The posting
At Retford Oaks Academy we live by one key principle - dedication to excellence in all that we do. Our key goal is to invest in the progress of our students, academically and holistically, so that they foster this same sense of dedication. If you have the skills, dedication and drive to enhance our students’ life chances by investing in their future, then we would be delighted to hear from you.
An opportunity has arisen for you to join our highly focused, dedicated staff in the role of Teaching Assistant
We would be happy to arrange a visit to the academy, where we can discuss with you the importance of the school within the local community and how, by working with us, you can be part of the team that builds on the past, ensures performance in the present and prepares the students for their future successes. Please contact Claire Rank, Business Manager to arrange a visit.
Why join Retford Oaks Academy?
Retford Oaks Academy is a large secondary academy for students aged 11-18 years. Our rapidly increasing numbers mean that we now have over 1100 students studying with us. The Academy is part of the Diverse Academies Trust. The Academy prides itself on working as a key partner within the Trust, but also on working with partners beyond the Trust, to ensure that we are constantly striving to research and develop the best quality educational experience which works for our students in our context. Our extensive, modern facilities enable us to offer a wide range of curricular and extra-curricular opportunities to broaden the experiences of our students and to engage them with their learning. In our latest Ofsted inspection, the Academy was praised for having ‘high ambitions for pupils’ and students who are ‘dedicated to their learning’.
www.retfordoaks-ac.org.uk
Retford Oaks Academy, Babworth Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 7NJ
Find us on Google maps
The opportunity
To work under the guidance of teaching staff/Inclusion/ SENDCo, to implement agreed work programmes with individuals/groups, in or out of the classroom. This could include those requiring detailed and specialist knowledge in particular areas and will involve assisting the teacher in the whole planning cycle and the management/preparation of resources. The primary focus is to ensure that pupils have access to holistic development.
Essential
- GCSE English and Maths at C (or above) Grade (or equivalent)
- NVQ level 3 for Teaching Assistants or equivalent qualification or experience together with a working knowledge of national curriculum and other relevant learning programmes/strategies.
- Relevant and recent experience of working with young people
- Experience of working with young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities
Desirable
- Working at or towards the professional standards for higher level teaching assistants
- Relevant information, communication and technology qualification e.g. ECDL etc.
- Experience of supporting young people with improving literacy and numeracy skills as well as development social skills.
Our employee benefits
At Diverse Academies, you’ll find yourself in a vibrant, inclusive and supportive environment, where everyone can grow, progress and achieve a fulfilling career. We offer a fantastic range of rewards and benefits, challenging and interesting work, and opportunities to achieve your potential.
In return you will benefit from:
- Enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of at least 16.6%
- Excellent Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities covering technical, leadership and coaching skills via the trust’s Diverse Association for Professional Learning
- Employee Assistance Programme
- GP helpline
- Health and wellbeing advice and support
- Eyecare vouchers
- Salary sacrifice schemes - electric car scheme, cycle to work, home and electronics
- Lifestyle savings - discounts and offers on gym memberships, holidays, days out, shopping, restaurants, etc
- Health cash plan (personal or family) - where you pay monthly and can claim money back on private treatments such as dental, optical and therapies (e.g. physiotherapy, osteopathy etc)
- Childcare - breakfast and after school provision
- Take a look at our rewards and benefits online
Applications
Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date of the advertisement, should we identify an appropriate candidate.
Closing date: 3rd October 2026
Interview date: wc 5th October 2026
Start date: November 2026
If you have any initial questions or would like to learn more about this opportunity, please Claire Rank, Business Manager at [email protected]
Diverse Academies and its Governors are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in their care and expects everybody working for the organisation to share this commitment. Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. To this end any offer of employment will be subject to safer recruitment checks and clearances.
Diverse Academies Trust
Diverse Academies is a multi-academy trust with a vision to inspire, to raise aspirations and to create brighter tomorrows. Across primary, secondary and special settings, we share a common mission to nurture curiosity, develop wellbeing and empower children and young people to go beyond their aspirations. Together, we believe we can make a difference in our diverse communities, and in the lives of those who learn with us and work with us.
We empower. We respect. We care.
