Locations: London, Birmingham, Hastings, Portsmouth

London Salaries: £26,025 to £27,687 per annum

Regional Salaries: £23,500 – £23,893 per annum

Hours: Full-time, 39 weeks/year

Contract: Fixed term

Closing date: Recruitment ongoing - early application advised 

Starting: Rolling start dates

About the role: 

Our Graduate Teaching Assistant roles are open to all graduates who are looking for school experience before applying to teacher training or who are interested in learning more about working within education before deciding on their career path.

In this role, you will gain the experience you need to start your career in education – you will develop skills, knowledge, and expertise within the school and classroom setting. You will act as an inspirational role model, working with teachers and the wider school community to establish a supportive and nurturing learning environment in which all pupils make significant progress. Most of our Graduate Teaching Assistants go on to apply for our outstanding and supportive teacher training programme, Ark Teacher Training, using their experiences and skills learned in this role to support their applications and future teaching careers.

Your main responsibilities will be:

  • To support pupils with varying learning needs and prior attainment levels in a variety of settings (whole class, small group, one to one)
  • To maintain and actively promote high academic and behavioural expectations
  • To mentor and coach pupils in the development of their self-confidence and aspirations for their future, to excel in post-secondary education
  • To work cooperatively with all staff members to support every pupil to succeed
  • To support and lead learning activities, developing the ability to teach whole classes in future

How to Apply:

Eligibility:

  • Minimum grade C or 4 in Maths and English Language GCSE or equivalent (and a science subject if you are applying for Primary) (or equivalent)
  • Hold an undergraduate degree – ideally 2:2 or above (or equivalent)
  • Hold UK right to work
  • Evidence of a commitment to working positively with young people/ability to build positive and professional relationships with young people
  • Experience of overcoming challenges successfully  
  • Ability to demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct 

About Ark Schools and Ark Teacher Training 

Ark is a charity that aims to transform children’s lives through education; we now have 39 schools in our network. Because we believe that every child, regardless of their background, deserves to have access to a great education, we work mainly in communities of lower income with a history of academic underachievement. By working at one of our schools, you will directly and positively impact young people’s lives through high-quality support, teaching, and thoughtful consideration of all backgrounds and needs, making educational equity a reality.   

Ark Teacher Training is a school-based programme offering the perfect mixture of theory and classroom practice to develop you into the best teacher you can be - you will achieve your PGCE and QTS with us in one year. We are very proud to have received our second ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted in all categories and offer one of the most supportive and comprehensive teacher training programmes available in the UK.

Why work as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in an Ark School?

  • Develop your professional skills while earning a fair and competitive salary
  • Take part in a full range of continuous professional development (CPD) to support you to succeed in your role as a graduate teaching assistant and a future teacher trainee
  • Work with students in your degree subject specialism and/or preferred age group wherever possible
  • Observe teachers and learn more about teaching as a career
  • Co-teach/lead small group interventions (where appropriate)
  • Co-teach full classes (if appropriate)
  • Take advantage of our wellbeing resources, generous pension scheme, and Ark Rewards

For more information about Ark Schools, you can follow us on LinkedIn and view our live vacancies on our careers page.

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; all successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. 

Ark Schools is committed to attracting, developing and retaining a diverse workforce, with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Please click here to learn more.