TA Apprentice

Catalyst Academies Trust; South Ockendon; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 14,000; Full time

Job summary

Catalyst Academies Trust is offering a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprentice at Somers Heath Primary School in South Ockendon. The two-year apprenticeship leads to a Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with potential progression to TA, HLTA, foundation degree, BA Hons or Qualified Teacher Status.

You will train with a mix of on-the-job learning and college study, with weekly college attendance and a workplace assessor visit. The pay starts at £8.00 per hour in year one, with 28 days leave.

Qualifications

• GCSEs English and Maths required; science preferred for teaching route.
• Demonstrate excellent literacy, numeracy and ICT skills.
• GCSEs can still be in progress at application.

Responsibilities

• Attend college one day per week and have an assessor visit the workplace.
• Weekly training at Dilkes Academy, South Ockendon.
• Earn at least £8.00 per hour in year one with 28 days annual leave.

Skills

Literacy

Numeracy

ICT skills

Teamwork

Education

GCSE English & Maths

GCSEs A-C/9-4 English & Maths

GCSE Science optional

Job description

Job Ref No. ECC2429-179S
Position Start Date: 01/09/2026
Application Close: 30/06/2026 Midnight
Position Type : Teaching/Child Support
Contract Type: Full-time
Date of Interviews: 06/07/26 and ongoing
Pay Range: £12,794
Contract Term: Fixed

Job Description

This is a fantastic opportunity for applicants to train as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprentice. This is an advanced pathway for those who already work in school or who are interested in working with children. This could also be the first step in your journey to being an amazing teacher!

Role

The course is two academic years (18-24 months) and at the end of it you will have gained a Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship. This could lead to the following roles:

• Teaching Assistant
• HLTA
• Foundation degree
• BA (Hons)
• Qualified Teacher Status

Who is suitable for an apprenticeship?

Employers will be particularly interested in applicants who have a keen interest in providing excellent support within a school environment and working as part of a team. You should be able to demonstrate excellent literacy, numeracy and ICT skills. Potential candidates are expected to have achieved GCSE A-C or 9-4 in English, maths with science preferred if you are wishing to follow a teaching route later. We accept applicants who are currently studying for their GCSEs.

Will I get paid as an apprentice?

Yes, your employer will pay you at least £8.00 (April 2026) per hour in your first year for at least 30 hours per week (college day included) for 52 weeks of the year. They must also allow you to take at least 28 days per year annual leave, including bank holidays, and pay you for it.

How is the Apprenticeship Assessed?

Your assessor will visit you within the workplace to assess your progress and you will attend college for 1 day per week. Weekly training will take place at Dilkes Academy, South Ockendon. You will develop your skills and knowledge whilst on and off the job and will receive regular supervision and mentoring from your employer.

What could this Apprenticeship lead to?

This apprenticeship will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and professional skills you can use in your current/future career within education. On completion you can move on in your vocational field into Senior Teaching Assistant level roles or progress onto a Foundation Degree followed by a BA Hons and then eventually Qualified Teacher Status. This progression is with Brighton University and you should discuss this with Andrea Parfett the ITE and Apprentice Manager.

What are the costs?

There are no costs to the apprentice to complete this apprenticeship programme, costs will be incurred if apprentices go on to complete a foundation degree, BA Hons and eventually QTS if they chose to train to become a qualified teacher. The apprentice therefore may need to take out a small student loan to cover these expenses.

Information about the School

Visits to the school are both positively encouraged and warmly welcomed. Also, you are very welcome to have an informal, confidential discussion with Martin Curtis, our Headteacher about this vacancy.

Please contact our school office on 01708 853397 or [e-mail] to arrange these.

We are proud of our children and our facilities and confident that you will want to work here.

This is an exciting time to join our school. We have amazing children, a great team, excellent facilities and spacious classrooms.

Our collaboration with the other schools within Catalyst Academies Trust supports teachers and we hope you would like to be part of our aim to provide outstanding education for all children.

Somers Heath is situated close to the M25 and A13 road links, near The Dartford Crossing and Lakeside Shopping Centre.

Catalyst Academies Trust are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well‑being of children and young people.

We expect all our staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be made a conditional offer subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical check, and references. Applicants will also be required to complete a 'Disqualification by Association' declaration.

Contact Information

Martin Curtis

Somers Heath Primary School

Foyle Drive, South Ockendon

Essex, RM15 5LX

Telephone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]