Pastoral Teaching Assistant

THE THINKING SCHOOLS ACADEMY TRUST; Torquay; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career Development

Health and Wellbeing Support

Employee Recognition

TSAT Benefits Portal

Job summary

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is seeking an exceptional Pastoral Teaching Assistant to join Lodestar Academy in Torbay, supporting students aged 11-18 with emotional wellbeing and engagement. You will work alongside pastoral and teaching teams to create a safe, nurturing environment that helps learners regain confidence and resilience.

With experience in supporting children or young people, particularly those facing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, you will use

Qualifications

• Experience in pastoral support for young people.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with students, families and staff.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and student wellbeing fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Deliver pastoral interventions for individual students and small groups.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Use trauma-informed approaches to support students to regulate emotions and make positive choices.
• Promote engagement, attendance, resilience and independence.
• Support behaviour plans tailored to individual needs.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, families and external agencies.
• Help create a safe, supportive and aspirational learning environment for every student.
• Be a mentor, advocate, role model and champion for young people.

Skills

Pastoral support

Relationship building

Safeguarding awareness

Teamwork

Resilience

Reflection

Job description

Working alongside our pastoral and teaching teams, you will play a vital role in supporting students' emotional wellbeing, behaviour and engagement with learning. Reporting to the Lead for Behaviour, you will:

• Deliver pastoral interventions for individual students and small groups.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Use trauma-informed approaches to support students to regulate emotions and make positive choices.
• Promote engagement, attendance, resilience and independence.
• Support behaviour plans tailored to individual needs.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, families and external agencies.
• Help create a safe, supportive and aspirational learning environment for every student.

No two days are the same. You will be part mentor, advocate, role model and champion for young people who need someone to believe in them.

We are looking for someone who:

• Shares our belief that every child can succeed.
• Has a passion for supporting young people facing disadvantage and barriers to learning.
• Can remain calm, compassionate and consistent in challenging situations.
• Is skilled at building positive relationships with students, colleagues and families.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding and student wellbeing.
• Values teamwork and thrives in a collaborative environment.
• Is reflective, resilient and committed to continuous professional growth.
• Has experience working with children or young people, particularly those with additional needs, social, emotional or mental health needs, or challenging circumstances.

Most importantly, we are seeking someone who leads with empathy, maintains high expectations and never gives up on a young person. This role would suit someone who believes that education is about more than academic achievement. It is about helping young people rebuild confidence, develop character and create brighter futures.

Together, we transform life chances.

Be the Difference That Changes a Life

We are seeking an exceptional Pastoral Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team and support some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in our community. This is more than a job. It is an opportunity to help students who may have struggled in mainstream education rediscover confidence, develop resilience, re‑engage with learning and realise their potential.

Lodestar Academy, located in Torbay, is a dynamic and highly regarded institution, dedicated to providing exceptional education for young people aged 11-18. We believe that every young person, regardless of their background or life challenges, has the potential to succeed. Our mission is to empower those, particularly those facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges, who have been excluded or marginalised from mainstream education. At Lodestar Academy, we create a safe, nurturing environment for 50 secondary‑aged students who have struggled in traditional school settings. Through a tailored approach that prioritises academic achievement alongside behaviour interventions and therapeutic support, we help our students reintegrate at the same key stage as their peers and open the door to future opportunities in employment and further education. With a recent Ofsted rating of "Good", Lodestar Academy is recognised for its commitment to the welfare of students and their families. As Ofsted put it,"The welfare of pupils and their families is at the heart of The Lodestar Academy." Join us in helping to unlock the full potential of every student and provide them with the support they deserve.

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools across the South West, South, South East and East of England, consisting of early years, primary, secondary and specialist provision. We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. That's why we invest in our people, so that our staff are best supported to positively impact our pupils. Learn more about our Vision and Values here Why Join the Thinking Schools Academy Trust? We're proud to offer more than just a job-we provide a range of exceptional benefits to support and reward our staff:

• Career Development: We are committed to supporting your professional growth and offer a wide range of opportunities for career advancement. From staff development days and conferences to apprenticeships, we provide clear pathways for progression and promotional opportunities across our regions.
• Health and Wellbeing Support: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support, preferential access to Benenden Health, free flu vaccinations and eye care vouchers.
• Employee Recognition: Referral Scheme, Long Service Awards and the TSTARS Recognition Programme.
• TSAT Benefits Portal: A one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including cashback from supermarkets and high street retailers, dental insurance scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym membership.