HLTA - Personal Development & Work Experience
| Posting date: | 06 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £26,250.00 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 26 February 2026 |
| Location: | London |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Acorn Care and Education |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 302409FAJ |
Summary
Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!
Job Title: Higher-Level Teaching Assistant - Personal Development and Work Experience
Location: Brick Lane School, London E2 6DY
Salary: £26,250.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.00am – 4.00pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!
About the Role
The Higher-Level Teaching Assistant for Personal Development and Work Experience plays a vital role in preparing students for life beyond school. Working closely with the Personal Development Lead, you’ll support pupils to develop confidence, independence and real-world employability skills that align with their strengths, interests and future aspirations.
This is a varied and rewarding role that blends classroom practice with wider responsibility for developing meaningful work-related learning opportunities. You’ll help shape in-house work experience, build community links, and contribute to whole-school events that promote careers awareness, personal growth and future pathways.
Key Responsibilities
Work in partnership with the Personal Development Lead to deliver and evaluate effective careers guidance
Support the development of relationships with local employers, community organisations and external partners
Assist in planning and delivering careers events, enrichment activities and work-related learning opportunities
Design and support in-house work experience placements that build employability, independence and life skills
Core HLTA Responsibilities
As a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant, you will also:
Provide cover for teacher or TA absence, adapting lesson plans where required
Prepare lessons and learning resources, working collaboratively with teaching staff
Deliver planned learning activities independently and confidently
Assess learning and contribute to monitoring, recording and reporting student progress
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
Understands and embraces the full scope and responsibility of the HLTA role
Is organised, flexible and confident working independently
Brings creativity, initiative and a practical approach to supporting learning and personal development
Is passionate about helping young people build the skills they need for future education, employment and independent life
If you’re motivated by making a real difference and enjoy working in a role that combines education, careers and personal development, this is a fantastic opportunity to grow and thrive within a supportive school community.
About Us
Brick Lane School is an independent specialist school in East London for autistic pupils.
We provide a safe, welcoming environment shaped by Outcomes First Group’s Neurodiversity Strategy, celebrating strengths and individuality. Small classes and personalised education, therapy, and clinical support ensure every pupil’s needs are met. Through positive relationships and a holistic approach, we empower young people to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
#1
Job Title: Higher-Level Teaching Assistant - Personal Development and Work Experience
Location: Brick Lane School, London E2 6DY
Salary: £26,250.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.00am – 4.00pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: February 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!
About the Role
The Higher-Level Teaching Assistant for Personal Development and Work Experience plays a vital role in preparing students for life beyond school. Working closely with the Personal Development Lead, you’ll support pupils to develop confidence, independence and real-world employability skills that align with their strengths, interests and future aspirations.
This is a varied and rewarding role that blends classroom practice with wider responsibility for developing meaningful work-related learning opportunities. You’ll help shape in-house work experience, build community links, and contribute to whole-school events that promote careers awareness, personal growth and future pathways.
Key Responsibilities
Work in partnership with the Personal Development Lead to deliver and evaluate effective careers guidance
Support the development of relationships with local employers, community organisations and external partners
Assist in planning and delivering careers events, enrichment activities and work-related learning opportunities
Design and support in-house work experience placements that build employability, independence and life skills
Core HLTA Responsibilities
As a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant, you will also:
Provide cover for teacher or TA absence, adapting lesson plans where required
Prepare lessons and learning resources, working collaboratively with teaching staff
Deliver planned learning activities independently and confidently
Assess learning and contribute to monitoring, recording and reporting student progress
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
Understands and embraces the full scope and responsibility of the HLTA role
Is organised, flexible and confident working independently
Brings creativity, initiative and a practical approach to supporting learning and personal development
Is passionate about helping young people build the skills they need for future education, employment and independent life
If you’re motivated by making a real difference and enjoy working in a role that combines education, careers and personal development, this is a fantastic opportunity to grow and thrive within a supportive school community.
About Us
Brick Lane School is an independent specialist school in East London for autistic pupils.
We provide a safe, welcoming environment shaped by Outcomes First Group’s Neurodiversity Strategy, celebrating strengths and individuality. Small classes and personalised education, therapy, and clinical support ensure every pupil’s needs are met. Through positive relationships and a holistic approach, we empower young people to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
#1