Student Support Assistant

Fakenham Academy; Fakenham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

Fakenham Academy is seeking a Student Support Assistant to support students with diverse needs within the SEND team during autumn term 2026. This permanent, part-time post runs 32.5 hours per week, term time plus one week, with working hours 08:30-15:30, Monday to Friday.

Experience with young people or educational settings is desirable; commitment to safeguarding and helping every child succeed is essential. Closing date: 2 November 2026.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• As a Student Support Assistant, you will work flexibly with students across the school who have a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities.
• You will help them access learning in the classroom, provide tailored support, and promote independence and confidence.

Job description

Part of theSapientiaEducation Trust

• Salary: SCP5-6 £19,966- £20,645 actual pa (£26,427-£26,847 FTE)
• Permanent
• Part Time
• 32.5 hours per week
• Term Time + 1 week
• Required ASAP

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

We’re looking for a committed and compassionate Student Support Assistant to join the dedicated SEND team at Fakenham Academy during the autumn term 2026.

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 Student Support Assistant, you will work flexibly with students across the school who have a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities. You will help them access learning in the classroom, provide tailored support, and promote independence and confidence.

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

1. Upholding personal and professional conduct.
2. Developing strong knowledge and understanding of your role.
3. Supporting high-quality teaching and learning.
4. 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.

Working hours for this post will be 08:30-15:30 Monday-Friday.

Closing Date: 2 November 2026, 12 noon

Interview Date: 13 November 2026

Sapientia Education Trust 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 must be prepared to undergo several vetting checks to confirm their suitability to work with children and young people. The Trust reserves the right to withdraw offers of employment where checks or references are deemed to be unsatisfactory

The Trust welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.