Lead Teaching Assistant

Ascend Learning Trust; Royal Wootton Bassett; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellbeing

Free annual Flu Vaccines

Discounted Gym Memberships

24-hour counselling helpline

Job summary

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, part of Ascend Learning Trust, is appointing a Lead Teaching Assistant (Functional) to lead Foundational Skills across KS3-5, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and study skills. You will work with SEND, pastoral teams and external agencies to ensure students access learning.

The role offers a permanent, full-time term-time contract (39 weeks) with a competitive NJC G12-14 salary and pro rata actuals; we welcome applicants who share a growth mindset and commitment to

Qualifications

• Experience supporting foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and study skills.
• Ability to coordinate and deliver targeted interventions for students with additional needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead Foundational Skills support across KS3-5 with focus on literacy, numeracy, communication, and study skills.
• Collaborate with SEND, pastoral staff, families and external agencies to enable access to learning and build resilience.

Job description

Lead Teaching Assistant (Functional)

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy

Salary: NJC Grade G12-14 - £29,064-£31,022 (DOE) FTE

Actual Salary: £24,998 - £26,683 (DOE) pro rata

Contract: Permanent, Full Time and Term Time only (39 weeks)

Monday to Thursday: (with a half hour unpaid break)

Friday: (with a half hour unpaid break)

Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 20th September 2026

Interview Date : TBC

Anticipated Start Date: As soon as possible

Job Overview

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and inspirational Lead TA. The successful applicant will lead Foundational Skills with a focus on coordination and delivery of foundational skills support across Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, ensuring that students who require additional support in literacy, numeracy, communication, learning readiness and study skills are identified early and receive high-quality intervention.

The Lead Teaching Assistant will work collaboratively with the SEND team, pastoral staff, families and external agencies to ensure students are supported to access learning, achieve positive outcomes and develop emotional resilience.

Why choose us?

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy is part of the Ascend Learning Trust and shares a vision based on mutual respect, support, and encouragement to bring out the best in people. At RWBA we recognise that the quality of learning, teaching and behaviour are inseparable issues and that the vast majority of our pupils act in a sensible and appropriate manner and have a keen desire to learn.

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy is committed to developing 'A growth mindset' and we would welcome an application from fellow professionals who share that mind-set.

Full details can be found in the recruitment pack.

Ascend Learning Trust creates a sense of belonging for everyone. All our young people receive a holistic, world class education regardless of where they come from or their life challenges. They will leave their Ascend community with outcomes that opens doors to a fulfilling and successful future.

Together we will foster a culture of compassion and inclusivity with high expectations and standards for all. Where horizons are limitless, and education is unmissable.

Together we Belong, Believe, Become.

We also offer an excellent staff benefit package which include discounts on high street stores, restaurants, cinemas, and gyms as well as having a wellbeing hub and a cycle to work scheme. We have a wide range of benefits for employees which include:

• Health & Wellbeing
• Free annual Flu Vaccines
• Discounted Gym Memberships
• 24-hour access to free counselling helpline for family, debt advice
• *Annual 'Wellbeing Day'
• Generous holiday allowance
• Flexible working solutions
• Financial
• Hundreds of offers and discounts and cashback on local and national stores
• Excellent Pension Schemes
• Cycle to Work and Tech Schemes
• Health and Fitness Schemes (available at additional cost)
• Career Progression
• Instructional Coaching for Teachers
• Developmental performance management conversations
• Apprenticeship opportunities for 'on the job training'
• Investment in your career, internal and external talent solutions.
• Recognition and Reward -including service awards
• * Please note some allowances are only applicable on completion of a successful 6 month probation.
• * Please note if we receive sufficient applications, we may close this job role earlier.

At Ascend Learning Trust, we believe in the power of diversity to drive innovation, foster creativity, and create a workplace that truly reflects the richness of the world around us. We are excited to welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our dynamic team.

Reasonable adjustments are modifications or accommodations made to ensure that individuals with disabilities or specific needs can perform their job duties effectively. We embrace the idea that everyone should have equal opportunities to succeed, and our aim is to make this a reality.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Ascend Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

Please note that this role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, which means that you are required to disclose any criminal convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands, even if they would normally be considered "spent" and a DBS check will be carried out before any employment commences.

In line with KCSIE 2025 and safer recruitment practices, the school will conduct an online search for all shortlisted candidates. The online search is pa