Higher Level Teaching Assistant

'Are you passionate about education and eager to make a lasting impact on young minds?'

About the role

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, hardworking, and committed Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for complementing the professional work of teachers by taking responsibility for agreed learning activities under an agreed system of supervision. They will also line manage other Learning Support Assistants, including allocation and monitoring of work.

This is a permanent, 32.5 hours per week, term time plus 5 days contract.

The working pattern for this position is Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic person who:

• has a passion for helping pupils thrive and meet their full potential.
• has a friendly manner and can communicate effectively with staff and pupils.
• can work effectively as part of a team but can also work independently using their own initiative.
• has experience of working in a similar specialist area.

Carleton Park Junior and Infant School

At Carleton Park Primary School, we are renowned for our exceptional academic achievements, both locally and nationally. Our school is a special place to work. Small in size but big in ambition, we are a close-knit community where every child is known, nurtured and challenged to achieve their very best. We are consistently proud of our excellent end of Key Stage 2 outcomes, which reflect not only the hard work and commitment of our pupils, but also the skill, creativity and dedication of our staff.

In November 2024, Ofsted praised the school as outstanding in all five inspected judgement areas, affirming our commitment to excellence.

About Pontefract Academies Trust

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross-phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising of nine schools: seven primary and two secondary schools. Our mission is to run high-quality, high-achieving schools that give our children and young people the chances in life they deserve.

We are proud of the exceptional progress our schools are making. At Key Stage 2, our primary outcomes are 24% above the national average, with five of our seven primaries ranked in the top 5% nationally for combined outcomes. In the last 12 months alone, three of our primary schools – Carleton Park, Larks Hill, and Halfpenny Lane – were rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted. Our secondary schools also continue to deliver strong outcomes. Key Stage 4 results in English, Maths and Science are consistently well above the national average, and both schools received successful Ofsted visits in 2022 and 2024.

We take pride in our workplace culture and the strength of our team. In our 2025 Staff Survey with Edurio, we received outstanding feedback, earning three awards based on national data from the 2024/25 academic year:

National: Trust Value Award – Excellence

Regional: Staff Choice Award (Larks Hill Junior & Infant School)

Regional: Trust Benefit School Award (De Lacy Primary School)

These awards reflect the culture we've built – one where staff feel valued, listened to, and part of something meaningful.

Looking ahead, we've recently announced an exciting development, a proposed merger with Ark Schools, planned for September 2026. This step reflects our ambition to grow, never settle, and to do what's right for our pupils, staff, and community. This change will bring even stronger support, greater collaboration, and more opportunities. We're excited for what's ahead and we hope that you'll consider joining us as we continue to grow.

What can we offer you?

We're passionate about employee benefits at Pontefract Academies Trust, offering the following as standard to all:

• For the 2025/26 academic year, we will be providing staff with three Everyday Development (EDD) days. These development days will offer you self-directed time away from the workplace to recharge and reflect on your personal and career goals.
• Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing.
• Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities
• Generous employer pension (West Yorkshire Pension Fund - LGPS)
• Generous annual leave entitlements paid as part of your annual salary days based on service and grade) + 8 statutory bank holidays,
• Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance
• Cycle to work scheme, Blue Light card, discounted gym membership
• Free eyecare via Specsavers, childcare vouchers
• Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters)
• Discounts at numerous retailers including O2
• Free flu vaccinations.

Important Links

Pontefract Academies Trust website

Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028

Carleton Park J&I School website

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 10:00am, Friday 7th November 2025
• Interviews to be held: W/C Monday 10th November 2025
• Start Date: ASAP

Application Process

• Complete an application form via our website

Further Information

• Contact: or

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone.

The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare.

Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form.

Job Type: Permanent

Pay: £21,919.00-£30,047.00 per year

Work Location: In person