Teaching Assistant (Learning Mentor)

Deer Park School; Southampton; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD program

Career progression

Cycle-to-work

Pension scheme

Leisure Centre access

Job summary

Deer Park School invites applications for a Teaching Assistant (Learning Mentor). The role is term-time only (38 weeks) with a 29.18-hour week, excluding Fridays and specific hours on additional days.

The position is part-time, aligned with the RAIS E Education Trust framework, and carries a salary equivalent to £25,614 full-time. The successful candidate will support students with additional needs, show excellent communication, and contribute to a positive school culture focused on inclusion

Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills across students and staff.
• Resilience to support a range of students with varying needs.
• Good standard of numeracy and literacy.

Responsibilities

• Support students across all subjects to maximise potential.
• Demonstrate adaptability and relate well to students and teachers.
• Assist in maintaining morale and fostering an inclusive environment.

Skills

Communication skills

Resilience

Numeracy

Literacy

Job description

Teaching Assistant (Learning Mentor) - 29.18 hours per week, One day 8:30am - 4:00pm, flexibility to choose the day, excluding Fridays and 8.30am to 3.10pm for four additional days, term time only (38 weeks). Grade B - Step 1 Actual Annual Salary £16,937.30 (which is equivalent to a full-time salary of £25,614).

As part of our commitment to staff wellbeing RAISE Education Trust is trialling a two week half term break 19th to 30th October 2026. Following this trial, should the Trust revert back to a one-week October half term break from 2027 the contractual working weeks would increase to 39 weeks and the salary would increase accordingly.

Deer Park School is a new state of the art seven-form secondary school which opened in September 2021. At present there are just under 1,000 students on roll across Year 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11. We are part of the RAISE Education Trust which comprises Deer Park Secondary School, Wildern Secondary School and Boorley Park Primary School. We will have a PAN of 1050 when full.

As we embark on our next phase of growth we are seeking to appoint new members to our team to support us on our journey to excellence. We strive to provide an exceptional educational experience for every student. Our values and culture of ambition, excellence, kindness, inclusion and community underpin this vision.

As a Teaching Assistant (Learning Mentor), we are seeking candidates who are highly motivated and committed, with excellent communication skills, and the resilience to support a range of students across all subjects to maximise their potential. Adaptability is essential, as is the capacity to relate well to both students and teachers. At the heart of what they do will be the passion to enable students with a variety of additional needs to reach their full potential and become well rounded and independent individuals. They will show a 'can-do' attitude, help to maintain morale, be approachable and have excellent interpersonal skills.

A desire to make a difference will be equally valued along with a good sense of humour. Previous experience in a similar role is desirable but not essential. Applicants should have a good standard of numeracy and literacy.

We would also welcome applications from individuals who are considering entering a career in teaching.

What is it like at Deer Park School? - Ofsted Nov 2023

"There is an extremely positive culture here based on the values of inclusion, kindness and community. This culture can be felt throughout the whole school and the values can be seen in pupils' excellent behaviour and positive relationships with each other, and with staff. Parents are also extremely supportive of the school which many describe as a 'family'.

"The school's curriculum is ambitious for every pupil. In all year groups, pupils take a broad range of subjects. Staff ensure that all pupils produce work of a high standard."

We will ensure that the successful candidate has:

• Comprehensive induction including a dedicated mentor.
• Continuous professional learning, development and improvement.
• The opportunity to contribute to raising standards for all our students.

Benefits of working for our Trust include:

• Exceptional team environment where all staff are valued.
• Excellent Continuing Professional Development with high quality CPD programs.
• Many opportunities for career progression.
• Extensive department resources and facilities.
• A tax efficient Cycle-to-Work scheme through salary sacrifice.
• Staff membership rates to our modern Leisure Centre at Wildern School.
• Enrolment in one of the UK's largest public sector pension schemes.

If you currently work in a school, please ensure one of your references is from your current Headteacher.

Closing Date: Midday, Monday 21st September 2026

RAISE Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.