Lead Teaching Assistant (Functional)

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy; Swindon; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free annual flu vaccines

Discounted gym memberships

24/7 counselling helpline

Annual Wellbeing Day

Generous holiday allowance

Flexible working solutions

Optional health and fitness schemes

Job summary

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy seeks a Lead Teaching Assistant (Functional) to lead Foundational Skills across Key Stages 3–5, ensuring high‑quality intervention for students requiring literacy, numeracy, communication, and study skills support. You will collaborate with the SEND team, pastoral staff, families and external agencies to help students access learning and achieve positive outcomes.

The role offers a permanent, full‑time post (Term Time 39 weeks) with a focus on supporting learning,

Qualifications

• Experience leading targeted literacy, numeracy, communication and study skills interventions.
• Strong collaboration with SEND, pastoral teams, families and external agencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead Foundational Skills delivery across Key Stages 3–5.
• Coordinate and identify students needing high‑quality intervention.
• Work with SEND team to support access to learning and develop emotional 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: 08.30-16.30 (with a half hour unpaid break)

Friday: 08.30-16.00 (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.

Full details can be found in the recruitment pack.

Why choose us?

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, part of Ascend Learning Trust, is a respectful and supportive learning community where high‑quality teaching, positive behaviour and strong relationships are inseparable. We promote a strong growth mindset and welcome professionals committed to continuous improvement.

At Ascend Learning Trust, our motto — Together we Belong, Believe, Become.— guides everything we do. We create a genuine sense of belonging and deliver a holistic, world‑class education that opens doors for every young person, no matter their starting point. Our shared values of Compassion, Aspiration, Respect, Dedication and Integrity shape our culture and inspire us to provide unmissable education and limitless horizons.

When you join us, you become part of a supportive, ambitious community that invests in its people and develops high‑calibre professionals. We foster kindness, inclusivity and high expectations, and we welcome colleagues who want to make a meaningful difference every day.

What We Offer

Health & Wellbeing

• Free annual flu vaccines
• Discounted gym memberships
• 24/7 counselling helpline
• Annual Wellbeing Day*
• Generous holiday allowance
• Flexible working solutions
• Optional health and fitness schemes*

Financial

• Discounts and cashback at hundreds of retailers
• Excellent Pension Schemes, including 21.3% employer contributions for support staff
• Cycle to Work and Tech Schemes*

Career Progression

• Instructional Coaching for teaching roles
• Supportive performance development
• Apprenticeship and training opportunities
• Internal progression pathways
• Recognition and long-service awards

*Please note some allowances are only applicable on completion of a successful probation.

Please note if we receive sufficient applications, we may close this job role earlier.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. If you need adjustments to support your application, please contact the Recruitment Team on 01793 781485 or [e-mail]