Teaching Assistant

Abbeyfield; Chippenham; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Abbeyfield School within The Athelstan Trust invites applications for a Teaching Assistant on a maternity cover contract. The role supports teachers in the classroom and provides targeted help to students on a one-to-one or small group basis.

The post is 28.5 hours per week (39 weeks per year), term time only, with a start from December 2026. Ideal candidates will have experience with SEN (ASD/ADHD) and a commitment to high standards of teaching and student wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with students with various special educational needs, including ASD and ADHD.

Responsibilities

• Support teachers in the classroom and students one-to-one or in small groups.
• Assist with behaviour management and create a positive learning environment.

Skills

SEN support

ADHD support

ASD awareness

Job description

Teaching Assistant

Chippenham, Wiltshire

Grade E points 6 - 8

Temporary

Abbeyfield School

Teaching Assistant - Maternity Cover

28.5 hours per week - Term time only

Start date: December 2026 onwards

Close date: Thursday 5th November 2026 at 9am

Interview date: W/C 9th November 2026

Hours: 28.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year

Grade E points 6 - 8 £26,847 - £27,709 pro rata based on hours and weeks per year

Actual salary: £17,787 - £18,358

Number of students on roll: 900

Due to expansion and growth in student numbers, this is an exciting time to join Abbeyfield School. Our recent 'Good' Ofsted rating (November 2022) highlighted that 'Staff are proud of the school and enjoy working at it. Leaders and Governors are supportive of staff's workload and well-being'. As a result, both the leaders and students are looking for high-calibre staff who are committed to delivering outstanding teaching and learning opportunities for all.

In October 2025 Abbeyfield School became part of The Athelstan Trust, one of the leading educational trusts in the South West.

The Athelstan Trust is a successful and growing Multi-Academy Trust consisting of six secondary schools and four primary schools in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and South Gloucestershire. We currently employ over 750 people and educate 5,000 pupils and plan to expand further over the coming years.

The Governors of Abbeyfield School are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Teaching Assistant on a maternity cover contract. The successful applicant will have the exciting opportunity to work within a highly motivated team who are fully committed to developing students to fulfil their potential. They will be required to support teachers in the classroom and students on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. Experience of working with students with various special educational needs, including those on the autistic spectrum (ASD) and those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), would be an advantage as well as experience of managing positive behaviour.

Additional information

• Abbeyfield is a community school which occupies purpose-built premises. It is situated in a beautiful location, within commuting distance of Bath, Bristol and Swindon.
• The school was inspected in November 2022 and we pledge to offer the following:
  • Excellent students who will work with you to achieve the highest standards
  • A high-performing and growing school
  • Excellent leadership, which believes in rapid and sustainable leadership
  • A thriving sixth form where pupils make strong progress
  • Outstanding behaviour
  • Friendly and welcoming pupils who thrive in an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding

The Athelstan Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check along with standard pre-employment safeguarding checks. As the role includes working with children, it is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applicants must, therefore, disclose all spent and unspent convictions. References will be sought for shortlisted candidates before interview. Please also be aware that you will be subject to an online check and that you may be questioned about the findings of such a check at your interview.

We are a flexible working employer, and we are willing to make any reasonable adjustments you require during your interview so please ask us.