Over 16 Teaching Assistant

Job Title: Over 16 Teaching Assistant (TA)
Location: Wareham
Salary: £13.68 - £16.12 per hour (Depending on experience)
Start Date: Immediate
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Do you have the heart to empower young adults with Special Educational Needs to thrive beyond the classroom? If you are passionate about inclusive education and ready to help students gain real-life skills in a unique, hands-on learning environment, this is your opportunity to make a genuine impact. GSL Education are recruiting a dedicated Over 16 Teaching Assistant to join an inspiring educational setting in Wareham.

The School: The school is an education setting based for 16 – 25+ years old with Special Educational Needs. It is based on 350 acres of beautiful Dorset countryside. The school operate enterprise activities and vocational teaching methods to bridge the gap between education and employment for young people and adults with SEN in Dorset and the local area. The school focuses on vocations like horticulture, agriculture, equine skills and animal care as well as many more, to enrich the lives and education of its pupils. 

Your responsibilities will include:

• Support students aged 16–25+ with Special Educational Needs (SEN) in both classroom and vocational learning environments.
• Assist in practical sessions such as horticulture, animal care, agriculture, and equine activities to promote hands-on skill development.
• Provide one-to-one and small group support tailored to each student’s individual learning plan and needs.
• Encourage independence, self-esteem, and life skills through structured tasks and positive reinforcement.
• Help students connect theoretical learning with real-world vocational experiences across the school’s 350-acre countryside setting.
• Work alongside teaching staff to deliver inclusive and engaging lessons, adapting materials and approaches as needed.
• Support students' emotional wellbeing and behaviour, promoting a calm and nurturing learning atmosphere.
• Assist in maintaining a safe and clean working environment, especially during outdoor or enterprise-based activities.
• Contribute to the planning, monitoring, and recording of student progress in both academic and vocational areas.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including teachers, therapists, and enterprise leaders to provide a holistic educational experience.

Candidate Expectations:

• A genuine passion for supporting young people and adults (ages 16–25+) with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
• Previous experience working with individuals with SEN in an educational, care, or community setting is highly desirable.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with students and staff.
• A flexible, hands-on approach to support vocational and enterprise-based learning across subjects such as horticulture, agriculture, equine studies, and animal care.
• Willingness to work in an outdoor, countryside environment as part of practical, real-world learning experiences.
• Patience, resilience, and the ability to encourage independence and confidence in learners.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students.
• Ability to adapt support methods to meet a range of learning styles and needs.
• Team-player mindset with the ability to work collaboratively with teachers, instructors, and other support staff.
• Relevant qualifications or training in SEN support, care work, or vocational education (desirable but not essential).
• A valid UK driving licence and a willingness to drive are essential for this role.
• Have an updated CV and an enhanced DBS registered to the update service (or be willing to apply for one).

If you are passionate to make a real impact in Wareham, apply today for the role Over 16 Teaching Assistant (TA) by submitting your CV.

Please be advised that this role requires a strong knowledge and understanding of safeguarding and child protection and that successful applicants must satisfy all background safer recruitment checks; including providing an enhanced DBS certificate registered on the update service, or completing an application for a new check.

As an ethical, inclusive, and independent recruitment agency, GSL Education are committed to providing quality teaching and supporting staff in schools across the UK.

For more information or to register your interest in the Over 16 Teaching Assistant (TA)
role in Wareham, or to be considered, please click ‘apply now’ to submit your full and up-to-date CV, and one of our dedicated consultants will be in touch.