Secondary SEN Learning Support Assistant

GSL Education - Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational recruitment agency in Manchester is seeking a Secondary SEN Learning Support Assistant to support pupils within a specialist SEN provision starting from January 2026. The ideal candidate should have experience with secondary-aged students and a solid understanding of SEN and SEMH needs. This long-term opportunity is perfect for psychology graduates or youth workers looking to build a career in education, mental health, or SEN teaching. Competitive pay is available depending on experience.

Benefits

Gain invaluable experience within a secondary SEN provision

Support from a multi-disciplinary team

Long-term stability from January onwards

Competitive pay based on experience

Qualifications

• Experience working with secondary-aged young people is essential.
• A good understanding of SEN and SEMH needs is necessary.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to de-escalate calmly are required.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 and small group support within the SEN provision.
• Support pupils' emotional regulation, behaviour, and engagement.
• Assist with adapting learning materials to suit individual needs.

Skills

Experience working with secondary-aged young people

Understanding of SEN and SEMH needs

Strong communication skills

Ability to de-escalate calmly

Patient and empathetic approach

Job description

Secondary SEN Learning Support Assistant January Start

Location: Stockport

Are you a Psychology graduate, Youth Worker, or an experienced support professional looking to gain meaningful, hands‑on experience within a secondary SEN provision?

GSL Education Manchester is working closely with a secondary school in Stockport to recruit a Learning Support Assistant to support pupils within their specialist SEN provision from January 2026. This is a long‑term opportunity supporting KS3 and KS4 pupils who require additional academic, emotional, and behavioural support.

This role is particularly well suited to individuals considering careers in educational psychology, mental health, youth justice, SEN teaching, or therapy‑based professions.

About the Role

You will be based primarily within the school’s SEN provision, supporting pupils with a range of needs including Autism, ADHD, SEMH, and learning difficulties. Pupils may present with challenges around emotional regulation, engagement, and behaviour, so a calm, consistent, and relationship‑focused approach is essential.

You will work closely with SEN teachers, pastoral staff, and external professionals to help pupils access learning, develop independence, and manage the demands of the secondary curriculum.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide targeted 1:1 and small group support within the SEN provision
• Support pupils emotional regulation, behaviour, and engagement
• Assist with adapting learning materials to suit individual needs
• Build strong, trusting relationships with KS3/KS4 pupils
• Support literacy, numeracy, and structured intervention sessions
• Monitor progress, behaviour, and wellbeing, feeding back to staff
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment

This Role Is Ideal For:

• Psychology graduates seeking practical SEN experience
• Youth workers or support workers experienced with teenagers
• Individuals with experience supporting KS3/KS4‑aged pupils in education, care, or community settings
• Candidates interested in long‑term careers in SEN, mental health, or education

What We re Looking For

• Experience working with secondary‑aged young people
• A good understanding of SEN and SEMH needs
• Strong communication skills and the ability to de‑escalate calmly
• A patient, resilient, and empathetic approach
• Confidence working with pupils who may display challenging behaviour
• A genuine commitment to supporting vulnerable learners

Requirements

• Enhanced DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)
• A CV covering the last 10 years with relevant references
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection

Why Apply?

• Gain invaluable experience within a secondary SEN provision
• Work as part of a supportive, multi‑disciplinary team
• Long‑term stability from January onwards
• Ideal stepping stone into psychology, SEN teaching, or youth‑focused careers
• Competitive pay based on experience

Apply Now

To find out more or apply, please contact Orien Salehi Mojdeh:
(phone number removed)
(url removed)

Alternatively, submit your up‑to‑date CV via the application link or visit (url removed)

Please note: This role requires a strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS on the Update Service.