Senior Teaching Assistant (Uplands Academy)

East Sussex County Council; Wadhurst; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Staff recognition

Pension scheme

Generous leave

Wellbeing programme

Staff surveys

Blue Light Card

Gym discounts

Free parking

Eye tests DSE

Job summary

Uplands Academy in Wadhurst invites applications for a Teaching Assistant to support classroom learning and help shape young minds. This permanent, full-time post is 37 hours per week, term-time only, with a 30-minute unpaid break each day.

The role offers pro‑rata pay, progression opportunities within MARK Education Trust, generous annual leave for support staff, and access to pension schemes and wellbeing resources.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom learning and help shape young minds
• Spark change and have a meaningful influence on students' futures
• Enjoy flexible opportunities that fit around other commitments

Job description

Job Details

Hours of work: 37
Working pattern: Full-time, Term-time only
(As the position is term-time only, the above salary will be pro rata)

Contract: Permanent, full time (37 hours per week plus a 30-minute unpaid break per day, Monday–Friday), term time only

Start date: ASAP

Grade/Salary: Single Status Grade5Point12-13- £25,989-£26,402 full time equivalent. Actual salary is £22,827

Closing date: 10am Friday 04 September 2026

Responsibilities

• Support classroom learning and help shape young minds
• Spark change and have a meaningful influence on students' futures
• Enjoy flexible opportunities that fit around other commitments

Many of our Teaching Assistants have progressed into roles such as Teachers, Assistant SENDCO, Assistant Head of Year, or moved into Health & Care, Social Work, or Educational Psychology.

‘I worked as a Teaching Assistant before becoming aTeacher, and it was a great experience!’ (MARK Education Trust Teacher testimonial)

Benefits of working with us

• Flexible working approach
• Staff recognition initiatives
• Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme/Teacher’s Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement (support staff)
• Access to Wellbeing Support through our Employee AssistanceProgramme, this includes free confidential telephone and face to face counselling
• Opportunities to share your views through staff surveys and forums
• Eligibility to access Blue Light Card and discounts
• Discounted use of Gym & Exercise Classes at Uplands Academy
• Free parking available onsite or within close proximity to all our schools
• Free optician’s eyesight test for DSE users

Location & Contact

Uplands Academy, Lower High Street, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN6 2AS

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Website: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/148945/EDV-2026-UA-73390

Please note, we do not accept CVs.

Safeguarding and Vetting

This post is covered by the Childcare Disqualification Regulations 2018.

The school will need to ensure that they are not knowingly employing a person who is disqualified under the 2018 Regulations in connection with relevant childcare provision. Accordingly, the successful candidate will be required to demonstrate to the school, by completing a self-declaration form as part of the pre‑employment checks process, that they have not been disqualified under the 2018 Regulations.

If the preferred candidate is found to be disqualified under the 2018 Regulations, the offer of employment will be subject to the application by the preferred candidate to Ofsted for a waiver and the receipt of a waiver from Ofsted.

All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants.

About the School

Uplands Academy a mixed 11-16 non-selective converter academy with approximately 835 students. Uplands is situated in Wadhurst, a small, rural town in East Sussex with traditional, independent shops in a warm and friendly local community. Wadhurst is close to Royal Tunbridge Wells which is approximately seven miles north with its bustling shopping centre, iconic landmarks and thriving social scene and fascinating architecture. All of our staff commute to us from a variety of places such as the south coast including Hastings and Eastbourne together with other locations across Kent and Sussex.

About the Trust

Uplands Academy, alongside Beacon Academy and Hailsham Academy, is proud to be part of MARK Education Trust. The acronym MARK was selected because staff who work in the Trust are motivated, ambitious, resourceful and knowledgeable. The Trust was established in September 2022 with the integration of Uplands Academy (formerly Uplands Community College) into the partnership with Beacon Academy. In September 2025, the Trust were delighted to welcome Hailsham Academy (formerly Hailsham Community College Academy Trust). Together, we are committed to building strong, cohesive teams dedicated to driving continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring our students thrive and our staff are empowered to deliver and develop with excellence.

Additional Information

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff will be expected to hold or be willing to obtain an enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record.

All school based staff have the responsibility for promoting the safeguarding and welfare of children. All school staff should be aware of the school’s Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy and work in accordance with this document at all times.