Closing date: Roles are open now and recruited on an ongoing basis as vacancies arise.

Locations: Yorkshire and the Midlands

Build a meaningful career in education with Witherslack Group

Witherslack Group is a leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. Our schools support pupils to feel safe, understood and able to achieve their potential and the adults who work in our schools play a vital role in making that happen.

This supported pathway is designed specifically for care leavers who are interested in starting a career in education within Yorkshire and the Midlands.

The roles included in this offer are:

• Teaching Assistant
• Pastoral Assistant

If you are care experienced and considering your next step, this pathway offers additional guidance and senior-level sponsorship to support you into these roles.

A message for care leavers

If you have experience of care, you may already have strengths that are highly valued in specialist education – resilience, empathy, emotional awareness, adaptability and the ability to build trusted relationships.

Working in a school environment can offer structure, purpose and progression. It is also a chance to make a real difference to children and young people who may need consistent, supportive adults around them.

We understand that moving into employment can sometimes feel uncertain, particularly if you have not always had consistent support with career planning. This offer is designed to provide clarity, encouragement and practical help where needed, without lowering expectations or changing standards.

About the supported pathway

This pathway applies to Teaching Assistant and Pastoral Assistant roles in Yorkshire and the Midlands only.

The Operations Director for Yorkshire and the Midlands is sponsoring this offer, demonstrating a clear senior commitment to widening access into education careers for care-experienced individuals.

You can apply in one of two ways:

You can apply directly through the Witherslack Group website via the normal recruitment process.

Or, you can email Lucy to request a manual application form. Choosing this route does not replace the standard recruitment process. It allows you to receive additional guidance and oversight to help you navigate each stage confidently.

If there are other Education and Teaching roles or roles in other locations advertised on the website that interest you, you are encouraged to let Lucy know. She can guide you on the normal application process and help you understand the best route forward.

What support looks like

If you choose the supported route, you can access:

• Guidance with completing your application
• Interview preparation and advice
• A named point of contact throughout the recruitment process
• Oversight from regional leadership
• Support during onboarding and transition into your role

This support is there to help you present your strengths clearly and approach the process with confidence.

Do I need experience?

You do not need previous school experience to apply for Teaching Assistant or Pastoral Assistant roles.

We value attitude, reliability, willingness to learn and the ability to build positive relationships just as highly as formal experience. Full induction and training will be provided, along with ongoing professional development.

What you can expect from the role

As a Teaching Assistant or Pastoral Assistant, you will support pupils in their learning, wellbeing and daily school experience. You may work one-to-one with students, assist in small group learning, or help create a calm and structured classroom environment.

These roles can be a strong foundation for long-term progression in education, pastoral care, safeguarding or specialist support services.

How to apply

Visit:
https://www.witherslackgroup.co.uk/careers/our-teams-roles/education-teaching/

Search for Teaching Assistant or Pastoral Assistant roles in Yorkshire or the Midlands and apply through the standard online process.

If you would like additional support, email Lucy to request a manual application form and guidance.

If you are unsure whether this is the right next step for you, you are welcome to get in touch and have a conversation before applying.

This supported offer applies specifically to Teaching Assistant and Pastoral Assistant roles in Yorkshire and the Midlands. For all other vacancies across Witherslack Group, applications should be made through the standard website process.

We look forward to hearing from you.