A South London mainstream secondary school is seeking a Graduate Teaching Assistant to support pupils with SEND across key stages KS3 to KS5. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate to gain valuable experience in secondary education, work with young people with additional needs, and explore pathways into teaching, psychology, or specialist education.
Key Responsibilities
- Support pupils with SEND (including autism, dyslexia, communication and language needs) in mainstream secondary classrooms
- Facilitate access to the secondary curriculum through differentiation, adapted resources, and targeted support
- Deliver small-group interventions and 1:1 work under teacher direction
- Implement behaviour management and safeguarding protocols
- Monitor and contribute to pupil progress
- Work across multiple subject areas and key stages
- Collaborate with teaching staff, SEND team, parents, and external professionals
- Contribute to inclusive classroom practice and positive student engagement
What We Offer
- Competitive salary with flexible working arrangements
- Full induction and on-the-job training in a supportive secondary environment
- Mentoring from experienced teaching staff
- Excellent foundation for progression into QTS teacher training
- Direct experience valuable for psychology, educational psychology, or specialist education postgraduate study
- Professional development and continued learning opportunities
- Opportunity to work with young people across multiple year groups and subjects
This role is an ideal starting point for graduates exploring different career paths:
Teaching: Build subject knowledge and secure QTS through school-based training (e.g. PGCE, PGDE, School Direct) or university-led programmes.
Psychology: Gain hands-on experience with young people, learning difficulties, and behaviour management - essential grounding for undergraduate or postgraduate psychology qualifications, including child psychology and educational psychology.
Specialist Education: Develop expertise in SEND support, pastoral care, or educational services.
Many graduates use TA roles as a springboard into these pathways while earning and contributing to a school community.
