Unqualified Teacher / HLTA - North London

Unqualified Teacher / Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) – Specialist School, North London

We are seeking a compassionate, resilient, and enthusiastic Unqualified Teacher / Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) to join a specialist school in North London from September 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about supporting young people with complex emotional and mental health needs within a therapeutic and nurturing educational environment.

The school is a highly regarded specialist setting dedicated to supporting students whose mental health has significantly impacted their ability to access mainstream education. With small class sizes, a therapeutic approach, and a strong emphasis on building trusting relationships, the school provides personalised learning programmes that enable students to rebuild confidence, re-engage with education, and achieve positive outcomes. Staff work collaboratively with therapeutic professionals to ensure every learner receives the tailored support they need to thrive both academically and emotionally.

As an Unqualified Teacher / HLTA, you will support students with a range of complex mental health needs, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, and agoraphobia. Working alongside teachers, therapists, and the wider pastoral team, you will help deliver engaging learning experiences while providing consistent emotional support to enable students to make meaningful progress.

This role will commence in September 2026 and continue until July 2027, with the potential to become a permanent position for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of engaging and differentiated lessons across a range of curriculum areas.
• Deliver planned learning activities to individuals and small groups under the direction of teaching staff.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with students experiencing complex mental health needs.
• Support learners with bipolar disorder, anxiety, and agoraphobia, adapting approaches to meet their individual needs.
• Promote emotional regulation, resilience, confidence, and independence.
• Implement therapeutic and trauma-informed strategies to support learning and wellbeing.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, pastoral staff, and external professionals.
• Monitor student progress and provide feedback to teaching staff where appropriate.
• Promote positive behaviour through restorative and relationship-based approaches.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures and school policies are followed at all times.

Essential Criteria

• Previous experience supporting children or young people within an educational, therapeutic, or mental health setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A calm, patient, and empathetic approach.
• Strong behaviour management and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to adapt to the individual needs of learners.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Preferred Criteria

• Experience working within a therapeutic education setting.
• A minimum Level 4 Teaching Assistant qualification.
• Previous experience as an HLTA, Unqualified Teacher, or Cover Supervisor.
• A degree in Psychology, Mental Health, or a related subject.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice, restorative approaches, or SEMH strategies.
• Experience supporting students with anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, emotionally based school avoidance, or other complex mental health needs.

This role would suit an aspiring Unqualified Teacher, experienced Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Cover Supervisor, or Psychology/Mental Health graduate looking to develop their career within specialist education. Candidates with a minimum Level 4 Teaching Assistant qualification will also be considered. The successful candidate will become part of a dedicated multidisciplinary team committed to delivering therapeutic education and helping vulnerable young people overcome barriers to learning and achieve long-term success.

Why Work with Education World?

• REC Audited Education Status – Recognised for the highest recruitment standards
• Weekly Pay – Paid every Friday, always on time
• PAYE Only – No umbrella companies or hidden fees
• Free CPD Opportunities – Access to professional development
• Rated 4.9 on Trustpilot – Trusted by hundreds of education professionals
• Dedicated Consultants – Local knowledge and ongoing support
• Candidate-First Approach – Your availability, preferences, and wellbeing always come first
• Referral Bonus – Recommend a friend and earn uncapped rewards (T&Cs apply)

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and candidates to share this commitment. All successful applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding and compliance checks in line with regulatory requirements and the REC Code of Professional Practice.

Education World is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.