Apprentice Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Level 5) (BFSAHLTA0626)
Birdsedge First School wishes to appoint a motivated, enthusiastic and committed individual to join our team as an Apprentice Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) starting in September 2026.
This is exciting opportunity for an experienced Educational Support Assistant who is ready to take the next step in their career, gaining valuable experience while working towards a Level 5 apprenticeship qualification.
You will play a key role in supporting teaching and learning, working with individuals, small groups and, where appropriate, leading whole class sessions under the direction of teaching staff.
About our school
Birdsedge First School is part of The Mast Academy Trust, a collaborative community of schools where strong relationships, shared values and a commitment to excellence underpin everything we do.
We are a welcoming and inclusive school, where staff work together to ensure all pupils feel supported, valued and able to achieve their full potential.
In this role you will:
- Plan, prepare and deliver learning activities for individuals, groups and whole classes
- Lead whole class sessions (e.g. PPA cover)
- Deliver targeted interventions and support pupil progress
- Support behaviour, inclusion and pupil wellbeing
- Work collaboratively with staff to ensure high-quality teaching and learning
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience working as an Educational Support Assistant (or equivalent)
- Has strong literacy and numeracy skills
- Is confident supporting and leading learning activities
- Can work independently and use initiative
- Is flexible and able to adapt to different situations
- enthusiastic about working with children
- hardworking and able to work as part of a team
- Have strong communication skills, including the ability to engage children in conversation
- Show initiative, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
- Are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children
What we can offer you
- A warm, welcoming and supportive school environment
- A structured Level 5 apprenticeship programme
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Access to Trust-wide support and wellbeing services
- The opportunity to begin and develop a career in education
- Automatic enrolment into Local Government Pension Scheme
- Enhanced occupational benefits (such as maternity, adoption and parental leave)
- Automatic enrolment into our Employer Assistance Programme which gives you and your family members free access to Health and Wellbeing Services.
If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact the school office on 01484 605441 or email birdsedgeoffice@themast.co.uk
Interview Date: 13 July 2026
Other Information
To apply please scroll down to the bottom of the web page to see the Microsoft Forms application form or scan the QR code to be taken to the form.
We reserve the right to close advertisements early. Advertisements will therefore close the day the decision has been taken to close the advertisement early. You are therefore advised to submit your application as soon as possible.
We are committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health of all our staff with a dedicated wellbeing charter, mental health first aid trained colleagues and wellbeing advocates at each location.
The Mast Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and checks regarding suitability to work with children. Only in exceptional circumstances will the school interview without references prior, where the candidate does not wish to notify their current employer; applicants must make this clear when applying.
The Mast Academy Trust’s aim is to attract people from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture and represent the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
We are committed to inclusivity and will consider requests for flexible working including part time and job share arrangements, where the role allows.
Application is via the Trust’s online application form only, separate submissions or supporting documentation will not be accepted; all information should be provided within the relevant sections of the application form. You have the option to save and edit your application prior to submission ONCE you populate each section. As the application form is hosted on Microsoft Forms, you may wish to copy and paste any larger sections of text into the form.
