Student Support Assistant

eTeach UK Limited; South Oxfordshire; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Henley-on-Thames is seeking a Student Support Assistant to support students aged 16–19 with severe or complex learning difficulties. This role involves personal care, supervision, and assisting with teaching materials. The ideal candidate is adaptable and caring, with experience in supportive roles. The position offers a competitive salary and various perks, including pension scheme membership and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Free onsite gym

40% discount at Henley Leisure Centre

On site cafes

24/7 support for health through EAP provider

Ongoing Continuous Professional Development

Qualifications

• Experience in classroom support or caring fields is desirable.
• Ability to assist students with severe learning difficulties.
• Capability to follow college policies and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support teachers across the curriculum.
• Attend to students' personal care needs.
• Supervise students during meals and breaks.

Skills

Caring attitude

Adaptability

Communication

Job description

Overview

Student Support Assistant

Location: Henley-on-Thames

Salary: £18,438.00 (£25,104.00 FTE)

Contract Type: Permanent, 32.5 hours per week, Term Time Only (38 weeks)

Working Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday

About the Role

Do you like a challenge? Are you a team player? Can you use your initiative? Do you enjoy working with young people?

As a Student Support Assistant, you will work alongside a dedicated team of teaching and support staff to help students aged 16–19 with severe or complex learning difficulties. Some students may also have physical disabilities or behavioural challenges. At times, you will be required to support students on a one-to-one basis.

This is a varied, hands-on role requiring flexibility, energy, and a strong sense of commitment.

Main Responsibilities

• Supporting teachers in all areas of the curriculum
• Attending to students\' personal needs, such as toileting, washing, dressing, and feeding
• Maintaining equipment and using IT to create and maintain teaching materials
• Assisting with general department tasks, like washing up and laundry
• Supervising students in and out of college buildings, including during lunch and coffee breaks
• Assisting with transportation for off-site activities
• Being flexible and adaptable to assist students with a range of activities

About You

We’re looking for someone caring, adaptable, and confident in supporting students with a variety of learning difficulties and personal care needs. The ideal candidate will:

• Follow all rules and regulations issued by the college
• Maintain professional standards and implement college policies
• Adhere to college policies, including the Staff Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies
• Meet the college\'s quality standards and undergo continuous professional development
• Perform any other duties appropriate to your post
• To be successful in this role, you should have a flexible approach and be able to assist and relate to students with severe and complex learning difficulties. You should be able to use your own initiative, communicate clearly, and be physically capable of lifting in emergency situations. Experience in classroom support, caring fields, and manual handling is desirable, and having a sense of humour is a plus.

Why join us?

The Henley College is a leading sixth form college, serving young people and adult learners from across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Buckinghamshire. Located in the HEART of Henley-on-Thames, we are a vibrant and inclusive organisation with around 250 dedicated staff, committed to achieving educational excellence. Our values - High Expectations, Enterprise, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork, (HEART) - are central to everything we do.

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Free onsite gym
• 40% discount at Henley Leisure Centre
• On site cafes
• Based in the beautiful market town of Henley-on-Thames, on the banks of the River Thames
• 24/7 support for your physical, mental and financial health through our EAP provider
• We actively support staff with ongoing Continuous Professional Development

The Henley College is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check