Teaching Assistant

Competitive salary with progression opportunities + Local Government Pension Scheme + 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service + collaborative MAT network + additional LAT benefits.

Are you passionate about helping young people reach their full potential? Do you believe that true education is about inspiring curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning?

Leigh Academy Tonbridge is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our supportive team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in helping our students thrive - both academically and personally - within our unique small-school College model.

As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll work closely with teachers and students to create an engaging, inclusive learning environment where every student can succeed. From providing in-class support and small-group interventions to encouraging positive attitudes and resilience, you’ll make a tangible difference every single day.

Within our welcoming and collaborative community, you’ll be part of a team that truly lives its values. We are committed to ensuring every young person receives not only a high-quality education but also the guidance and encouragement they need to grow as confident, kind, and capable individuals.

If you’re compassionate, proactive, and ready to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people, we’d love to hear from you.

This is a permanent position, term-time + 1 week inset, offering an actual salary of £19,153 per annum (£26,016 full-time equivalent). Full-time hours are 31.67 per week, working 8:30am to 3:20pm, Monday through Friday. We are also happy to consider part-time applications for candidates looking to work a minimum of 4 days per week.

Working with us at Leigh Academy Tonbridge

Leigh Academy Tonbridge is a thriving, high-performing school community built on strong values of integrity, courage, and imagination. With a rich legacy from Hayesbrook Academy and a growing co-educational intake, we offer a nurturing, inclusive environment where every student is known, supported and challenged to succeed.

Our small school model creates a culture of high expectations, exceptional behaviour, and strong relationships - recognised by Ofsted in 2022, which praised our students’ “exceptional behaviour and attitudes” and highlighted our relentless focus on raising standards. Staff are proud to work here, and benefit from a collaborative, supportive culture and clear commitment to professional growth.

With disruption-free classrooms, a digital curriculum, and a strong academic and pastoral ethos, we equip students with the knowledge, values, and skills to thrive in the modern world. Whether you're starting out or looking for your next challenge, you'll be joining a team united by purpose - driven to make a lasting difference.

Join us on our mission to shape the future with imagination and integrity. To find out more about Leigh Academy Tonbridge, please click here.

Applying for this Opportunity

Thank you for your interest in joining us. If you’d like to find out more about this role or arrange a visit to the academy, please don’t hesitate to contact Amy Wenban (Recruitment Advisor): [email protected] / 01634 412 205.

To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack by clicking here, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for.

Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form prior to the deadline.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity

Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role involves regulated activity relevant to children, and it is a criminal offence for anyone barred from engaging in regulated activity with children to apply for this position.

We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates, and you can read more about our approach on our Careers site. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references and, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role, regardless of any protected characteristics, which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices, and not discriminating on any grounds.