Teaching Assistant

The Progress Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gym discounts

Free wellbeing app

Counselling support

Funded professional qualifications

Death in service insurance

Job summary

Progress Schools is seeking a Teaching Assistant to provide both academic support and pastoral mentoring across our classrooms in Manchester. You will assist teachers, engage learners with diverse needs, and contribute to a positive, inclusive environment that supports personal development.

We value wellbeing and offer benefits such as gym discounts, a free wellbeing app, counselling support, and opportunities for professional development including funded qualifications.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in Maths and English at grade C/4 or above.
• Experience in an education setting or equivalent.
• Knowledge of alternative provision and pupils with special needs.
• Professional communication with students and staff.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding, wellbeing and British values.

Responsibilities

• Engage learners and support their ambitions.
• Provide emotional support to students.
• Assist teachers in delivering engaging lessons.
• Contribute to an inclusive classroom environment.

Skills

Engagement skills

Emotional support

Communication

Values promotion

Education

GCSEs in Maths and English (C/4 or above)

Job description

Join us as a Teaching Assistant: Empower Futures!

We are seeking a Teaching Assistant with integrated pastoral mentoring responsibilities, providing both academic support and holistic student guidance. The role involves assisting teachers in delivering engaging lessons, supporting students with diverse learning needs, and contributing to a positive and inclusive classroom environment. In addition, the postholder will take on pastoral responsibilities, offering emotional support, monitoring student wellbeing, and fostering positive relationships to support personal development.

Do you want to work for a company where wellbeing is more than a word, it’s a commitment? Somewhere where the person matters as much as the professional?

Well at Progress Schools, that’s just the approach we take.

Our top-notch benefits go beyond the basics—enjoy access to discounted gym memberships, a free wellbeing app that is jam packed with fitness, yoga and mindfulness resources and dedicated counselling support. And because we know your passion is with pupils and not paperwork, we do everything we can to reduce the amount of surplus admin too.

Your work-life balance matters. That’s why we offer generous holidays, additional leave for foster carers and flexibility wherever possible.

And why do we do this? Because when you thrive, so do our students. So we want to invest in your personal and professional growth as much as we do the young people who attend our schools.

But that’s not all, we also offer…

• Professional Development: Support for professional qualifications, in-house training, including paid qualifications. Last year we invested approx. £3.5k per colleague!
• Financial Security: Death in Service Insurance providing four times your salary.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave.
• Health and Wellbeing Cashback: Access to Medicash for you and your dependants, covering the costs of eye tests, optical, dental, prescriptions, and holistic treatments up to £900 annually.
• Recognition Awards: Monthly, Quarterly, and Annual Recognition Awards.
• Referral Bonus: £500 for referring top talent.
• Exclusive Discounts: MiRewards benefits platform, offering loads of discounts and rewards
• Weekly drop ins with Senior Leaders: Connect, clarify and communicate with weekly drop-ins with our Managing Director and organisation SLT
• Group Connection: Annual Group conference and a comprehensive benefits review.

What are we looking for from you?

• Engagement Skills: Ability to engage learners and support their ambitions.
• Emotional Support: Passionate about making a positive impact on students’ lives.
• Qualification: GCSEs in Maths and English C or 4 grade and above (or an equivalent).
• Knowledge: Have an understanding of alternative provision and dealing with students with special needs.
• Experience: Working within an education setting or equivalent.
• Communication: Professional communication with students and staff.
• Promotion of Values: Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, safeguarding, wellbeing, and British values.

About The School

Progress Schools is part of The Progress Group, the Group is made up of six business units, each of which aspires to innovate, influence, and inspire others through high-quality and purposeful education and training. Progress Schools is a national group of 13 independent OFSTED-regulated schools.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The Progress Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin colour, marital status, genetic information, or parental status. All employment decisions are based on merit, job requirements, and business needs.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting all children and young people by implementing robust safer recruitment practices. For details of our commitment to safer recruitment please visit our website for further information.

Note

We are unable to provide Visa sponsorship for this role.

Progress Schools is a nationally based, alternative education provider with independent secondary schools located throughout England. We provide high-quality, supportive, and inspirational teaching to 11 – 16-year-olds at Key Stage 3 and 4. Our bespoke approach ensures positive progression either back into mainstream education, or into the world of further education, work-based learning, or employment when leaving us in Year 11.