‘Are you passionate about supporting children's learning and ready to take the next step in your education career?’
Join our team at Carleton Park Junior & Infant School, part of Pontefract Academies Trust!
About the role
We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, hardworking and committed Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our friendly team at Carleton Park Junior & Infant School.
As an HLTA, you will play a key role in supporting teaching and learning across the school. You will complement the work of teachers by leading agreed learning activities under a structured system of supervision and supervising classes when required.
In addition, you will line manage Learning Support Assistants, including allocating and monitoring their work.
This is a permanent, 32.5 hours per week, term time plus 5 days contract, with a start date of 19th January 2026.
Who we’re looking for
This role is ideal for someone who:
- Has experience as a Teaching Assistant and is ready to take on greater responsibility and broaden their impact in the classroom.
- Is looking for a career development opportunity within education without moving into a full teaching role.
- Enjoys supporting diverse learning needs and making a real difference in pupils progress.
- Has a passion for helping pupils thrive and meet their full potential.
- Communicates confidently and builds positive relationships with staff and pupils.
- Can work effectively as part of a team and independently using their own initiative.
- Has experience of working in a specialist area or supporting pupils with additional needs.
Progression Opportunity
This role offers valuable experience for those considering a future career in teaching and supports teacher training applications, making it an excellent stepping stone into the profession.
Essential Skills & Qualities
- HLTA status or willingness to work towards it
- Strong understanding of the national curriculum and classroom strategies
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Leadership capability for managing support staff
- Positive, proactive and resilient attitude.
If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference and develop your career, apply today and join our dedicated team!
Virtual Coffee Chats
We are hosting virtual coffee chats for prospective candidates to meet our Headteacher and some of our Senior Leadership Team and ask any questions you may have about the role or our school. To book a timeslot, please click here.
About Carleton Park Junior and Infant School
Carleton Park Junior & Infant School is renowned for exceptional academic achievements, both locally and nationally.
- Recognised as the 2024 leading primary school in the Wakefield district
- Ranked among the top 1% of primary schools nationwide for pupil progress
- Featured in the Times Top 500 Primary Schools in England (2024) proudly securing the 310th place, putting us in the top 3% nationally.
- Rated outstanding in all five inspected judgement areas by Ofsted (November 2024).
In our 2025 staff survey with Edurio, Carleton Park Junior & Infant School received fantastic results, with 96% of staff saying they would recommend the school as a good place to work.
Here’s what our staff had to say…
“The staff are committed and more importantly, kind to one another. The staff look after each other and collectively ensure everyone feels part of the team and cared for.”
“I am not just stating this because I work here. Carleton Park is an exceptional school with a strong staff team that supports children both educationally and with their personal development. I wish my child had had the same diet of education that this school offers its pupils.”
What can we offer you?
Be part of a team that values your growth, wellbeing and work-life balance. We offer a supportive environment with benefits designed to help you thrive:
- Development Opportunities Exciting career and leadership pathways through our Everyday Development (EDD) Framework - a simple, flexible approach to continuous learning, career growth, and wellbeing.
- Pension Scheme Join either the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or West Yorkshire Pension Scheme from day one, with a generous employer contribution.
- Wellbeing Access to free eyecare via Specsavers, free flu vaccinations and a full wellbeing package via Schools Advisory Service (SAS), including physiotherapy and support for legal, health, finance, and personal matters.
- Work-Life Balance Generous annual leave paid as part of your annual salary (starting at 26 days, rising to 33 based on service and grade) plus 8 bank holidays. For 2025/26, staff can enjoy three Everyday Development Days for self-directed time to recharge and reflect.
- Family Friendly Childcare Voucher and comprehensive family-friendly policies to help you balance work and home life.
- Cycle to Work Scheme for a greener commute
- Discounts & Rewards Blue Light Card, Discounts for Teachers membership, discounted gym memberships, and savings at major retailers including O2.
You can find further information about staff benefits, development opportunities and why you should work with us in the attached ‘Working for us’ booklet and by visiting our website.
About Pontefract Academies Trust
Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross-phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising of nine schools: seven primary and two secondary schools. Our mission is to run high-quality, high-achieving schools that give our children and young people the chances in life they deserve.
We take pride in our workplace culture and the strength of our team. By joining Pontefract Academies Trust, you will be part of one of the top 10 performing trusts nationally based on staff feedback (Eduiro 2025 staff survey). We received outstanding feedback, earning three awards based on national data from the 2024/25 academic year:
- National: Trust Value Award – Excellence
- Regional: Staff Choice Award (Larks Hill Junior & Infant School)
- Regional: Trust Benefit School Award (De Lacy Primary School)
These awards reflect the culture we’ve built – one where staff feel valued, listened to, and part of something meaningful.
Looking ahead, we’ve recently announced an exciting development, a proposed merger with Ark Schools, planned for September 2026. This step reflects our ambition to grow, never settle, and to do what’s right for our pupils, staff, and community. This change will bring even stronger support, greater collaboration, and more opportunities. We’re excited for what’s ahead and we hope that you’ll consider joining us as we continue to grow.
Ready to take the next step? Apply today and join a workplace that invests in you, your career, your wellbeing and your future.
Important Links
Pontefract Academies Trust website
Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028
Carleton Park J&I School website
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 10:00am, Friday 5th December 2025
- Interviews to be held: w/c Monday 15th December 2025
- Start Date: Monday 19th January 2026
Further Information
- Contact: 01977 722615 or recruitment@carletonpark.patrust.org.uk