Key Role Information

Salary
£25,872.03-£28,010.38 + Fringe Allowance £729
Job type
Permanent
Contract type
Permanent
Closing
28/11/2025 09:00
Interview
4 December 2025
Contract term
TTO - Term time only
Pay grade
NJC | SCP23 - SCP26
Department
Hawthorn Academy
Key stage
Not Applicable
Hours per week
32.50
Weeks per year
44.680
Visa sponsorship
No

Your Role

‘..Make a Difference Every Day....’

Hawthorn Academy is seeking a skilled, confident and motivated Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to support and lead learning for pupils aged 11–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This is a key role within our school, ideal for someone ready to take the next step and support high-quality teaching, intervention and behaviour support.

Hawthorn Academy is part of The Propeller Academy Trust and provides a nurturing, trauma-informed environment for pupils with SEMH needs. Our staff are dedicated, compassionate and committed to helping every young person grow emotionally, socially and academically. We offer a supportive, highly resourced setting where you can develop professionally and make a real impact.

What we Offer

  • Competitive salary + £729 Fringe Allowance
  • Full induction programme and ongoing SEMH and trauma informed training
  • Paid wellbeing days, free flu vaccinations and on-site parking
  • Flexible working options (part-time or job share considered)
  • Local Government Pension (LGPS)
  • Employee assistance programme
  • Refer-a-friend scheme (earn up to £500)
  • Supportive, highly skilled staff team and therapeutic school culture

About the Role

  • Lead learning for individuals, small groups and occasionally full classes
  • Deliver planned lessons and interventions in areas such as English, maths, life skills and vocational subjects
  • Support pupils with SEMH needs using trauma-informed, restorative and relational approaches
  • Work closely with teachers to plan, adapt and deliver targeted support
  • Model high-quality behaviour support and emotional regulation strategies
  • Build trusting, positive relationships with pupils to help them feel safe, valued and motivated
  • Support assessment, planning and progress monitoring
  • Contribute to a positive, structured and therapeutic learning environment

 About you

  • GCSE English and maths (Grade 4/C or equivalent)
  • HLTA status (or willingness to work towards it)
  • Strong experience supporting children or young people, ideally in a secondary or SEMH setting
  • Confident delivering learning and managing small groups or whole-class sessions
  • Calm, patient and emotionally resilient
  • Skilled at de-escalation, relational practice and trauma-informed approaches (training provided)
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Passionate about helping young people overcome barriers and thrive

How to Apply

To apply for this rewarding opportunity, please Apply online. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

To arrange a visit or to find out more, please contact the School Business Manager, on 0118 359 2449.

Benefits

Fringe Allowance
Fringe Allowance £729

Qualifications

GCSEs in Maths and English (grade 4-9) or equivalentessential

About Us

Hawthorn academy is dedicated to supporting every child’s social, emotional, and mental well-being alongside their learning, so they can grow into confident, fulfilled individuals.

We are more than a school; we are a caring community built on trust, respect, and understanding. Every pupil who joins us brings their own unique story and strengths, and we feel privileged to walk alongside them as they develop confidence, purpose, and a strong sense of self.

Our pupils are at the heart of everything we do. We listen to their voices, value their perspectives, and involve them in shaping their learning and school community. This ensures that each young person feels empowered, respected, and truly included.

We provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where students feel valued and supported to build meaningful relationships, explore their interests, and develop the skills needed to thrive both inside and beyond the classroom.

Our commitment extends beyond school walls. By working closely with families, carers, professionals, and the wider community, we provide a supportive network that surrounds each pupil with encouragement and opportunities for growth.

We are proud of the inclusive, empowering environment we are building — and we’re excited to have you with us as part of the Hawthorn Academy family. Together, we will create a place where every child can flourish, belong, and prepare for a positive future.

Hawthorn Academy

Gemma Wheatman

recruitment@hawthornacademy.org.uk

West Road
Off Old Wokingham Road
Wokingham
Reading
RG40 3BT

Safeguarding Information

The Propeller Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.

This role involves a high level of contact with children or vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check (including Barred List where applicable) and online searches for publicly available information.

We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or pregnancy/maternity.