Graduate Teaching Assistant

Teaching Assistant – SEND Support

Location: South London
Employment Type: Full-time, Fixed-term or Supply
Salary: £105 - £120 per day

About the Role

We are recruiting a Graduate Teaching Assistant to join a thriving South London secondary school, supporting pupils with SEND across a range of subjects and key stages. This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate without QTS to gain valuable classroom experience in a mainstream secondary environment while making a real difference to students with additional needs.

As a SEND Teaching Assistant , you will work alongside subject teachers and the SEND team, providing support to pupils with autism, dyslexia, communication and language needs, and other additional requirements. Your role will include:

• Supporting pupils with SEND in mainstream classes across key stages (KS3, KS4, KS5)
• Facilitating access to the full secondary curriculum through differentiation and adapted resources
• Delivering targeted interventions and small-group work under teacher direction
• Supporting behaviour management and safeguarding protocols
• Assisting with pupil progress monitoring and curriculum delivery
• Enabling positive engagement in whole-school routines and activities
• Collaborating with teaching staff, parents, carers, and external professionals

This is a fantastic role for a recent graduate keen to develop expertise in supporting additional needs within a mainstream secondary school. You'll be part of an inclusive, welcoming South London school with a strong commitment to supporting all learners.

About You

• Recent graduate (any discipline; subject background desirable)
• Genuine interest in supporting pupils with additional needs within mainstream settings
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work flexibly across different subject areas and key stages
• Commitment to safeguarding and child protection
• Reliable, enthusiastic, and willing to learn from experienced staff
• Experience working with secondary-age students desirable (school setting, tutoring, mentoring, or volunteering)

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and flexible working arrangements
• Full induction and on-the-job training in a supportive secondary environment
• Excellent foundation for progression into QTS and teacher training
• Exposure to child development, behaviour, and learning needs - ideal grounding for psychology, educational psychology, or specialist education pathways
• Professional development and mentoring from experienced teaching staff
• Opportunity to work with young people across key stages KS3–5
• Environment that supports further study alongside work

Career Progression

Many graduates progress from teaching assistant roles into:

• Teaching (QTS) : Develop subject knowledge and secure QTS through school-based training or university-led programmes
• Child Psychology : Gain direct experience with young people and learning needs that supports applications to psychology postgraduate study
• Educational Psychology : Build understanding of curriculum, learning difficulties, and SEND assessment
• Specialist Education : Pursue roles in SEND provision, pastoral care, or educational support services

This role is an ideal starting point for graduates exploring education as a career or developing expertise in supporting additional needs.