Vacancy for Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Supporting Alternative Provision Students)

Salary: Meridian Trust Grade 7, Points 12-19

Hours: 32.5 per week, 39 weeks per year

We are looking to recruit a Higher Learning Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to provide alternative provision for our disaffected students who need help overcoming barriers to learning, where behaviour/attendance issues are a concern.

In addition, the role will also involve providing support to students with a whole range of special educational needs.

The successful applicant will join a team which believes that all students are entitled to quality teaching in a safe and caring environment and are committed to excellence for all.

The Opportunity

•         It will involve planning and delivering Maths, English and Science lessons to students either in small groups or one-to-one.
•         It will include adapting and planning curriculum with departments.
•         To maintain effective records in order to support the APDR/IAEP process.
•         Supporting data input, exam processes and entering exam grades.
•         Accompanying students on offsite educational visits.
•         Supporting and mentoring students not only with their academic progress, but also their personal development.
•         Supporting SEN students across whole school when not engaged with alternative provision.

 The ideal candidate

•         An adaptable, enthusiastic and creative person.
•         Able to provide stimulating and engaging experiences for our children, challenging them to achieve beyond their expectations and supporting them to become lifelong learners.
•         Able to build effective working relationships with students, staff and parents.
•         Ability to work as part of a team responsible for supporting the process of teaching and learning.
•         Have good educational background with GCSE’s or equivalent in English Language and Maths.

Meridian Trust offers a wealth of fantastic benefits for teaching and support staff which are highlighted below but are not limited to -

•         Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities which allow you to gain specialist knowledge in a role you are passionate about developing in.
•         Opportunity to jump start your career in teaching through our dedicated Initial Teacher Training Team (ITT).
•         Support for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and other resources.
•         Cycle to work scheme.
•         Defined benefit local government or Teacher’s pension scheme.

•         Healthcare benefits including free eye test vouchers and flu vaccinations.

•         Free on-site parking.

•         Discounts on a wide range of benefits from everyday essentials to holidays.     

To explore our full range of benefits, please visit https://www.meridiantrust.co.uk/jobs-and-training/benefits/. 

About Sawtry Village Academy

Sawtry Village Academy prides itself on the success and growth of young people that attend the school in the heart of the community.  The school values are embedded in the everyday life at Sawtry Village Academy, where all staff promote and live by striving, valuing and adventuring to deliver high quality education to become an even better school.  Sawtry is a fast-growing village with excellent transport links to the North and South via the A1/A14.

About Meridian Trust

Meridian Trust is a successful multi-academy trust founded on its commitment to people and communities. 

Our proven approach over more than a decade has elevated us to a respected and admired academy trust, a national leader in education and a source of great pride to the communities we serve.  The Trust currently operates 32 schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire and has forged strong links within all these communities. We are committed to high quality professional development and career opportunities for all staff.  To find out more about the Trust, please visit: www.meridiantrust.co.uk 

For more information about the role please download the Applicant Information Pack below.  

Closing date for applications is:  Monday 15^th June 2026, 9.00 am 

 Interview to take place in:  w/c 15^th June 2026

The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. 

 The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches.