Learning Support Assistant

Activate-Learning-1; Guildford; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Term time only

LGPS pension scheme

Access to other benefits

Job summary

Activate Learning is seeking Learning Support Assistants to join Guildford College, supporting students aged 16-25 with SEND across GCSE, A-level, LifeSkills and vocational programmes.

You will provide both academic and pastoral support to help learners feel confident, included and able to participate in college life, with a contract through July 2027 and flexible contracted hours.

Qualifications

• Experience working with learners with SEND is desirable
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential
• Patient, empathetic and positive approach

Responsibilities

• Provide in-class and direct support to learners with additional needs
• Help students overcome barriers to learning and progress
• Encourage learners to participate and engage in lessons and practical activities
• Support learners to develop study habits, organisation and independence
• Help learners manage anxiety or other challenges affecting learning
• Provide appropriate behavioural support and help manage challenging behaviour
• Support learners to develop communication, social and interpersonal skills
• Encourage students to recognise strengths and take ownership of learning

Skills

SEND experience

Communication skills

CPI trained

Inclusion & safeguarding

Education

GCSE English & Maths grade C/4+

Job description

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Learning Support Assistant

Reference: OCT20262642

Expiry date: 23:59, Sat, 31st Oct 2026

Location: Guildford

Benefits:

• Term time only
• LGPS pension scheme
• access to other great benefits

Duration: Until July 2027 with the potential to be extended

Learning Support Assistant: Guildford College | Activate Learning

Make a difference to a learner’s further education journey.

Are you caring, supportive and passionate about helping young people reach their potential?

Activate Learning is looking for Learning Support Assistants (LSAs) to join our team at Guildford College, supporting students with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in helping young people and adults build their confidence, independence and skills, enabling them to make the most of their time at college and prepare for their future.

As an LSA, you will be part of a dedicated support team working with learners aged 16-25 with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LLDD) across a wide range of academic and vocational programmes.

No two days will necessarily be the same. You could be supporting a learner in a GCSE, A-level, LifeSkills or vocational lesson, helping them overcome barriers and engage positively with their learning.

You will provide both academic and pastoral support, helping learners to feel confident, included and able to participate in college life.

Your role may include:

• Providing in-class and direct support to learners with additional needs.
• Helping students overcome barriers to learning and make progress towards their goals.
• Encouraging learners to participate and engage in lessons and practical activities.
• Supporting students to develop positive study habits, organisation and independence.
• Helping learners manage anxiety, low confidence or other challenges that may affect their learning.
• Providing appropriate behavioural support and helping to manage challenging behaviour.
• Supporting learners to develop their communication, social and interpersonal skills.
• Encouraging students to recognise their strengths and develop the confidence to take greater ownership of their learning.

Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract (until July 2027)with the potential to be extended or made permanent.

Working Pattern: Contracted hours available are 35, 28 and 21 hours per week, between the hours of 8:30am to 5:00pm.

What do you need to be a successful Learning Support Assistant at Activate Learning?

• Experience working with young people or adults with SEND (desirable but not essential)
• Minimum GCSE English and Maths grade C/level 4 or above.
• A patient, empathetic, and positive approach
• Confident in maintaining boundaries and managing challenging behaviour
• CPI trained or equivalent (desirable)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build trusting relationships with students
• Flexible, proactive, and able to work as part of a team
• Commitment to inclusion and safeguarding

If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact and want to join a supportive, learner-centred team, this is an excellent opportunity to begin or further your career in education. You’ll work within a vibrant college environment where your contribution plays an important role in supporting student success and wellbeing.

What We Offer

• A supportive and inclusive college community
• Ongoing training and professional development in SEND and specialist support
• Development opportunities within the role can include access to relevant training and apprenticeship pathways, including Level 3 Teaching Assistant programmes.
• Opportunities to develop your career within further education
• A rewarding role where you can make a real difference to students’ futures

Who we are

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.

We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.

When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.

Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits:

• Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.
• Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing
• Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
• Learning and Development: continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.
• Pension Schemes: Local Government pension schemes for AL staff
• Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave
• Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
• On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.