Sixth Form Academic Support Assistant

Sapientia Education Trust; Fakenham; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Sapientia Education Trust is seeking a Sixth Form Academic Support Assistant for Fakenham Academy to help students with high-needs access A level and BTEC Level 3 learning, supporting them academically during study periods and promoting independence.

The role requires safeguarding awareness and alignment with Professional Standards for Teaching Assistants; previous work with young people is desirable, with a commitment to helping every child succeed.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or higher.
• Experience of academic study at Level 3 or higher.
• Experience of working with children in a school, college, care, health service, social care or youth environment.

Responsibilities

• Support students with special educational needs to access classroom learning.
• Assist with A level and BTEC Level 3 learning and study periods.
• Promote independence and confidence among students.
• Follow Professional Standards for Teaching Assistants.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Patience

Education

GCSE English & Maths C/4

Level 3 or higher

Job description

Sixth Form Academic Support Assistant

Location: Fakenham Academy, Fakenham

Salary: £25,583 - £25,989 FTE Actual Salary: £20,814 - £21,521 pro rata per annum

Vacancy Type: Fixed Term to 31 August 2027, 35 hours a week - Term Time plus 1 week

Are you passionate about helping young people overcome barriers and reach their full potential?

We're looking for a committed and compassionate Sixth Form Academic Support Assistant to join our support staff team at Fakenham Academy as soon as possible.

Previous experience of working with young people, or in an educational environment, is desirable. Consideration will be given to applicants who are considering a career in education and wish to gain experience. This is a fantastic opportunity for applicants with patience, understanding and a commitment to the success of every child to join our school community.

Why Fakenham Academy?

Fakenham Academy is a local school with high ambitions and a key drive for continuous improvement. We believe that education is the key to transforming life chances, and that by creating an outstanding learning environment where all students are happy and taught well, we will enhance their prospects to become productive, successful citizens of the future. Our core standards include high expectations of everyone in our learning community; good discipline consistently applied; reliably good quality teaching; a commitment from parents to work in partnership with the academy and respectful, positive relationships between everyone in our learning community. For us it is about educating the whole child through a diverse and broad curriculum and making sure they are prepared to enter today's modern world, as well rounded capable young men and women. Our latest Ofsted inspection recognised the high-level standard we work hard to deliver resulting in being rated a "good" school in all aspects of the inspection.

About the Role

As a Sixth Form Academic Support Assistant, you will work with specific students across Fakenham Sixth Form who have a range of special educational needs and disabilities and are classed as having high needs. You will help the students access A level and BTEC Level 3 learning in the classroom and support them academically during study periods, provide tailored support, and promote independence and confidence.

You will be expected to follow the Professional Standards for Teaching Assistants, which include:

• Upholding personal and professional conduct.
• Developing strong knowledge and understanding of your role.
• Supporting high-quality teaching and learning.
• Working effectively with others across the school community.

You'll be part of a team committed to high-quality support and will work closely with teachers and pastoral staff to ensure all students feel safe, included and ready to succeed.

Professional Competence

The professional competencies expected of a Sixth Form Academic Support Assistant are:

• The ability to communicate clearly and tactfully using appropriate methods and an awareness of the impact of your own communication on others.
• Able to maintain positive relationships with all and able to work as an effective and flexible part of a team.
• Willingness to accept responsibility for your own actions; the ability to prioritise effectively, meet deadlines and accept challenges.
• The ability to prioritise effectively, meet deadlines and accept challenges.
• The ability to follow student support plans
• The ability to follow workplace procedures.

The qualifications and previous experience required for a Sixth Form Academic Support Assistant are:

• A minimum of a grade C / 4 in English and Maths GCSE
• Experience of academic study at Level 3 or higher
• Experience of working with children of the relevant age in a school, college, care, health service, social care or youth environment.

Application Closing Date will be 12 noon on Wednesday 16 September 2026

Interviews will take place on Monday 21 September 2026