Job Description

Salary: Voluntary Living Wage 13.85 per hour (22,880 pro rata salary) salary until qualified. For those with a level 3 qualification: NJC 9 27,305 (pro rata salary) + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits
Hours: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Start date: September 2025
Are you passionate about education and looking for a fulfilling career?
We're looking for a dedicated teaching assistant to join our supportive team at Newlands Academy.
You're someone who'll be able to:

• Support and adapt learning for pupils in any phase.
• Be robust, resilient and take pride in helping students who can sometimes find school life challenging.
• Be flexible, positive and compassionate.

We value the skills and dedication of our teaching assistants. To support the best outcomes for our students, we require a Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification (or equivalent). If you don't yet hold this qualification, don't worry! We'll invest in your development by enrolling you in our Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Programme, helping you gain the behaviours, skills and experience you need to thrive in the role.
About Newlands Academy
Newlands Academy is a purpose built special secondary school based in Southwark, London for boys aged 11 to 16 with social, emotional and mental health needs and currently has approximately 70 students on roll. The Academy is part of Lift Schools one of the largest multi-academy trusts in England consisting of 57 schools across the Primary, Secondary and Special phases.
As a specialist provision we ensure that we have a multi agency approach so that we comprehensively meet the needs of our children and young people with SEMH. Newlands Academy provides an ambitious curriculum that supports the students to close the gaps in their learning and achieve success through a variety of pathways allowing them to move onto appropriate post 16 placements. The Academy aims for the majority of KS4 students to follow a GCSE pathway with alternative routes tailored to meet the needs of all students. TA targeted intervention programme is run for all students with further opportunities to access therapeutic, and psychological care packages to support the students to overcome and manage their SEMH diagnosis and thrive in wider society.
Who is Lift Schools?
We're a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child - in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 57 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they've ever had.
We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.
We offer you:

• Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
• Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

Ready to apply? Get in touch here. We can't wait to hear from you.
The role is due to commence September 2025. This is a full time, permanent position.
Closing date: 30 June 2025
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.
Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.
Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.