Level 1 Teaching Assistant (Fixed Term Contract)

Bristol City Council; Bristol; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading local education authority in Bristol is seeking a Teaching Assistant Level 1 to support students in achieving their potential. The role involves collaborating with teachers and implementing learning activities tailored to students' needs. Ideal candidates should possess NVQ Level 2/3 in supporting teaching and learning, as well as strong interpersonal skills. This is a full-time position offering competitive salary and benefits including a generous pension scheme.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Access to a pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Health benefits

Flexible working opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in a single form entry school is essential.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage students.
• Willingness to undertake relevant qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Support students by adopting strategies to access the curriculum.
• Implement planned learning activities and adjust as necessary.
• Collaborate with colleagues to meet student needs.

Skills

Empathy

Active listening

Classroom management

Planning and organization

Commitment to inclusion

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 in supporting teaching and learning or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Teaching Assistant Level 1

Actual Annual Salary: £22,213–£24,211 Based on hours and weeks worked

Full Time Equivalent Salary: £25,941–£28,275 (CLF Grade B) Based on full time hours, all year round.

Contract Type: Fixed Term until 31 August 2026

Hours: 37 hours per week – full time, term time only plus inset days

Potential Start Date: As soon as possible

Opportunity to empower students

Support students by adopting relevant strategies and techniques to enable them to access the curriculum, engage with their learning and achieve their full potential. Takes responsibility for implementing planned learning activities/ teaching programmes as agreed with the teacher, adjusting activities according to students’ responses as appropriate. Deliver measurable impact on student attainment as well as social and emotional well‑being. Works collaboratively with relevant colleagues to fulfil the requirements of the role.

About You

• Committed to being part of a high‑performing school that has high expectations.
• Continuously work to improve the life chances of pupils.
• Committed to own self‑development and resilient to the challenges of working in a single form entry school.
• See feedback as a gift and strive to be better every day.
• Committed to the wider success of the school and community.
• Have experience of, or willingness to embrace working in a single form entry school – essential.
• Understand classroom roles and responsibilities and how a teaching assistant supports students in their learning.
• Able to engage students and manage behaviour on a one‑to‑one or small group basis.
• Committed to undertaking relevant qualifications, e.g. NVQ Level 2/3 in supporting teaching and learning or equivalent, first aid qualification, to ensure ongoing professional development.
• Have strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to demonstrate empathy and active listening.
• Have good planning and organisational skills, specifically with regard to learning activities and support materials.
• Show a keen interest in working with children and a commitment to inclusion and acceptance of all.

Applicants are advised to refer to the full requirements of the role in the attached job description and person specification, prior to submitting an application.

About Bristol Metropolitan Academy

Bristol Metropolitan Academy (Bristol Met) is an over‑subscribed secondary school based in Fishponds, Bristol. It is characterised by energy, enthusiasm, and a strong sense of community. The years at school are few and precious, and it is important that students have a strong sense of belonging and a belief in their right and ability to achieve highly.

Our students are excited to learn and are real ambassadors for our diverse community. Sixty percent of our students come from global majority groups. We have more than 40 identified primary languages in our student and staff community, with over 35% of our students coming from English‑as‑additional‑language backgrounds. A higher‑than‑average number of our students have a special educational need.

We believe we enable all students to achieve their very best through our approach to inclusion coupled with our Metropolitan Way: High Standards, High Aspirations and High Expectations working in harmony with our PROUD values of being ResPectful, Resilient, CompassiOnate, AmbitioUs and UnifieD.

Why work at CLF?

We are a diverse and inclusive community of 36 academies across five cluster regions in the South West committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, yet all are driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a meaningful difference. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a difference to the lives of others.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. Representation matters, and over 52% of the students who attend Bristol Metropolitan Academy come from global majority groups. We particularly encourage applicants from under‑represented groups to apply.

We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part‑time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

What We Can Offer You

• Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Generous annual leave.
• A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in‑role/wider‑trust development opportunities.
• Well‑being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts and flu jabs.
• Generous family leave options, including above‑industry‑average occupational maternity pay.
• Additional benefits such as cycle‑to‑work scheme, on‑site parking and many more.

Recruitment Timeline

• Closing Date: 20 November @ 11.59pm
• Shortlisting date: 24 November 2025
• Interviews: Week commencing 01 December 2025

We welcome visits from potential candidates. If you would like to arrange a school visit prior to the closing date, please contact the academy/site directly to arrange a suitable appointment.

As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs; a full education and employment history must be provided through our application form.

Please note we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out.

As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are dedicated to equity and inclusion and commit to interviewing applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, and support employees throughout their employment. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know how we can assist.