Teaching Assistant - Full-time

Leigh Academy Snowfields , Maidstone

• Ref:KCC886-7006-219S
• Posted:09/09/2025
• Pay:Actual salary £18,476 per annum
• Start Date:November 2025
• App Close Date:22/09/2025 at 23:45
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

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

Please be aware that this role is based at the Bearsted College

At Leigh Academy Snowfields, we believe every child deserves the chance to succeed, no matter the challenges they face. We are looking for a passionate, dedicated, and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join our team—someone who truly cares about supporting young people with learning difficulties and helping them reach their full potential.

This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to inspire, support, and empower students every single day.

We’re seeking a passionate, resilient, and enthusiastic individual who loves working with young people. Whether you have experience in schools, youth work, or voluntary roles, what matters most is your commitment to supporting students and embracing our vision for continuous improvement.

Why Join Leigh Academy Snowfields?

✨ A welcoming and supportive team who share your passion
✨ A school where every child is valued and celebrated
✨ A fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience—perfect if you're considering a career in teaching!

If you’re ready to make a real impact and be part of something amazing, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and start your journey with Snowfields Academy!

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): amy.wenban@latrust.org.uk / 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.

Information about the school

Leigh Academy Snowfields is an 11-18 special school for students with a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and an Education, Health and Care Plan with this as the primary need. Students will usually be working at, or close to, age expected attainment levels. We opened at Bearsted in September 2020 following approval by the Department for Education = in Wave 12 of the Free Schools programme.

Leigh Academy Snowfields offers the very best personalised approaches within an inspiring learning environment. Our students are taught and supported by exceptional staff who offer care, challenge and support. Every student has a personalised transition from their starting point into our Academy and we work closely with other providers to streamline this process and smooth out any challenges along the way. Snowfields Academy brings our values to life: Be Kind, Work Hard, Communicate, Stay Safe and Be Happy. These values permeate our building, our curriculum, our aims and our ethos and we work hard every day to ensure we bring our motto, Where Nurture Meets Aspiration, to life, and help our students to thrive.

In September 2022 we extended our offer into the Cranbrook area of Kent, 14 miles from our Bearsted campus. Snowfields Cranbrook College opened with Years 7, 8 and 9, just as Leigh Academy Snowfields Bearsted College opened in September 2020. When full with all year groups on both sites we will be able to offer places for 280 students from Years 7-13 in total.

Our Values Charter diagram We are extremely fortunate to have exceptional buildings at both Bearsted and Cranbrook. On both sites we offer outstanding educational settings which both inspire young people and support their often complex needs. Careful consideration has been given to all aspects of the design at both sites to promote wellbeing and achievement. Although not identical, they both offer exceptional vocational learning opportunities with a community café at Bearsted and a working farm at Cranbrook. We have also provided a range of breakout spaces for movement breaks at both sites.

Our curriculum reflects the full range of pupil needs. Specialisms in horticulture, catering and land based studies, will enable young people to gain real-life experiences and qualifications leading to the very best employment opportunities. We are forging partnerships with local businesses to offer work experience to facilitate this, and so provide every student with the skills necessary to confidently transition from school onto their next steps.

Leigh Academy Snowfields leads the way in offering support for young people’s wellbeing through a team of highly trained specialists who will work collaboratively with families and young people to meet a wide range of complex needs.

Our recent Ofsted report from June 2023 confirms our quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, Personal Development and Leadership and managements are all outstanding. They have confirmed that our school values of ‘be kind, work hard, communicate, stay safe and be happy’ underpin everything. Pupils know and understand these values and work diligently to live up to them. They appreciate everyone’s individuality and treat each other with consistently high levels of respect.

I welcome your interest in Leigh Academy Snowfields , whether you are a student, parent, carer or other family member, a professional or member of the local community. Please do contact me if you would like any further information or would like to register your interest.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Talent Team, Leigh Academies Trust
• Address:Carnation Road, Strood, Kent, ME2 2SX
• Telephone: 01634 412 258
• Email: Joinus@LATrust.org.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Pack