Learning Support Assistant

Teaching Vacancies; Oxford; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

Activate Learning is seeking a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join Oxford College, supporting students with SEND aged 16-19 across GCSEs, LifeSkills and A-Levels, in-class and one-to-one settings.

Role involves assisting learners with autism and other needs, adapting resources, promoting wellbeing, and collaborating with tutors. Fixed-term contract: August 2026 to July 2027, with potential extension; full-time or part-time hours available.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people or adults with SEND (desirable)
• Minimum GCSE English and Maths grade C/level 4 or above
• A patient, empathetic, and positive approach
• 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

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to students with SEND (entry level to GCSEs and Level 3)
• Assist students to access the curriculum and achieve their learning goals
• Support the development of independence, life skills, and employability skills
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing
• Adapt resources and approaches to meet individual needs
• Work collaboratively with tutors and support services
• Support students with personal care and medication where needed
• Attend and complete relevant training including personal care, medication, and manual handling

Skills

SEND experience

GCSE English & Maths

patient & empathetic

strong communication

team player

safeguarding

Education

GCSE English & Maths grade C/level 4

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

Activate Learning is looking for a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to join our team at Oxford College, supporting students with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).

Location: Oxford college Contract:

Fixed-Term Contract (from August 2026 until July 2027) with the potential to be extended or made permanent.

Working pattern: Full time or part-time hours available

What you'll be doing:

Our Learning Support Assistants support young people aged 16-19 enrolled in a wide range of academic and vocational programmes, including GCSEs, LifeSkills and A-Levels. LSA’s provide both in-class and one-to-one support, helping students overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential in both practical and academic environments. This will include supporting learners with autism, learning difficulties, physical disabilities, and social, emotional, and mental health needs.

• Provide 1:1 and small group support to students with SEND (This could range from entry level to GCSE’s and Level 3 courses)
• Assist students to access the curriculum and achieve their individual learning goals
• Support the development of independence, life skills, and employability skills
• Promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing
• Adapt resources and approaches to meet individual needs
• Work collaboratively with tutors and support services
• Support students with personal care and medication requirements where needed as part of the Learning Support Assistant role
• Attend and complete relevant training, including personal care, medication, and manual handling training

Our college is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment for young people and adults with a range of additional needs. As part of our dedicated support team, you will play a key role in helping students achieve independence, confidence, and success in their education and future pathways.

You’ll have:

• 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
• 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 you’ll have access to as a LSA:

• 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

What the college offers its staff

What We Offer

We want you to feel supported, valued and able to develop throughout your career with us. As part of the Activate Learning team, you’ll have access to:

• Annual leave entitlement is pro-rated according to working hours.
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Free eye tests
• Dedicated Wellbeing Toolkit; Your wellbeing. Your way. Support when you need it.
• Blue Light Card; access to a range of discounts and offers
• Access to LinkedIn Learning; develop new skills and explore learning at your own pace
• Learning and development opportunities; access to a range of professional development, training and career development opportunities to help you grow and progress

For more information about our benefits and wellbeing support, visit our Work with us - Wellbeing page.

About Activate Learning

Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group committed to transforming lives through learning.

We provide a wide range of education and training, including Further Education, Higher Education, adult education and apprenticeships, supporting learners at different stages of their education and careers.

At the heart of everything we do is our award-winning Learning Philosophy, which shapes how we teach, support our learners and work together as colleagues. Our approach is built around three simple principles: Feel Safe, Find Purpose and Make Progress.

We recognise that everyone has a different starting point, experience and ambition. We work with our learners as individuals, helping them build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to progress.

As a colleague, you'll be part of a supportive and inclusive organisation where learning, development and making a positive difference are central to what we do.

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

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

We welcome applications from all candidates who meet or exceed the minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race, religion or ethnicity. We are committed to making our recruitment process inclusive and accessible.

If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please contact the Talent Team.

Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check due to exposure to hazardous conditions.

Activate Learning does not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies. Agencies working with our Talent Team must be part of our Preferred Supplier List (PSL).

Commitment to safeguarding

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment follows safer recruitment principles and Keeping Children Safe in Education. Depending on the role, successful applicants may undergo DBS, right to work, reference, qualification and suitability checks. We welcome applications from all candidates and are committed to an inclusive, accessible recruitment process. Please contact our Talent Team if you require reasonable adjustments.