Teaching Assistant

Unified Academy; Dorking; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A special education institution in Dorking is seeking a teaching assistant to support students aged 9 to 16 with social, emotional, and mental health needs. The candidate will work closely with teaching staff to ensure students make exceptional progress in their learning and help create a supportive classroom environment. Applicants should possess a suitable qualification in English and Maths and demonstrate relevant experience. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Pathways for progression

Pension scheme

Employee wellbeing support

Employee discounts

Season ticket loan

Qualifications

• Proven successful experience working with or caring for children in any setting.
• Basic understanding of child development and learning.
• Effective communication skills to engage young people.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and provide individual support for students.
• Support all teaching activities including ICT use.
• Establish constructive relationships with students.

Skills

Communication skills

Ability to support learning

Engagement with students

Education

GCSE grade C or Level 2 equivalent in English and Maths

Job description

Salary: Scale 3 / 4 £25,202-£27,065 per annum (FTE £29,432-£31,607)

Location: Unified Academy, Chart Lane South, Dorking, RH5 4DB

Working Pattern: 36 hours per week, Term Time Only

Unified Academy, located in Dorking, is a special school for boys aged 9 to 16 who have social, emotional and mental health needs. Many of our students also face moderate learning and attachment difficulties.

The school takes a highly personalised approach to education, with small class sizes and carefully tailored lessons that consider the individual needs, interests and abilities of each student. This ensures that their learning is purposeful, engaging and relevant.

The team at Unified Academy are driven to secure the best possible outcomes for their students by nurturing them to become well‑rounded, confident adults with high aspirations for their future. To find out more about us visit our school website.

We are seeking a teaching assistant to join our team and contribute to our fast‑improving school. You will work under the guidance of teaching staff to support learners make exceptional progress in all aspects of school life and assist the teacher in the management of pupils and the classroom.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and provide individual support for students, ensuring their safety and access to learning activities.
• To follow general instructions and guidance to fully support all teaching and learning activities in the classroom including the competent and regular use of ICT, including a range of communication aids.
• Establish constructive relationships with students and engage with them purposefully in all aspects of school life.
• Promote the inclusion of all students.
• Encourage students to interact with others and engage in activities led by the teacher.

Key Requirements

• GCSE grade C or Level 2 equivalent functional skills in English and Maths
• Proven successful experience working with or caring for children in any setting
• Basic understanding of child development and learning
• Effective and professional communication skills with the ability to engage young people

Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details on the role and the skills, experience and knowledge we are looking for.

Rewards & Benefits

• Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Pension Scheme – you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme)
• Employee Wellbeing – we support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme
• Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more)
• Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme)

Our Trust

Unified Academy is part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust. We are a family of specialist education providers from pre‑school through to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and fully represent all designations of special education needs and disabilities (SEND). To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit our website.

We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners.

Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.

As a large specialist education provider we employ over 1500 people across our schools, college and central support team. There is a wide range of job roles available, ranging from teaching and therapy to business support roles and significant career progression opportunities.

It is an exciting time to be part of OHCAT and we are keen to recruit talented people who can play a key role in realising our mission and who want to make a difference. In return, we offer training and development, competitive pay and benefits in a positive and inclusive working environment.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity before or after submitting an application form, please get in touch with the School directly. Visits to the School in advance of applications are encouraged.

Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.

To apply for this role, please click ‘Fast Apply’, you will then be directed to a ‘Login’ page, once signed in, please complete and submit the Application Form.

Please note that CV applications cannot be considered.

Closing Date: Friday 21 November 2025

Interviews will take place on : w / c 8 December 2025

Safeguarding Statement

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.