational needs met.
• Working with pupils in a variety of formats; group work, classroom and one-to-one and covering a whole class when required.
• Preparing, maintaining and using equipment/resources required to meet the lesson plans/relevant learning activity and assisting pupils in their use, including supporting the use of ICT learning activities and developing pupils’ competence in its use.
• Supporting pupils during routine tests and external examinations as required.
• Assisting with the supervision of pupils out of lesson times as required.
• Serving as an additional point of contact for parents relating to academic and pastoral issues.

The ideal candidate will have

• Excellent numeracy/literacy skills/GCSE (or equivalent NVQ 2 level) Maths and English
• NVQ 2 or equivalent in teaching assistance or equivalent experience
• Experience of working in roles that expect a high level of contact with parents or members of the public and experience liaising with different stakeholders
• Experience of working with vulnerable young people with SEND
• Qualifications in assessing SEND e.g. CCET or equivalent will be desirable. If you do not have this qualification, it would be useful if you would be willing to achieve this.

We offer:

• Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
• Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
• Free parking at most sites
• Personalised CPD and development programmes
• A structured and specific induction programme.

*Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

About Us

Thetford Academy is a remarkable place to work and sits at the academic and cultural heart of its community. Our pupils follow a curriculum designed to prepare them for future challenges while fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of the world. They are supported in developing strong values and habits that empower them to make meaningful contributions to their community and beyond.

Joining Thetford Academy means becoming part of a committed, supportive, and ambitious team. Staff benefit from excellent professional development opportunities, collaborative networks, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people. If you are passionate about education and inspiring students to achieve their full potential, this is the place to grow your career.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust, twice ranked as the country’s top family of comprehensive schools for pupil progress, and strongly believe in the importance of giving the widest educational opportunities to all young people, regardless of their background. We have strong networks across the Trust, with opportunities to work with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to offering excellent professional and learning opportunities for our staff, with a busy programme of continuing professional development courses delivered by some of the country’s best educational thinkers and practitioners.

The Inspiration Trust is a Multi Academy Trust, committed to delivering the very best educational experience for the young people of Norfolk and Suffolk, across 17 schools. We are ambitious for our schools and communities and want to create Britain’s highest performing federation of 3-19 schools and transform education in the East. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.

In its 2025 inspection, Ofsted confirmed that The Thetford Academy has continued to provide a high-quality education, with excellent behaviour, a well-sequenced curriculum and impressive personal development opportunities. Pupils are proud to attend the school, feel safe, and benefit from committed staff and strong leadership.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 23rd November 2026

Interview date: Tuesday 1st December 2026

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration 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 staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.

About You

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and inspiring practitioner who is patient and adaptable with strong communication skills. You will support both teachers and pupils effectively by understanding learning needs, managing behaviour, and fostering a positive environment through proactive help and continuous learning. You will also be passionate about raising achievement through motivating and inspiring pupils and keen to contribute to the school’s visions and values.

Essential

• Excellent numeracy/literacy skills/GCSE (or equivalent NVQ 2 level) Maths and English
• NVQ 2 or equivalent in teaching assistance or equivalent experience
• Experience of working in roles that expect a high level of contact with parents or members of the public and experience liaising with different stakeholders
• Experience of working with vulnerable young people with SEND
• Good ICT skills

Desirable

• Relevant level 3 or 4 qualification
• Qualifications in assessing SEND e.g. CCET or equivalent will be desirable. If you do not have this qualification, it would be useful if you would be willing to achieve this.
• First Aid qualification

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale F: £25,949 to £28,149 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£29,542 - £32,046 full time/full year equivalent)

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale C: £11,843 to £12,029 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£25,614 - £26,016 full time/full year equivalent)