Job Title: Teaching Assistant
E-ACT Merchants' Academy - Ambition, Community, OpportunityE-ACT Merchants' Academy is a welcoming, ambitious all-through school serving the heart of South Bristol. Spanning Nursery to Sixth Form, the academy provides a strong sense of continuity and community, offering children and young people a supportive, inclusive environment in which to learn and grow.
With a dedicated Primary and Secondary phase, our academy provides a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment where students are encouraged to work hard, embrace challenges, and develop the confidence they need to succeed. Our staff team is committed to delivering a broad and aspirational curriculum, enriched by strong pastoral care and a focus on personal development.
Want to make a difference to young people?Joining Merchants' Academy means becoming part of a collaborative, values-driven educational community. As an E-ACT colleague, you'll also have access to excellent professional development, supportive networks, and the chance to help shape the future of a school committed to raising aspirations and celebrating excellence.
If you are ready to support and inspire children and young people across a diverse and vibrant school community, we would love to hear from you.
Find out more: https://merchantsacademy.e-act.org.uk
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Teaching Assistant to join the Primary phase at Merchants' Academy, a welcoming and ambitious all-through school at the heart of our community. Guided by a strong and positive ethos, we are committed to ensuring every child thrives through high-quality education, high expectations and a culture that promotes confidence, respect and a lifelong love of learning. Working as part of a supportive and collaborative team, you will play a key role in helping our pupils succeed both academically and personally within an inclusive and nurturing environment.
Key responsibilities:
- Support pupils' learning in the classroom by working with individuals and small groups under the direction of the Class Teacher.
- Provide targeted support to pupils including those with additional needs or special educational needs, ensuring their safety, wellbeing and access to learning.
- Help pupils to understand instructions, develop independence and engage positively with learning activities.
- Assist in the implementation of individual education, behaviour and personal care plans following guidance from teaching staff.
- Support the teacher in creating a purposeful, engaging and well-managed learning environment.
Pay range:
- NJC 5 -7 - £19,764.35 - £20,397.85.
- FTE - £25,583.00 - £26,403.00
- 32.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year
- Permanent
Qualifications and Skills:
- GCSE Maths and English Grade C or above (or equivalent)
- Teaching Assistant Level 1 qualification or relevant experience
- Ability to work effectively with individuals and small groups of pupils
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff and parents
- Ability to support pupils with a range of needs, including those with SEND
What are we about?
Join a trust that is going places!
At E-ACT, we believe every child deserves opportunity. Our 'Opening Minds, Opening Doors' strategy breaks down barriers and builds pathways to success; driven by purposeful leadership, collaboration, and innovation. We champion diversity, encourage a people-first culture, and ensure every voice is heard.
We are proud to lead system-wide change both locally and national - providing sector-wide support while transforming futures. Our achievements are recognised through winning MAT of the Year 2023 at the MAT Excellence Awards and National School Awards, and also the TES Trust Leadership Award 2024. E-ACT is recognised for shaping bold educational outcomes. Most recently, two of our Birmingham academies were selected by the Department for Education as RISE Regional Hubs, in recognition of their outstanding work on inclusion and behaviour, a testament to the impact of our people-first culture and relentless drive for excellence.
With 37 academies and over 25,000 pupils, our dedicated staff make excellence possible. We prioritise wellbeing, tackle workload, and continuously raise the bar. We don't just educate, we inspire ambition and empower every child to thrive.
Want to be a part of something extraordinary? Find out more at www.e-act.org.uk
Benefits:
Financial and Lifestyle
We offer a strong financial package including access to defined benefit pension schemes (LGPS or TPS), life cover at three times pensionable pay, and 31 days of annual leave for year-round employees. Staff can also benefit from the Cycle to Work scheme, promoting healthy and sustainable commuting.
Professional Growth and Development
We invest heavily in staff development through tailored INSET days and high-quality CPD opportunities. Teaching staff benefit from automatic TLR progression, a structured 9-point pay scale (M1 to UPS3), and full TLR payments for part-time colleagues fulfilling full responsibilities.
Culture and Wellbeing
Our people-first culture values every colleague. We support wellbeing through the Wisdom app and a free Employee Assistance Programme offering counselling and financial advice. Collaboration is at the heart of our Trust, encouraging shared learning and collective success.
Please look at our 'Work for Us' page and Recruitment Pack for more information.
How to apply:
Please read the supporting documentation carefully before completing your application.
E-ACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.
E-ACT is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
