Level 1 Teaching Assistant

Swavesey Village College; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 8,000 - 10,000; Part time

Job summary

Swavesey Village College is seeking a Level 1 Teaching Assistant to support students under the Class Teacher’s direction. You will help enable access to learning and assist with classroom management, contributing to a positive, inclusive learning environment.

The role focuses on supervising small groups or individuals, fostering self-esteem and motivation in pupils, and developing strong, supportive relationships within a dedicated team at the Meridian Trust-accredited school.

Qualifications

• Holds a good educational background with GCSE or equivalent in English Language.
• Understands how children learn.
• Is skilled at developing children’s self-esteem and motivation so that they become resilient, independent learners.
• Has excellent communication skills and is able to develop and sustain positive relationships with pupils.

Responsibilities

• Supervise activities for small groups or 1:1, enabling all children to reach their potential.
• Encourage and promote the inclusion and acceptance of all students.
• Establish and maintain supportive relationships.
• Join a dedicated, enthusiastic team, within a supportive MAT.

Skills

Supervising learners

Inclusive education

Pupil communication

Understanding child learning

Education

GCSE English or equivalent

Job description

Vacancy for Level 1 Teaching Assistant

Salary: Grade 4, Point 3 - 5

Hours of work: 14.75 hours per week, 3 days 8.45am - 3.10pm, 38 weeks per year.

We currently have a vacancy for a passionate, creative and dedicated Teaching Assistant, who thrives on helping students realise their potential at Swavesey Village college. You will work under the direction of the Class Teacher, to enable access to learning for students and to aid the Class Teacher in the management of students and the classroom.

The Opportunity

• Supervise activities for small groups or 1:1, enabling all children to reach their potential.
• Encourage and promote the inclusion and acceptance of all students.
• Establish and maintain supportive relationships.
• Join a dedicated, enthusiastic team, within a supportive MAT.

The ideal candidate

• Holds a good educational background with GCSE or equivalent in English Language.
  
• Understands how children learn.
• Is skilled at developing children’s self-esteem and motivation so that they become resilient, independent learners.
• Has excellent communication skills and is able to develop and sustain positive relationships with pupils.

About Swavesey Village College -

Swavesey Village College was judged to be Outstanding in all categories by Ofsted in May 2024. Ofsted report that ‘Swavesey Village College is a welcoming, inclusive school with high ambitions for all’, and that ‘Leaders have created a vibrant, successful school where all are welcome and all can succeed’. Moreover, they feel ‘The curriculum for personal development is exemplary’. The achievements of our students are remarkable, both academically in examination success, and across an incredibly wide range of sports, arts and other co-curricular areas.

Swavesey is a village community school located close to Cambridge with excellent transport links to Cambridge and the pretty market town of St Ives, however, we have a considerable local and national reputation for academic excellence and innovation as part of our Academy Trust - Meridian Trust.

About Meridian Trust -

Meridian Trust is a values-led organisation formed in 2011 that has risen to be one of the highest-performing academy trusts in the country. The Trust is founded on its commitment to a high-quality educational provision for all at the heart of local communities. Meridian currently operates primary, secondary and special schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

Meridian Trust offers a wealth of fantastic benefits for teaching and support staff which are highlighted below but are not limited to -

• Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities which allow you to gain specialist knowledge in a role you are passionate about developing in
• Opportunity to jump start your career in teaching through our dedicated Initial Teacher Training Team (ITT)
• Support for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and other resources
• Cycle to work scheme
• Defined benefit local government or Teacher’s pension scheme
• Healthcare benefits including free eye test vouchers and flu vaccinations
• Free on-site parking
• Discounts on a wide range of benefits from everyday essentials to holidays

To explore our full range of benefits, please visit https://www.meridiantrust.co.uk/jobs-and-training/benefits/.

For more information about the role please download the Applicant Information Pack below.

Closing date for applications: 11th October 2026

The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

The 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 appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches.