Educational Assistant (Individual Learning Needs), Island School

The English Schools Foundation (ESF); Hong Kong; On-site; HKD 201,000 - 268,000; Full time

Job summary

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) invites applications for an Educational Assistant at Island School, focusing on Individual Learning Needs. You will work with teachers to plan adaptations, support students, and participate in both classroom and field activities.

A strong command of English, university-preparatory skills, and a passion for student wellbeing are essential. Responsibilities include assisting in IEP planning, supporting diverse learners, and contributing to a safe, inclusive

Qualifications

• Native-level English proficiency to support secondary students’ academic writing and cross-curricular learning.
• Strong mathematics skills to support learning in mainstream classes.
• ICT proficiency to develop tailored learning resources and displays of student outcomes.
• Prior experience in an educational setting is preferred.
• Ability to support students with diverse learning needs (Dyslexia, ADHD, ASD, executive functioning).
• Capability to facilitate individual, small-group, and whole-class activities under teacher guidance.
• Ability to build respectful, supportive connections with students for growth.
• Flexibility, initiative, and problem-solving to complete tasks independently.
• Team player who collaborates with teachers and staff.
• Maintain high personal standards of work, energy, punctuality, and wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the educational and social development of pupils.
• Assist in planning and implementing Individual Education Programmes and monitor progress.
• Support students across academic subjects and PE activities; assist in accessing curriculum and safety.
• Maintain student records and support behaviour and social skill development.
• Provide support for individual students in and outside the classroom, including camps and visits.
• Assist with personal care needs (e.g., toileting, changing clothes).
• Monitor learning tasks and provide feedback to teachers.
• Prepare displays of students’ work and help with resource preparation.
• Undertake additional duties as required by teachers/managers.
• Attend meetings and support school ethos and equal opportunities.

Skills

Native English

Numeracy

Digital literacy

Education setting experience

Diverse learning needs support

Classroom delivery

Relationship building

Adaptability & initiative

Collaboration

Professional standards

Job description

Educational Assistant (Individual Learning Needs), Island School

We are looking to appoint a skilled and enthusiastic Educational Assistant (EA) to join our dedicated team at Island School.

Our EAs are part of our Individual Learning Needs Faculty, and they perform an incredibly important role in helping our students achieve their potential. The role of an EA at Island School is broad and varied; it involves collaborating with subject teachers to plan and adapt materials and implement resources to support students. EAs also work individually with students, facilitate small group learning, and provide general English support, particularly with academic writing across various curriculum areas. We are seeking a confident and patient individual with a good sense of humor and native-level English proficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Support for Learning and Teaching

• Assist in the educational and social development of pupils
• Assist in the implementation and planning of Individual Education Programmes for students and the monitoring of students’ academic progress
• Support students in mainstream classes including all academic subjects and all aspects of PE including swimming and field sports
• Assist students to access the curriculum safely. Matters relating to health and safety ultimately remain the teachers’ responsibility.
• Assist in the maintaining of student records
• Support students with emotional / behavioural problems and help develop their social skills / behaviours, including the implementation of behaviour modification programmes when required
• Provide support for individual students inside and outside the classroom, including supporting access to camps, educational visits and whole school activities, to enable students to fully participate in activities
• Assist students with personal care needs (e.g. toileting, changing clothes)
• Monitor students’ responses to learning tasks through a range of assessment activities, providing feedback to teachers

Administrative Duties

• Prepare and present displays of students' work: teachers will make professional decisions in determining what material is displayed
• Support teachers in the preparation of resources and other tasks in order to support Learning and Teaching
• Undertake other duties from time to time as the teachers / managers require including: collecting money; inputting student data; producing class lists; record keeping, filing; collating material; stocktaking; cataloguing, preparing, issuing and maintaining equipment and materials and ordering supplies and equipment

Standards and Quality Assurance

• Support the aims and ethos of the School and Department by behaviours which display concern for the student as a whole person
• Attend team and staff meetings as requested
• Undertake professional duties that may be reasonably assigned by the Manager or School Principal
• Recognise and respond effectively to equal opportunities issues as they arise, following relevant policies and procedures

Supporting Student Behaviour

• Act as a role model by promoting positive behaviour reinforcement and building trust and rapport with students.
• Apply assertive, targeted support and adhere to individual behaviour management plans where appropriate.

Requirements & Person Specification

• Language & Literacy: Native-level oral and written English proficiency, with the ability to effectively support secondary students’ academic writing, literacy skills, and cross-curricular learning.
• Numeracy: Strong secondary-level mathematics skills to support students in mainstream classes.
• Digital Literacy: Proficiency in ICT to develop tailored learning resources and prepare effective displays of student outcomes.
• School-Based Experience: Prior experience in an educational setting is preferred.
• Diverse Learning Needs: Proven ability or aptitude to support students with diverse learning needs, including Dyslexia, ADHD, ASD, and executive functioning challenges.
• Classroom Delivery: Demonstrated skill in facilitating individual, small-group, and whole-class learning activities under the guidance of qualified teachers.
• Relationship Building: Ability to establish respectful, consistent, and supportive connections with students to foster their personal and academic growth.
• Adaptability & Initiative: A high degree of flexibility, imaginative problem-solving, and the self-motivation needed to complete tasks independently.
• Collaboration: A genuine commitment to teamwork, working seamlessly alongside teachers, staff, and the wider faculty.
• Professional Standards: High personal standards of work, energy, punctuality, and a strong dedication to student wellbeing.

Applicants must be a permanent Hong Kong resident or possess a valid visa to work in Hong Kong.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date. We strongly recommend early applications as we reserve the right to appoint candidates earlier than the closing date.

By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles, head of department, etc.) within ESF.

ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.

ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well‑being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices, with all appointments contingent upon an interview, identity verification, criminal background checks (including ICPC, SCRC, and other international background checks as appropriate), assessment of social media presence, and positive references.

In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines, ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.

About Us

The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.

There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools.
www.esf.edu.hk

About the Team

At Island School we do something different. Our focus is on igniting a passion for learning in every student. Teaching students facts and figures is no longer enough for them to succeed once they enter higher education and the workforce. We encourage students to problem solve, question and think creatively with new concepts and ideas. Students are encouraged to become resourceful, adaptable and confident learners.
Our academic record is excellent with students going on to many of the foremost universities and colleges in the world. You will find details of the curriculum and qualifications on offer on our website. In the senior years students can choose to study IB Diploma, IB Careers and BTEC courses. Island School prepares students for these qualifications with a broad-based middle school curriculum including IGCSEs and a wide range of exciting options in our unique Futures curriculum. Our aim is to help students develop a passion for learning in a range of areas, whether it be law or robotics and coding or music production.
https://island.esf.edu.hk