Make a difference

working at Priory School

Teaching assistant — Level 1 (Special schools)

Priory School is a vibrant and growing special school serving students aged 11–19 with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from across the London Borough of Croydon.

We are seeking a versatile and creative Teaching Assistant to join our dedicated team within Pathway 5, which supports students with complex learning difficulties, often associated with autism. These learners may exhibit significant behaviours that challenge and require a highly personalised and flexible approach to learning and support.

About Pathway 5:

  • Students range from early developmental stages to National Curriculum levels.

  • Transitions and routine changes can be particularly challenging.

  • Communication is needs-led, and staff must adapt to each student’s preferred communication style.

  • Group learning and shared attention tasks are often not suitable.

  • All students require minimum 1:1 staffing, with higher ratios often necessary for off-site activities.

What We’re Looking For:

  • We are looking for someone who is:

  • Able to confidently and safely manage behaviours that challenge, using a calm and consistent approach.

  • Resilient, patient, and calm under pressure.

  • Person-centred and empathetic.

  • Committed to creating a safe, structured, and nurturing environment.

  • Focused on promoting independence, developing daily living skills, and supporting functional communication to enhance quality of life and student outcomes.

What We Offer:

  • A supportive multidisciplinary team environment.

  • Ongoing professional development, including training in:

    • Autism awareness

    • Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

    • Communication strategies

    • Sensory processing

    • Accredited physical intervention techniques

  • A strong commitment to staff wellbeing, safety, and career progression.

Level
Level 1 (Special Schools)

Scale
Grade 3 Spinal Point 5-7

Actual salary
£21,381 – £22,034

Hours
32 hours per week
Mondays 8.45 to 3.15
Tuesdays to Fridays 8.45 to 3.45

Days
Term time & Inset (5 days)

Closing date
13 June 2025

Interviews
25 June 2025

Further information

Application forms to download and complete

Application forms can either be downloaded, printed, completed by hand, then returned via the postal service, or downloaded and completed digitally, then returned via email. .

How to apply

Please email your completed application, including a personal statement, to Tracey Jones.

You can request by email any further information or arrange a visit to the school.

Please note that applications will be considered upon receipt.

Priory School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and references.

Visit the school

We’re very proud of our school and welcome visitors. Job Applicants are encouraged to come and look around in person, and to ask any questions you may have about the school. Please contact Tracey Jones to arrange a visit.

We appreciate not everyone has had the chance to come and take a look around, and meet our wonderful staff and students. So we hope this video gives you a sense of life at Priory School.

We are always on the lookout for staff who can inspire our pupils’ education.

Get in contact if you’re interested in working at Priory School.