Job Description

Fixed Term until July 2026

30 hours, 35 minutes per week, 39 weeks per year (term time plus inset days)

Salary Grade 5, SCP5-6: 18,187 - 18,476 per annum (subject to experience), Pay award pending

Are you passionate about supporting young people in their education and personal development?

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our supportive team at Sturminster Newton High School, a vibrant and inclusive secondary school committed to helping every student achieve their full potential.

The role will include:

Work closely with teachers to support classroom activities and learning objectives. Provide one-to-one and small group support for students, including those with additional needs. Help to create a positive, safe, and inclusive learning environment. Assist in the preparation of learning materials and classroom resources. Support students in developing confidence, independence, and a love of learning.

We are looking for someone who is:

Patient, caring, and adaptable with strong communication skills. Passionate about education and working with young people. Able to build positive relationships with students and staff.


SAST will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. In line with KCSIE guidance, this will be part of safer recruitment checks, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

Safeguarding responsibilities associated with this role may include engagement in regulatory activity, such as administering first aid or supporting an upset child. It will have contact with young people on a day-to-day basis. SAST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will have to meet the person specification and the post is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and Children's Barred List check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

SAST recognises the benefit of having a diverse workforce and is committed to building a workforce which reflects diversity from the communities it serves. SAST values the contributions from all staff from a wide range of different backgrounds and actively seeks to promote an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and at the same time supports fair promotion and cultural acceptance. Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010 SAST welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process which is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

This role is UK- based and your right to work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.