Teaching Assistant

About the job

Key information

27.5 hours per week |39 weeks per year (term-time only + INSET | Permanent |BTCT Band 3b Point 4, £15.959.23 per annum (actual)

About West Somerset College:

West Somerset College is a thriving and ambitious secondary school and sixth form set in the beautiful coastal town of Minehead. As the only secondary provider serving the West Somerset region, the College plays a vital role within its community and is committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. West Somerset College offers a supportive and forward-thinking environment where staff are empowered to make a real difference, contribute to student success and develop their careers as part of a dedicated and passionate team.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, reliable and compassionate Teaching Assistant to join our supportive team. If you’re committed to helping young people succeed and want to make a genuine difference in our Minehead community, we would love to hear from you.

What will I be doing?

About The Role:

The primary role of the Teaching Assistant is to work with teachers to raise the learning and attainment of pupils while also promoting their independence, self-esteem and social inclusion.

As a Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support pupils in accessing the curriculum and developing independence.
• Work closely with teachers to enhance student learning and attainment.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Promote self-esteem, good behaviour, and engagement in lessons.
• Liaise with parents, carers, and other professionals to support student progress.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

What We’re Looking For:

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting student welfare.
• Strong literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths).
• Experience working with children in an educational setting is desirable.
• A proactive, compassionate, and adaptable approach to supporting students.
• The ideal candidate for this role will want to work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities and your position within these.

What is in it for me?

We care about our staff and are committed to creating a positive and supportive working environment. In addition to salary, we offer:

• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme with employer contributions of over 19%
• Employee Reward Scheme, including high street discounts and access to a staff wellbeing centre
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to on-site gym facilities at selected locations
• The chance to make a meaningful difference to the lives and aspirations of young people across West Somerset.

Supporting documents and information

Closing date for applications: Thursday 24 September 2026, at 11:59pm

Anticipated interview date: 2 October 2026

We believe in hiring for potential and this means that we value individuals for the knowledge skills and experience that they have developed in every aspect of their lives. If you don’t feel that you meet all of the criteria listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply.

We care about our staff and provide a number of benefits in addition to salary including a positive and supportive working environment, generous employer pension contribution, generous annual leave entitlement for all-year round staff, on-site gyms, free parking, access to a retail discounts platform and Employee Assistance Programme. Helping you achieve a good work life balance is important to us. Lots of our colleagues work flexibly including part time hours and/or job shares and we are happy to discuss these opportunities with you.

We truly believe that diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective secure the best outcomes for our students. We strive to build teams that represent our local communities and welcome applications from individuals who identify as members of an under-represented group and in particular individuals who identify as BAME, disabled or LGBT. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Safeguarding Statement

Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share its commitment. Our mission is that all children achieve. This post is exempt from Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). A comprehensive screening process will be undertaken on all applicants, which will include a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Apply on the West Somerset College website

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