Higher Level Teaching Assistant
- Princes Risborough
- Permanent
Full Job Description
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Job Title: Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Location: Red Kite School, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, HP27 0JW
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Salary: Up to £26,375 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: January 2027
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
At Red Kite School, we're looking for a passionate and confident Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join our specialist team supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
This is far more than a traditional classroom support role. As a HLTA, you'll be trusted to lead lessons, deliver targeted interventions and play a vital role in helping young people rebuild confidence, develop resilience and achieve outcomes they never thought possible.
Working alongside teachers, therapists and pastoral professionals, you'll be part of a highly supportive team committed to transforming lives through positive relationships, high expectations and a therapeutic approach to education.
If you're looking for a career where every day is different, every success is meaningful and your contribution genuinely matters, we'd love to hear from you.
What you will be doing:
- Lead engaging lessons and learning activities across the school.
- Deliver targeted interventions that help pupils achieve academic and personal goals.
- Provide classroom cover and maintain high-quality learning experiences.
- Support pupils to overcome barriers to learning, build confidence and re-engage with education.
- Use therapeutic and trauma-informed approaches to promote positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing.
- Monitor progress, celebrate achievements and contribute to individual support plans.
- Mentor Teaching Assistants and share effective classroom practice.
- Collaborate with families, colleagues and external professionals to provide joined-up support.
- Help create a safe, structured and nurturing environment where every pupil can thrive.
What you will bring:
You're an experienced HLTA or education professional who is passionate about supporting young people to achieve their potential, regardless of the challenges they face.
- A recognised HLTA qualification (Level 3) or equivalent teaching qualification required.
- Experience working with children or young people with SEMH, SEND or additional needs.
- Confidence leading lessons and supporting learning independently.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- An understanding of therapeutic, trauma-informed or positive behaviour approaches.
- The ability to motivate, encourage and inspire young people.
- A genuine belief that every pupil deserves the opportunity to succeed.
About Us
Red Kite School is an independent special school for up to 60 young people aged 11–18 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Opened in September 2024, the school is located in the beautiful market town of Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire. We provide a safe, nurturing and supportive environment where every young person is understood, valued and encouraged to thrive.
Our experienced team creates a calm, structured environment where pupils build confidence, resilience and achieve positive outcomes through personalised learning, high expectations and strong relationships.
Our curriculum develops the knowledge, emotional resilience, social communication and life skills pupils need to succeed in education, their communities and beyond, helping every young person become a confident learner, responsible citizen and prepared for their future.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
- Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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