About the role
HLTA (Compass Plus): Fixed Term in the first instance until 31 August 2026.
Hours: 32 hours per week, worked over 5 days.
Paid Weeks: Term Time including INSET Day (45.05 paid weeks).
Salary Scale: Grade 9, points 19-25 depending on experience. Actual salary range £23,957-£27,172 (Pay Award Pending) (£32,061-36,363 PA FTE).
Compass Learning Centre is looking to appoint an experienced, qualified Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) starting 1 September 2026, joining our team to work predominantly within our exciting off site provision, Compass Plus. The project is based in premises on the outskirts of Dorchester, working alongside existing Compass staff and specialist instructors.
The role will involve planning and facilitating the delivery of classroom subjects (English, Maths, Vocational Studies) alongside supporting the delivery of a variety of outdoor education activities.
Compass Plus caters for students with a range of educational needs who are Key Stage 4, Years 10 or 11. Hours of work are 32 hours per week over 5 days, term time including INSET days. This post is fixed term until 31 August 2026 in the first instance with the potential to become permanent.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate will support both teachers and other education professionals, working both independently and under teachers' direction to support the work of groups of children and individuals. Duties will be varied, depending on the special needs of the students concerned.
Qualifications
- Have achieved a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4/C or above, including English and Mathematics
- Qualified HLTA status
- Ideally have experience working with young people with complex needs and challenging behaviours and experience or interest in working in outdoor education or education out of the traditional classroom environment
- Promote the inclusion of all students
- Contribute to the safeguarding and protection of all students
The young people we educate have struggled to maintain a place in mainstream school and come to us with a variety of additional needs. Our challenge is to help them build the confidence, knowledge and skills to unlock their potential. This role will suit someone who is caring, understanding and can demonstrate energy and enthusiasm with a strong positive behaviour management ethos. Class sizes are small and all of our students need bespoke individualised learning.
If you are a good team player, motivated, patient, resilient, understanding and have the ability to establish a rapport with young people in a busy and lively setting, this may be the job for you. You will be joining an outstanding, hardworking and friendly team of staff.
Equal Opportunities
Compass Learning Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people; this is a commitment which we expect all staff and volunteers to share. The successful candidate will be required to have a Disclosure & Barring Service check in line with the Government's safer recruitment guidelines.
We value the diversity of our workforce and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.
Legal and Administrative Information
Right to work in the UK must be established as part of the appointment process.
Further information, including a job description and person specification, can be obtained by contacting the hiring manager.
