teaching assistant, HLTA preferable
Starting date: September 2026
Redmaids' High School GDST: A company limited by guarantee, company number 6400. Registered address: 10 Bressenden Place, London SW1E 5DH. Registered charity number: 306983
GDST GIRLS' DAY SCHOOL TRUST
Job Role Information
As a result of our current TA progressing to teacher training, we are seeking to appoint a suitably qualified, enthusiastic and motivated teaching assistant, HLTA preferable, who can become immersed in our Junior School team. They will work with Year 3 closely but will be asked to contribute across KS2. Applications are invited from candidates with appropriate qualifications and / or relevant experience for the post.
Job Details and Remuneration
Hours: 8am to 3.45pm Mondays to Thursdays, 8am to 3.30pm Fridays Term-time only plus INSET days (36 hours per week, with half an hour unpaid lunch break)
Start date: 1 September 2026
Salary: Band 3, pro-rated at £21,540 - £24,354 per annum, dependent on skills and experience
Benefits:
Our contractual benefits include contributory pension (through Aviva), sick pay and maternity / paternity / adoption leave. Plus, we offer non-contractual benefits such as computer loans, retail discounts, training, plus a generous fee discount for staff with children at the school following one term’s service.
About Redmaids’ High School GDST
Occupying a spacious, green and open site near to Bristol city centre, Redmaids’ High School is the oldest girls’ school in Britain with a history that dates back to 1634. Formed out of a merger between the Red Maids’ School and Redland High School in 2016, we are proud to be one of the leading independent day schools in the UK. We offer an exceptional educational experience for girls and young women from Year 3 to Sixth Form, focused on aspiration, inclusivity, happiness and support for others. This has earned us year on year placement in the top schools’ rankings for our GCSE and A level results. A true all-through school, there is an incredibly close link between Junior and Senior Schools, with the vast majority of junior students (90%+) moving into Year 7 each year.
A proud member of the Girls' Day School Trust, the leading family of girls’ schools in the UK, we share a common ethos and commitment to fearless, girls-first education, supporting staff and students alike through collaboration and empowerment across the network.
We are fortunate to have superb facilities across our interlinked Junior and Senior School sites. Our Junior School opened in 1986 and occupies a spacious and vibrant site, expanding from a welcoming Arts & Crafts building. Pupils enjoy working in our modern classroom spaces and engaging in a variety of activities in the Junior School Hall, while the recently updated Junior School library is bursting with tales of adventure. Our girls particularly relish the opportunities to work in our brandnew sensory room, a further sign of our commitment to investing in forward-thinking developments for junior pupils.
Redmaids’ High Junior School has a special reputation in Bristol for providing a stimulating, holistic education to girls from Years 3 to 6.
Please click here to view our Junior School Prospectus for a deeper understanding of what makes our Junior School so special.
GDST GIRLS' DAY SCHOOL TRUST
About the Role
In the classroom:
Prepare the classroom for lessons e.g. set up art or science equipment, photocopy worksheets, rearrange furniture.
Be involved in planning of day-to-day activities as required by the classteacher.
Work 1:1 with individual pupils who need additional help.
Work 1:1 with individual pupils e.g. listen to readers, catch up on missed classwork.
Work with small groups of children and, on occasion, larger groups.
Assist the classteacher in delivering a lesson by helping those who ask for it.
Provide cover for lessons when needed.
Motivate and encourage pupils through positive reinforcement and praise.
Feedback information to the classteacher or other relevant staff member.
Understand and apply the school policies on learning and behaviour.
Maintain confidentiality and be sensitive to a pupil’s needs but have regard to the Safeguarding procedures of the school.
Help the classteachers to maintain good order and tidiness in the classroom, e.g. putting things away, sorting lost property.
Help to keep the school tidy alongside the SLA (School Support Liaison Officer)
Support beyond the classroom:
Provide playground supervision, as required, before school, at breaktimes or lunchtimes.
Support pupils on trips or in lessons outside of the classroom.
Support school events e.g. concerts and plays. This may include costumes, scenery, props etc.
Undertake training as a First Aider and maintain an up-to-date qualification.
Support the classteacher in creating displays, in line with the school policy.
Support the SLA in creating displays in communal areas.
Other requirements:
Work as part of the lower school staff team.
Run a weekly extra-curricular lunchtime club.
Run an activity hour on a Friday afternoon.
Organise the annual House Dance and Drama events.
Attend INSET training and relevant meetings to keep up to date.
Help ensure that all children have a respect for each other and that health and safety regulations are observed at all times.
Set a good example to pupils in matter of appearance and conduct to enable pupils to develop positive attitudes to school and good standards of behaviour.
Be reasonably asked by the Headteacher to take part in and perform duties in connection with the activities of the school.
Safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils, both in and visiting the school.
Person specification:
GDST GIRLS' DAY SCHOOL TRUST
| Essential | Desirable | |
| Qualifications | General standard of education,including English & maths GCSE | A-levels or a degreeLSA qualificationsHLTA qualifications |
| Experience | Experience of working with children | |
| Experience of working in a schoolenvironment | Worked as a TA in another school | |
| Confident with ICT & iPad use | Use of iPads in a school | |
| Personal Qualities,Skills & Abilities | Patient with a cheerful & warmdisposition | |
| Good interpersonal skills with staff, andyoung pupils as well as parents | ||
| Excellent organisational andcommunication skills | ||
| Ability to work independently, takeinitiative and be adaptable | ||
| Effective listening skills | ||
| Be a team player | ||
| Ability to remain calm whilst underpressure | ||
| Ability to work to deadlines | ||
| Ability to maintain confidentiality |
GDST GIRLS' DAY SCHOOL TRUST
| In-Service TrainingLetter ofApplication | Knowledge of:• How an extra adult in a classroomcan add to progress• How to support in literacy &numeracy• Special educational needs• Different learning styles• Phonics & Key Stage 1 literacy | |
| To bring a specialism into the school,e.g. dance, sport, art | ||
| Smart appearance / personalpresentation | ||
| A willingness to undertake furtherprofessional development | ||
| Ability to present a clear and succinctstatement of:[a] reasons for applying[b] relevant experience[c] personal qualities, skills and abilities | ||
| References | Fully supportive references |
Apply to join us
Redmaids’ High is an inclusive environment and continues to take steps to enhance and improve our diversity and equality of opportunities. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK.
Please download our application form and send this with a cover letter of up to 2 sides of A4 to Mrs Lisa Brown, Junior School Headteacher, at the following email address:
n.brady@redmaidshigh.gdst.net (Junior Headteacher’s PA).