Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Learning Support)

Summary

We are seeking a well qualified Higher Level Teaching Assistant to assess and support pupils across all sections of the School.

Detail

The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth. We are very much a family school known for excellent teaching, superb pastoral care and wide-ranging co-curricular opportunities and offer an education across the age range from Pre-School to Sixth Form.

We are looking for a well-qualified Higher Level Teaching Assistant to assess and support pupils across the Junior and Senior School at PGS from January 2026, although an earlier start date may be available. Reporting to the Head of Learning Support (SENCO), the role holder will help remove barriers to academic progress and provide individually tailored learning and personal support to an agreed cohort of pupils. They will work on a one-to-one or small group basis with a caseload of pupils, referred by the Head of Learning Support, and provide additional support for pupils in a manner that complements the existing academic and pastoral support structures in place.

We welcome applications from candidates who can offer substantial experience working in a school or educational setting, ideally in a similar role.

Candidates should offer relevant qualifications as follows:

Essential

A good standard of education with GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C/Grade 4 or above

Desirable

Level 4 Certificate in Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Level 4 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning

Level 4 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

HLTA status gained through assessment of an evidence-based portfolio and classroom observations

PGCE or QTS

In addition, where necessary the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate and evidence a willingness to work towards accreditation as an HLTA and will be able to show evidence of their ability to work within the competencies as set out in the HLTA Standards framework in the HLTA National Assessment Partnership.

Learning Support is a well-established and integral part of the school, based in a newly refurbished and well-appointed suite of offices and flexible teaching spaces. Teaching and HLTA support within the department aims to build upon all pupils’ neurodiverse strengths and develop their independent learning skills. Pupils may be seen one-to-one or in small groups with interventions being a termly commitment that incurs an additional cost. The focus of the support for individual pupils is dependent on their needs but could encompass literacy, numeracy, study skills, revision techniques and curriculum support. Particular assistance is provided for those pupils with a specific additional educational need or difficulty (including, but not limited to, dyslexia, dyscalculia, attention difficulties and hearing or visual impairments in some form) but, beyond that, a range of support can be offered for any pupil in the school who is identified as benefitting from working with the department. Underpinning effective support is the early identification of pupils’ strengths and weaknesses through a comprehensive group screening procedure for all new entrants to the school, followed by further individual testing, where necessary.

PGS is an all-through school from ages 2½ to 18 and this role will involve opportunities for work, and personal and professional career development, across all key stages and sectors of the school. The Learning Support Department is line managed by the Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning).

This post is a permanent, full-time, term-time only role, to include attendance at all Professional Development (INSET) days in the school calendar. The hours of work will be 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm, or Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.00pm (to suit the successful candidate) with an unpaid 30 minutes for lunch.

Although this is a full-time vacancy, applications from candidates for a part-time role of at least 0.8 FTE will also be considered. Please indicate clearly in your application whether you are interested in a full or part-time position.

How to apply:

Candidates are asked to apply using the PGS application form linked to our advert on Tes or accessible via the ‘Work With Us’ page on our PGS website.

Any enquires about the role or how to apply are welcome at recruitment@pgs.org.uk

The closing date is midday on 9th October 2025 and interviews will be scheduled to take place on the school site in the week commencing 13th October, with a provisional interview date of 16th October 2025.

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The School may carry out online searches on shortlisted applicants and applicants may be required to provide details of their online profile, including social media account names/handles, as part of their application.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. The School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions on a self-declaration form in advance of attending an interview (including those which are ‘spent’ unless they are ‘protected’ under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.

Documents

• PGS Job Description_Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Learning Support) PDF Document