Student Support Assistant

Vacancy for Student Support Assistant Salary: Grade 7 Points 12-19 of the Meridian Trust Support pay scale. Hours of Work: 37 hours per week - Monday to Thursday 8.15am-4.15pm and Friday 8.15am-3.45pm Term time plus 5 dedicated staff training days (39 weeks) We are seeking to appoint an inspirational and enthusiastic Student Support Assistant (SSA) to join our growing school, which opened in September 2023. This is a unique opportunity to play a key part in instilling the virtues and values that will permeate Weldon Village Academy for decades to come; to get it right with students from day one. We only have Years 7-10 and a small cohort of Year 11s this year, but will eventually run a vertical tutoring model with six houses, including a 6th form house. SSAs provide support, encouragement and pastoral care to students, therefore it is crucial the successful candidate has an ability to engage with young people and cares about their welfare. As an SSA you will be the first point of call for parents and carers, playing a vital link between home and school. A ‘can do’ attitude is essential in this fast-paced demanding support role, where all are passionate about the potential of young people and subscribe to the ethos that every child is known and supported. SSAs work with a range of stakeholders including parents, teachers, support staff and outside agencies to contribute to the progress of individual students. This varied role also includes overseeing the administrative functions of the House Office, such as student attendance and student reports, as well as offering support to the Senior Tutor and Assistant Principal. The successful candidate will need excellent communication, time management and team working skills as well as patience and resilience. If you are the type of person who strives to meet the needs of every child and has a proven track record of successfully working with young people, then you would cherish this opportunity. The successful candidate will have an uncompromising commitment to student achievement with a mind-set that all young people can experience success. Weldon Village Academy is a school where every member of staff makes a profound difference to the life chances of young people and you will have the rare opportunity to build something incredible. Weldon Village Academy is at the heart of the community and a school where every child is known, valued and supported, values intrinsic to Meridian Trust Schools. We are situated on the outskirts of the village of Weldon, approximately 2.5 miles from Corby town centre, in the new housing estate that is still under construction. Weldon Village Academy will grow year by year, from an initial intake of 120 Year 7s in September 2023, until eventually reaching its full capacity of 1500, including a 6th form of 300 students. The opportunity A great chance to work with a strong, fun enthusiastic team providing administrative and pastoral support to the house leadership and promote positive behaviour of all students. The ideal candidate Good educational background with excellent written and oral communication skills Experience of administration background, education and working with young people Able to make positive relationships with children, parents, staff and outside agencies Positive and enthusiastic approach with the ability to work within a team as well as on own initiative. Knowledge of the need for confidentiality and awareness of child protection issues Flexibility of working hours, committed and reliable with excellent timekeeping About Meridian Trust - Meridian Trust is a values-led organisation formed in 2011 that has risen to be one of the highest-performing academy trusts in the country. The Trust is founded on its commitment to a high-quality educational provision for all at the heart of local communities. Meridian currently operates primary, secondary and special schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. Meridian Trust offers a wealth of fantastic benefits for teaching and support staff which are highlighted below but are not limited to - Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities which allow you to gain specialist knowledge in a role you are passionate about developing in Opportunity to jump start your career in teaching through our dedicated Initial Teacher Training Team (ITT) Support for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and other resources Cycle to work scheme Defined benefit local government or Teacher’s pension scheme Healthcare benefits including free eye test vouchers and flu vaccinations Free on-site parking Discounts on a wide range of benefits from everyday essentials to holidays To explore our full range of benefits, please visit https://www.meridiantrust.co.uk/jobs-and-training/benefits/. For more information about the role please download the Applicant Information Pack below. Closing date for applications: 30/09/2026 Interviews will be held on: 05/10/2026 Meridian Trust reserves the right to close the applications early in the event that a suitable candidate is sourced. The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches.