Teaching Assistant/ Learning Support Assistant

Independent Schools Association (ISA); Buckingham; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

Thornton College wishes to appoint a Learning Support Assistant for September 2026. The role runs Monday to Friday, term-time only, with Lunchtime and After School Supervision. A Level 3 qualification is desirable but not essential.

The school is an outstanding, forward-thinking environment with strong safeguarding and welfare commitments. The position is 35 hours per week across 41 weeks per year, with specific weekly hours: 9am–4.15pm (2 days) and 9am–5.30pm (3 days). Closing date 2 October.

Qualifications

• A level 3 qualification is desirable but not essential.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Responsibilities

• Provide lunchtime and after school supervision.
• Support pupils to develop independent learning and wellbeing.
• Contribute to a forward-thinking school environment.

Education

Level 3 qualification (desirable)

Job description

Thornton College is a leading independent Catholic day and boarding school for girls set within 27 acres of beautiful parkland just outside Buckingham and within easy reach of Milton Keynes and conveniently located between Oxford & Cambridge.

Description

For September 2026, we are looking to appoint a Learning Support Assistant, (Monday-Friday), term time only. The role will include Lunchtime and After School Supervision. A level 3 qualification is desirable but not essential.

Our 2024 CSI Inspection judged the school to be ‘Outstanding’ in all areas and our most recent (2025) ISI Inspection commented positively on the ‘rapid’ academic progress made by students across the school and the ‘high levels of self-esteem and self-confidence' evident in the student body. We are accredited by both NACE and the British Council (International Schools Award) and in 2025 was shortlisted as Independent Girls School of the Year. The successful candidate can be sure of working with a team of extremely dedicated staff in a very motivating, forward-thinking school environment.

The desirable candidate will not just be enthusiastic but deeply passionate about the wellbeing and safety of the children in their care and they will inspire and challenge our young people to enable them to develop into highly effective, independent learners and achieve their potential as individuals, both during their time at Thornton and in the future.

35 hours per week, 41 weeks per year.

• 9am – 4.15pm (2 days per week) Tuesday and either Thursday or Friday
• 9am – 5.30pm (3 days per week – Monday, Wednesday and either Thursday or Friday)

Salary: Actual term time only salary £18,619.00 gross per annum (£24,785.00 FTE paid for 41 weeks 73.59%).

Closing Date for applications: 2nd October

Thornton College will carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates in line with the updated guidance from KCSIE to identify any incidents or issues, related to suitability to work with children, that may need to be raised or clarified at interview.

Thornton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS and barred list check by the Disclosures 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.