Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

‘Are you passionate about education and eager to make a lasting impact on young minds?’  

About the role 

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, hardworking and committed Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for complementing the professional work of teachers by taking responsibility for agreed learning activities under an agreed system of supervision. They will also line manage other Learning Support Assistants, including allocation and monitoring of work.  

This is a permanent, 30 hours per week, term time plus 2 days contract, with a start date of 1st September 2025. 

We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic person who:  

• has a passion for helping pupils thrive and meet their full potential.  
• has a friendly manner and can communicate effectively with staff and pupils.  
• can work effectively as part of a team but can also work independently using their own initiative.  
• has experience of working in a similar specialist area. 

Orchard Head Junior, Infant and Nursery School 

At Orchard Head, success begins with strong foundations. Our dedicated staff are committed to nurturing a lifelong love for learning in every child, empowering them to become confident, independent, and successful individuals. We take pride in our above-national Key Stage 2 attainment and progress outcomes, reflecting our unwavering focus on academic excellence. Beyond academics, our personalised development opportunities enrich the curriculum, providing pupils with memorable experiences that shape their holistic growth. Together as a school community, we celebrate our achievements and eagerly anticipate continued growth, flourishing, and success at Orchard Head. 

About Pontefract Academies Trust  

Pontefract Academies Trust is a cross phase Multi-Academy Trust comprising of nine schools: seven primaries and two 11-16 secondary schools. Our mission is running high quality, high achieving schools that give our children and young people the chance in life they deserve. The Trust is renowned for its commitment to excellence and has achieved remarkable success. Five of our primary schools rank within the top 1% nationally for progress, and our secondary schools feature among the top three secondary schools in the Wakefield district.  

What can we offer you?  

We’re passionate about employee benefits at Pontefract Academies Trust, offering the following as standard to all:  

• Exciting career and leadership pathways supported by outstanding CPD opportunities 
• Everyday Development (EDD) Framework: A simple, personal and flexible goal-based approach to continuous learning, career growth and wellbeing. 
• For the 2025/26 academic year, we will be providing staff with three Everyday Development (EDD) days.  These development days will offer you self-directed time away from the workplace to recharge and reflect on your personal and career goals. 
• Generous employer pension (West Yorkshire Pension Fund - LGPS) 
• Generous annual leave entitlements paid as part of your annual salary (starting from 26 days annual leave, up to a maximum of 33 days dependent on length of service and grade of role – plus 8 statutory bank holidays) 
• Fantastic family friendly policies with a focus on employee work/life balance 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Blue Light card 
• Discounted gym membership   
• Free eyecare via Specsavers  
• Childcare vouchers  
• Employee wellbeing programme (including physiotherapy, personal or professional concerns on legal, health, finance, wellbeing, and other matters) 
• Discounts at numerous retailers including O2  
• Free flu vaccinations. 

School Visits 

Potential candidates are welcome to visit our school. This is a great opportunity to explore our facilities, meet our dedicated staff, and get a feel for the vibrant community we have built here. We look forward to welcoming you and answering any questions you may have   

Key Dates 

• Application Deadline: 10:00am, Friday 11th July 2025 
• Interviews to be held: W/C 14th July 2025 
• Start Date: Monday 1st September 2025 

Application Process 

• Complete an application form via our website 

Important Links 

Pontefract Academies Trust website

Trust Strategic Plan for 2025 to 2028

Orchard Head J,I&N School Website

Contact Information 

• Tel 01977 723495   
• Email recruitment@orchardhead.patrust.org.uk 

We are an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from everyone.  

The Pontefract Academies Trust is wholly committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people whilst promoting their welfare.  

Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure and pre-employment checks (including online checks). Shortlisted applicants will also be asked to provide a self-declaration form.