Higher Level Teaching Assistant

What skills and experience we're looking for

The Westgate School is a warm, vibrant and forward-thinking community where colleagues and pupils learn together. As an Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ school, we are proud of our culture of academic excellence.

We are seeking to appoint a confident and well-organised Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) in the Primary Phase to cover classes for teachers’ PPA time.

The Primary School forms part of Hampshire’s first 4-16 All Through School and the successful applicant will join our friendly, enthusiastic and committed team.

What we’re looking for

We are seeking someone to build positive, trusting relationships with children and who brings empathy, patience and enthusiasm to their work, and who:

• Has recent experience across EYFS, KS1 and KS2 age range
• Has GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) grade C/4 or above
• Is either training towards HLTA, an HLTA qualification or higher qualification
• Has experience of working with teachers to deliver learning activities to whole classes
• Has confidence to cover absence when necessary
• Has the ability to plan, evaluate pupils' progress and adapt lesson plans when necessary
• Has experience of communicating pupil outcomes to class teachers
• Is committed to the highest possible levels of achievement for every pupil
• Is cheerful, flexible and approachable, with a good sense of humour
• Has the patience and the resourcefulness to support and inspire our children with their learning, helping to unlock their potential

What the school offers its staff

Working at The Westgate School means becoming part of a friendly, skilled and supportive team invested in your success. With 1,620 pupils across our two phases, we are lucky to have excellent teaching facilities. We take pride in a lovely environment for teaching and learning and enjoy our location in the centre of Winchester.

What Ofsted says

“The Westgate School is a happy and vibrant community, where pupils are encouraged to aim for excellence” Ofsted, September 2022

“Outstanding” Ofsted, November 2023

“Staff are incredibly proud to work at this school” Ofsted 2024

Benefits of working at

The Westgate School

• Full induction programme including professional learning and mentoring to ensure your success in the role
• Ongoing professional development in one of Hampshire’s top schools for progress and attainment
• A friendly and welcoming school community
• Automatic enrolment to Teachers’ Pension Scheme
• Benefits of local government sick pay
• On-site parking and access to EV charging stations
• Free use of health and fitness facilities
• Preferential nursery places in the on-site nursery at a reduced price
• Preferential admission to The Westgate School for colleagues' children (after 2 years of employment)

Further details about the role

Safeguarding

The Westgate School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all colleagues and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

Pre-employment checks

All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks, which will include an online search to identify any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education recommendations.

Child Protection Policy

You can find The Westgate School’s Child Protection Policy document on our policies webpage.

Equal Opportunities

In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.

AI

We encourage applicants to avoid using AI for their application and if doing so, please state this in the application. Please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original. This is so that your application is authentically and credibly your own as it forms part of the basis upon which future employment may be decided.

How to apply

Job descriptions and application forms are available at www.westgate.hants.sch.uk/vacancies.

Please send completed application forms to the HR team recruitment@westgate.hants.sch.uk

Please note, only submissions on the Hampshire County Council application form will be accepted.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and we may close the advert early, so we encourage early applications.

Closing Date

Midday, 12th June 2026

Interview Date

17 June 2026

Commitment to safeguarding

The Westgate School and Hampshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks, which will include an online search in order to identify any incidents or issues that have happened and are publicly available online, in line with KCSiE recommendations.