Teaching Assistant Placement 2026

Teaching Assistant Placement 2026

Start your career making a difference

Are you ready to change lives and take your first steps towards a truly rewarding career?

At St Joseph’s Specialist Trust, we’re offering university students the chance to gain invaluable experience in our unique Teaching Assistant Placement Programme – perfect for psychology students, aspiring teachers or anyone considering a career in education, SEN or care.

This isn’t a typical TA role. Here you’ll be part of a passionate, supportive team, helping children and young people (ages 5–19) with complex learning disabilities, social communication needs and challenging behaviours to thrive. You’ll gain the skills, training and resilience to empower some of society’s most vulnerable individuals – all while growing personally and professionally.

What makes this role special

• Comprehensive training – including a twice-weekly TA training package (theory and practical), working towards a CPD-certified teaching assistant apprentice qualification.

• Career-building experience – SEN experience that’s highly valued in education, psychology, social work and beyond.

• Real impact – watch your support help young people build confidence, independence and brighter futures.

• Supportive community – join a team of nearly 250 staff on our stunning 23-acre campus with a strong focus on wellbeing and professional growth.

What we’re looking for

We’re not expecting you to have years of experience – we’ll provide full training. What matters most is that you bring:

• Empathy, patience and compassion

• Strong communication skills

• A sufficient level of mental, physical and emotional resilience to meet the demands of the role

• Willingness to learn and adapt

• The ability to stay calm in challenging situations

What you’ll gain

• Transferable skills in teamwork, communication, creativity and problem-solving

• Hands-on insight into the education, care and special needs sectors

• Personal growth in resilience, adaptability and leadership

• A strong foundation for a career in teaching, psychology, SEN or health & social care

Pay & Benefits

• £20,224 actual salary (39 working weeks plus holiday pay paid in 12 equal instalments)

• £1,000 retention bonus (£250 after 1 month, £250 after 1 year, £500 after 18 months)

• Free lunch during term time

• Free on-site parking

• Medicash and Life Assurance schemes

• Certified CPD modules and 1:1 mentoring – all staff will need to complete Team Teach Positive Behaviour Support training before starting, refreshed annually

• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 wellbeing and counselling support

• Excellent career progression opportunities

Ready to apply?

We welcome applications from students in any subject area. If you’re curious, compassionate and eager to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.

• You can request an application pack: recruitment@st-josephscranleigh.surrey.sch.uk

• Call us: 01483 272449 (ask for Recruitment)

• Click the apply button to submit your application

Interviews will be arranged as applications are received – so don’t wait!

Safeguarding commitment

St Joseph’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This role requires an enhanced DBS check and references.

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.