Graduate Teaching Assistant (SEN / SEND)

Location: Surrey & West Sussex
Pay: £90-£110 per day (dependent on experience)
Contract: 12-Week Temp-to-Perm and Permanent Opportunities Available
Start Date: September 2026

Kickstart Your Career in Education

Are you graduating this year or have you recently completed your degree? Looking for a meaningful role where you can gain invaluable experience while making a real difference?

NextGen Teachers is recruiting enthusiastic and ambitious graduates to work as Graduate Teaching Assistants across a range of welcoming primary, secondary and specialist schools throughout Surrey and West Sussex.

Whether you're considering a future in teaching, Educational Psychology, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, mental health, social work or SEND, this role will provide the hands-on experience that employers and training providers are looking for.

Why Choose a Graduate Teaching Assistant Role?

This is far more than a classroom support position. You'll play a vital role in helping children and young people overcome barriers to learning, develop confidence and achieve their potential.

Working alongside experienced teachers and SEN professionals, you'll gain practical experience supporting pupils with a variety of additional needs while developing skills that will benefit you throughout your career.

The Role

As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, you'll support pupils with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including:

• Autism (ASC/ASD)
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
• Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
• Moderate and Severe Learning Difficulties
• ADHD and other additional learning needs

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting pupils on a 1:1 basis and in small groups
• Assisting teachers to deliver engaging and inclusive lessons
• Helping pupils access learning and achieve their individual goals
• Promoting confidence, independence and emotional wellbeing
• Supporting behaviour, engagement and positive social interactions
• Building positive relationships with pupils, staff and families
• Contributing to a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment

Why Join NextGen Teachers?

We know that every graduate's career journey is different, which is why we'll work closely with you to find the right school and provide ongoing support throughout your placement.

You'll benefit from:

• Competitive daily pay of £90-£110, depending on experience
• Temp-to-perm and permanent opportunities
• Placements across a variety of mainstream and specialist schools
• Specialist SEND training before and during your placement
• Ongoing support from a dedicated education consultant
• Valuable classroom experience that strengthens applications for teacher training and postgraduate courses
• A clear pathway into teaching and specialist careers within education

Who We're Looking For

We welcome applications from graduates of all degree subjects.

This opportunity is particularly well suited to graduates in:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Education Studies
• Childhood Studies
• Criminology
• Health and Social Care
• Sport, Coaching or Physical Education
• English, Maths or Science
• Any graduate with a genuine passion for supporting children and young people

You'll be a great fit if you:

• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Are patient, proactive and resilient
• Enjoy working with children and young people
• Are considering a long-term career within education or SEND
• Have experience in tutoring, youth work, coaching, care or volunteering (desirable but not essential)

Requirements

• A degree in any subject (completed within the last five years)
• An Enhanced DBS on the Update Service, or willingness to obtain one
• A driving licence is desirable but not essential

Training & Development

As part of your placement, you'll have access to specialist training covering:

• Supporting pupils with Autism and additional needs
• Behaviour management and positive intervention strategies
• Safeguarding and child protection
• Inclusive classroom practice
• Professional expectations within schools

Apply Today

If you're ready to gain meaningful experience, develop valuable skills and take the first step towards a rewarding career in education, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today to join NextGen Teachers and begin your journey as a Graduate Teaching Assistant across Surrey and West Sussex this September.

Huntress does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. PLEASE NOTE! You should make yourself aware of how immigration laws apply to your situation before applying for any jobs. We are acting as a Recruitment Business in relation to this role.