Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Job Title: Higher-Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Location: Derby Cathedral School

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: NJC Scale 6 Points 18-22 £30,559 to 32,654 fte (will be reduced pro-rata for term-time contract)

Hours per week: 37 hours per week

Weeks per year: 39

Start Date: 4^th September 2025

Age Range: KS3, KS4 and KS5

NOR: 1260

Higher Level Teaching Assistant – Full-time post

Join our thriving Church of England secondary school in the heart of Derby

Full-time | Term-time only

Join Our Growing Team at Derby Cathedral School

Are you passionate about supporting young people in their learning and development? Do you thrive in an educational environment, helping students achieve their full potential through targeted support and intervention? If so, we invite you to apply for the role of Higher Level Teaching Assistant at Derby Cathedral School.

About Us

Derby Cathedral School, part of the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT), is the first Church of England Secondary School in the Diocese. Since opening in 2018, we have grown into a thriving learning community, now accommodating over 1,200 students from Years 7 to 13. Our FAITH values—Fellowship, Aspiration, Integrity, Tenacity, and Humility—are at the heart of everything we do.

Located in a state-of-the-art building in Derby city centre, we are committed to providing an outstanding education, nurturing students’ personal growth, and preparing them for their futures.

The Role

As a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, you will complement the professional work of teachers by taking responsibility for targeted programmes under an agreed system of supervision. This may involve planning, preparing and delivering learning activities for individuals, groups, or short term for whole classes, and monitoring students while assessing, recording and reporting on students’ achievement, progress and development.

Key Responsibilities

Support for Students:

• Assess the needs of students and use detailed knowledge and specialist skills to support students’ learning
• Establish productive working relationships with students, acting as a role model and setting high expectations
• Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all students within the classroom
• Encourage students to interact and work co-operatively with others
• Develop and implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• Provide feedback to students in relation to progress and achievement

Support for the Teacher:

• Organise and manage appropriate learning environment and resources
• Provide objective and accurate feedback and reports on student achievement and progress
• Record progress and achievement systematically
• Work within established discipline policy to manage behaviour constructively
• Support meetings with parents to provide constructive feedback
• Produce lesson plans, worksheets, and learning materials

Support for the Curriculum:

• Deliver learning activities to students within agreed system of supervision
• Use ICT effectively to support learning activities and develop students’ competence
• Select and prepare resources for learning activities
• Administer and assess tests and invigilate exams

Management Responsibilities:

• Manage other teaching assistants
• Hold regular team meetings with managed staff
• Represent teaching assistants at appropriate meetings
• Undertake recruitment, induction, appraisal, and training for other teaching assistants

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Level 4 HLTA qualification or willingness to complete this during the first 2 years in post
• GCSEs or equivalent in Maths and English
• Level 1 Safeguarding as a minimum
• Previous experience of working with children aged 11-18
• Experience as a Teaching Assistant or Learning Support Assistant within a Secondary school
• Knowledge of the National Curriculum
• Ability to plan and deliver stimulating teaching experiences
• Understanding of inclusion and making curriculum accessible to all learners including SEN, G&T and EAL

Desirable:

• First Aid at Work certificate
• Level 3 Educational qualification
• Health & Safety certificate
• Training in intervention programmes
• EAL qualifications or command of additional languages

What We Offer

• A welcoming and supportive school community
• A modern, purpose-built campus with excellent facilities
• Free on-site parking and access to an on-site gym
• Access to the Westfield Health Employee Assistance Programme
• Annual flu vaccination
• Professional development opportunities to enhance your career

Location

Derby offers a fantastic quality of life, combining the benefits of a vibrant city with proximity to the stunning Peak District National Park. With excellent transport links, including quick access to the M1, it’s an ideal place to work and live.

Safeguarding Commitment

Derby Diocesan Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly underrepresented groups. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, online checks, and enhanced DBS clearance.

As per updated guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024, online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates including Google searches and social media platforms.

Join us in shaping the future of education in Derby—apply today and become part of our success story!

Key Details

• Position: Higher Level Teaching Assistant
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Hours: Full-time – 37 hours per week, Term-time only
• Salary: NJC Scale 6 Points 18-22 £30,559 to £32,654 FTE (will be reduced pro-rata for term-time only contract)
• Start Date: 4^th September 2025
• Closing Date for Applications: 18/06/2025
• Application Process: Please complete the DDAT application form and submit it to the school by the closing date