Graduates - Teaching Assistant

Graduate Teaching Assistant – Durham/Sunderland Secondary Schools

Just graduated and wondering what's next? A range of well regarded secondary schools across Durham and Sunderland are looking for enthusiastic graduates to join their teams as Teaching Assistants. We work with a mix of schools, each offering supportive environments, clear routines, and strong staff teams. These are settings where you can build confidence, gain hands on classroom experience, and figure out if education is the right path for you.

If you enjoy working with young people and want to test the waters before committing to teacher training or further study, this is a great place to start.

What you'll be doing:

• Supporting pupils across KS3 and KS4 in a range of subjects
• Providing 1:1 and small group support, including students with SEND such as ASD, ADHD, and dyslexia
• Helping students stay focused, engaged, and confident in lessons
• Working alongside teachers to adapt resources and tasks
• Building positive relationships that support learning and wellbeing
• Contributing to a calm, purposeful classroom environment

You'll gain valuable experience across different schools and classrooms, building skills that set you up for a future in education, whether that's PGCE, educational psychology, SEND, or something else entirely.

What our schools are like:

Schools we work with typically offer clear routines and strong behaviour systems, supportive and approachable leadership teams, welcoming, collaborative staff environments, a mix of mainstream and SEND opportunities, and well structured classrooms where expectations are clear. Whether you're in one long term placement or trying a few settings, you'll be supported throughout.

Who this suits:

• Recent graduates considering teaching or a PGCE
• Graduates interested in SEND or educational psychology
• Those with a degree in any subject who want classroom experience
• Confident communicators who enjoy working with young people
• Reliable, proactive graduates ready to gain meaningful work experience

No prior school experience is required. If you've got a degree, the right attitude, and willingness to learn, we'll support you every step of the way.

What you get:

• Weekly pay
• Flexible placements to suit your availability
• FREE access to our CPD Academy, including SEND and behaviour training
• Opportunities for long term or permanent roles
• Ongoing support from a dedicated consultant
• Valuable experience for future PGCE or teacher training applications

Contract: Full time, flexible start dates
Location: Durham and Sunderland secondary schools

If you're a graduate looking to gain meaningful experience, build confidence in the classroom, and take your first step into education, apply now or call 0191 223 5071 to chat through your options.

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.
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