Student Support Assistants

Activate Learning; Banbury; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An education group in Banbury is seeking a Student Support Assistant to provide in-class and individual support for students aged 16-19. The role involves assisting with personal care, employing inclusive strategies, and collaborating with tutors. Ideal candidates should have strong communication skills, creativity, and a passion for student success. This is a full-time position with various training opportunities, suitable for individuals motivated to create a positive learning environment.

Benefits

Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards

Wellbeing & Resources Groups

Free eye tests and health cash plan

Continuous learning and development opportunities

Flexible working options

Generous annual leave

Qualifications

• Passion for helping young people succeed.
• Willingness to undertake personal care and manual handling training.
• Previous experience supporting students with SEN is helpful but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-class and individual support to students aged 16-19.
• Help students overcome barriers to learning.
• Collaborate with tutors and support teams.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Collaboration

Creativity and empathy

Job description

Job Title: Student Support Assistant

Salary: Up to £13.54 per hour

Contract Type: Fixed‑Term Contract (until July 2026)

Location: Banbury and Bicester College

Training: Various in‑house training opportunities relevant to the role.

Working Pattern: Term‑time only, Full‑time positions available

We are currently looking for Student Support Assistants to join our dedicated team based at Banbury College. If you are passionate about supporting students, thrive in a collaborative environment, and want to make a real difference in the lives of learners, we would love to hear from you!

About the Role as a Student Support Assistant

As a Student Support Assistant, you will provide in‑class and individual support to young adults aged 16‑19 enrolled in a wide range of academic and vocational programmes, from entry qualifications to Level 3, including T levels. Pathways available for students include animal management, e‑sports, performing arts, public services, catering, health and social care and hair and beauty. You will help them overcome barriers to learning and reach their full potential, supporting their progress in both practical and academic environments.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting students across a variety of course levels (Entry Level to Level 3)
• Acting as a positive role model and using inclusive, student‑centred support strategies
• Collaborating with tutors and support teams to meet individual student needs
• Assisting with personal care and behaviour management where necessary, with training provided

Our Student Support Assistants play a vital role in empowering students with additional learning needs to achieve success throughout their educational journey.

What do you need to be a successful Student Support Assistant at Activate Learning?

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively and independently
• A flexible, proactive, and supportive approach to working with learners
• Creativity and empathy in engaging and motivating students with diverse needs
• A genuine passion for helping young people succeed
• Previous experience supporting students with SEN is helpful but not essential
• Willingness to undertake personal care and manual handling training if required

If you're motivated to make a real difference and want to be part of a supportive, student‑focused team, this is a fantastic opportunity to start or develop your career in education. You'll be part of a dynamic college environment where your work has a direct impact on student achievement and wellbeing.

Who we are

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.

We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.

When you work for Activate Learning, you're working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.

Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits

Here are some of our benefits:

• Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award‑winning Learning Philosophy.
• Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing
• Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
• Learning and Development: continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in‑house L&D team.
• Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.
• Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for AL staff
• Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave
• Flexible Working: Options include hybrid and remote, term time only, and flexible working patterns.
• Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
• On‑Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.

For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits & wellbeing offering, please visit our work‑with‑us/wellbeing.

Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission.

Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts.

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK, we do not sponsor work permits. Work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.

Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.

Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.

Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning, have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.