Job Title: Student Support Assistant
Salary: Up to £13.54 per hour
Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract (until July 2026) with the potential to be extended or made permanent
Location: Reading College

Training: Various in-house training opportunities relevant to the role.
Working Pattern: Term-time only, part time, 3 days (21 hours) per week.

Reading College operates Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. We ask that staff are available to work at least 3 days per week during these hours.

We are currently looking for Student Support Assistants to join our dedicated team based at Reading college. If you are passionate about supporting students, thrive in a collaborative environment, and want to make a real difference in the lives of learners, we would love to hear from you!

About the Role as a Student Support Assistant

As a Student Support Assistant, you will provide in-class and individual support to young adults aged 16-19 enrolled in a wide range of academic and vocational programmes, including GCSEs, LifeSkills, and A-levels. You will help them overcome barriers to learning and reach their full potential, supporting their progress in both practical and academic environments.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting students across a variety of course levels (Entry Level to Level 3)
• Acting as a positive role model and using inclusive, student-centred support strategies
• Collaborating with tutors and support teams to meet individual student needs
• Assisting with personal care and behaviour management where necessary, with training provided

Our Student Support Assistants play a vital role in empowering students with additional learning needs to achieve success throughout their educational journey.

What do you need to be a successful Student Support Assistant at Activate Learning?

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively and independently
• A flexible, proactive, and supportive approach to working with learners
• Creativity and empathy in engaging and motivating students with diverse needs
• A genuine passion for helping young people succeed
• Previous experience supporting students with SEN is helpful but not essential
• Willingness to undertake personal care and manual handling training if required

If you're motivated to make a real difference and want to be part of a supportive, student-focused team, this is a fantastic opportunity to start or develop your career in education. You’ll be part of a dynamic college environment where your work has a direct impact on student achievement and wellbeing.

Who we are

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.

We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.

When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.

Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits:

Here are some of our benefits:

• Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.
• Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing
• Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
• Learning and Development: continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.
• Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.
• Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for AL staff
• Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave
• Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
• On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.

For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits & wellbeing offering, please visit our work-with-us/wellbeing

Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission.

Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts.

Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK, we do not sponsor work permits. Work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.

Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.

Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning, have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.