Graduate Teaching Assistant - Gain Classroom Experience Before a PGCE
Bristol | Full-Time & Flexible Opportunities | September Starts Available
Thinking about becoming a teacher but not ready to commit to a PGCE?
If you've recently graduated and are exploring a future in education, this is the perfect opportunity to gain valuable classroom experience before deciding on your next step.
Many of the teachers we work with started as Teaching Assistants to build confidence, develop classroom skills, and discover which areas of education suited them best before applying for teacher training.
Whether you're considering a PGCE, Schools Direct, Educational Psychology, SEN Teaching, or simply want to find out if teaching is right for you, this role will give you hands-on experience in schools while being supported by experienced educators.
What Experience Will You Gain?
This role is ideal for graduates searching:
- "How do I get classroom experience before a PGCE?"
- "Do I need school experience to become a teacher?"
- "Teaching experience for graduates"
- "How to know if teaching is right for me"
- "Work experience in schools after university"
As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, you'll develop:
✅ Classroom management skills
✅ Behaviour management techniques
✅ Experience supporting different learning styles
✅ Confidence working with children and young people
✅ Understanding of safeguarding and education practices
✅ Experience collaborating with teachers, SENCOs, and pastoral teams
Choose Your Path
One of the biggest benefits of this role is the opportunity to gain experience across different educational settings.
Mainstream Schools
Work in primary, secondary, or college settings supporting students across the curriculum and gaining a broad understanding of classroom teaching.
Perfect for graduates considering:
- Primary Teaching
- Secondary Teaching
- PGCE Courses
- Schools Direct Programmes
Specialist SEN & SEMH Schools
Gain specialist experience supporting pupils with:
- Autism (ASC)
- ADHD
- Learning Difficulties
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Speech & Language Needs
Perfect for graduates interested in:
- SEN Teaching
- Educational Psychology
- Speech & Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Youth Work
- Mental Health Careers
Who Are We Looking For?
We welcome graduates from all degree backgrounds, including:
- Psychology
- Education Studies
- Sociology
- Criminology
- Sports Science
- English
- History
- Creative Arts
- Performing Arts
- Health & Social Care
You don't need previous school experience. We're looking for people who are:
- Passionate about helping young people succeed
- Patient and resilient
- Strong communicators
- Eager to learn and develop
- Considering a long-term career in education
What We Offer
- Paid school-based experience
- Opportunities in both mainstream and specialist settings
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Flexible pathways depending on your career goals
- Advice and support if you choose to pursue teacher training
- Long-term and permanent opportunities available
Ready to Explore a Career in Education?
If you're a graduate who wants to gain meaningful classroom experience, build your confidence, and decide whether a PGCE or teacher training is right for you, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and take your first step towards a rewarding career in education.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQ’s on the Teaching Personnel website for details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Teaching Personnel is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer all our registered candidates FREE child protection and prevent duty training. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Full assistance provided.
For details of our privacy policy, please visit the Teaching Personnel website.
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