The posting
Job Title: Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Level 3)
Actual Annual Salary: £15,851 - £17,293 based on hours and weeks worked
Full-Time Equivalent Salary: £33,009 - £36,011 (Grade D) based on full time, all year round
Contract Type: Fixed Term 31 August 2027, Term Time Only plus inset days.
Hours: Part time, 20.75 hours per week, Monday to Wednesday 8.15am - 3.15pm (4.15pm on a Wednesday)
(There is some flexibility if needed for the right candidate, but Wednesday is needed both for cover and to attend staff PD sessions after school)
Start date: 4 January 2027 (Subject to completion of pre-employment checks)
A chance to progress your career as a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Level 3) to join the team at Summerhill Academy on a fixed term contract. In this role, you will play a key part in supporting teaching and learning by planning, preparing and delivering high-quality learning activities under the guidance of teaching staff.
You will work collaboratively with teachers and colleagues to support pupils’ academic, social and emotional development, delivering targeted interventions and, where appropriate, covering lessons for small groups or whole classes within an agreed framework. Your contribution will have a direct and measurable impact on pupil progress, engagement and wellbeing.
This role is ideal for an experienced Teaching Assistant ready to take the next step, or an existing HLTA looking to further develop their practice within a supportive and ambitious school environment.
About you:
You will:
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of classroom roles and the vital contribution HLTAs make to pupil progress and school life
- Have good literacy and numeracy skills, including GCSEs in English and Maths (grade C/4 or above) or equivalent qualifications/experience
- Have experience of engaging and supporting pupils on a 1:1, small group and whole-class basis, using effective behaviour management strategies
- Be confident in delivering structured learning activities and interventions that support and extend pupil learning
- Show a commitment to professional development, including holding (or working towards) HLTA status or a relevant Level 3 qualification, alongside a willingness to undertake training such as first aid
- Be highly organised, with the ability to plan, prepare and adapt learning activities and resources to meet a range of needs
- Communicate effectively with pupils, colleagues and parents, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, empathy and active listening
- Have experience of supporting pupils with a range of needs, including SEND, and be committed to inclusive practice
- Be proactive in monitoring pupil progress and adapting approaches to ensure the best possible outcomes
- Work effectively as part of a team, contributing to a positive and collaborative school culture
- Be passionate about working with children, with a clear commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and enabling every child to achieve their full potential
Applicants are advised to refer to the full requirements of the role in the attached job description and person specification, prior to submitting an application.
About Summerhill Academy:
Summerhill Academy is a junior school located in St George, Bristol. We provide a wide-ranging and inspiring curriculum to meet the needs of the diverse community that we serve.
High standards of teaching and learning, delivered in a kind, caring, inclusive environment, ensure that all children thrive. Children leave Summerhill Academy with a sense of community and purpose, filled with the skills and confidence needed to allow them to achieve the best they can in their future lives.
Why work at CLF?
We are a diverse and inclusive community of 37 academies across five cluster regions in the South West that is committed to excellence and making a positive impact. Our people bring unique perspectives, but we’re all driven by a shared moral purpose and a passion for making a positive impact, whether in a teaching, leadership or support role. We’re proud to foster a culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others.
We are an equal opportunity employer and proud to serve a diverse student population and our communities. We strongly believe that representation matters and so encourage applications from underrepresented and global majority groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
We aim to remove any barriers to employment, ensuring everyone can compete on equal terms. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.
What we can offer you:
- Access to a generous pension through the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Generous annual leave.
- A comprehensive induction and ongoing commitment to wellbeing and career progression, through a range of training, apprenticeships and in-role/wider-trust development opportunities.
- Well-being support through an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Health benefits, including wellness sessions, gym discounts, and flu jabs.
- A range of generous family leave options, including above industry average occupational maternity pay.
Additional benefits like cycle to work scheme, on-site parking plus many more!
Recruitment timeline:
Closing Date: 4 October 2026
Shortlisting Date: 5 October 2026
Interview Date: 12 October 2026
We welcome visits from potential candidates. If you would like to arrange a school visit prior to the closing date, please contact the academy/site directly to arrange a suitable appointment.
As part of our commitment to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), we do not accept CVs, a full education and employment history must be provided through our application form.
Please note we are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive a high level of interest in the role. Therefore, candidates are advised to apply at their earliest convenience to avoid missing out.
As a Disability Confident Committed Employer, we are dedicated to equity and inclusion and commit to interviewing applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria. We aim to provide an inclusive and accessible recruitment process, and support employees throughout their employment. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process please let us know how we can assist.
