Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprentice (St Johns Church of England Academy)

St Johns Church of England Academy

Darlington (DL1 4UB)

Closes in 17 days (Friday 27 November 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 9 November 2026


Summary

Join St John’s Church of England Academy, Darlington, as a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprentice. Gain valuable experience supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing in a friendly primary school environment while completing a nationally recognised apprenticeship.

Wage

£15,392 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Teaching assistant (level 3)
Hours
Monday 8.30am - 5pm Tuesday & Wednesday 8.30am - 4.30pm Thursday & Friday 8:30am - 4pm. Term time only

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 4 January 2027

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Working closely with the Headteacher, SENDCo, Class Teacher and other members of staff, you will play an active role in supporting pupils' learning and wellbeing. Your duties will vary according to the needs of the pupils and the day-to-day activities of the school.

  • Supporting pupils’ learning in the classroom through individual, small-group and whole-class activities.
  • Assisting the teacher in preparing and organising learning resources and classroom materials.
  • Promoting pupil engagement, participaton and positive behaviour in lessons and around the school.
  • Supporting the social, emotional and educational development of pupils.
  • Helping pupils to develop independence and confidence in their learning.
  • Working with individuals or groups of pupils to reinforce learning objectives set by the teacher.
  • Assisting with classroom organisation, displays and the maintenance of a stimulating learning environment.
  • Supporting pupils during breaktimes, lunchtimes, educational visits and other school activities as required.
  • Observing and reporting on pupil progress, achievements and any concerns to the class teacher.
  • Contributing to the implementation of support plans and targeted interventions under supervision.
  • Supporting the inclusion of all pupils, including those with additional learning or behavioural needs.
  • Using school IT systems and educational technology to support learning and administrative tasks.
  • Maintaining accurate records as directed by teaching staff.
  • Working collaboratively with teachers, support staff, parents and carers to support pupils' development.
  • Promoting safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the role. 

This is a varied role, and from time to time you may be asked to take on other duties that support the smooth running of the school. As you progress through your apprenticeship, you'll gain new skills and experiences, with opportunities to take on increased responsibility and further develop your confidence and knowledge.

Where you'll work

St Johns Church of England Academy
Fenby Avenue
Darlington
DL1 4UB

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

Training course

Teaching assistant (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Apply strategies to support and encourage the development of independent learners.
  • Adapt communication strategies for the audience and context.
  • Apply behaviour management strategies in line with organisational policy.
  • Adapt resources to support all learners.
  • Communicate with teachers to ensure clarity of the TA’s role.
  • Apply teaching strategies to deliver learning activities or interventions.
  • Build relationships with learners, teachers, other professionals and stakeholders.
  • Comply with legislation, guidance, and procedures for Prevent, safeguarding and health & safety.
  • Support the well-being and mental health of learners.
  • Observe, record, and report on learners in line with organisational procedures.
  • Apply methods of formative assessment.
  • Use up to date technology safely, to support learning.
  • Encourage safe use of technology by learners.
  • Adapt teaching strategies to support all learners (for example, scaffolding, open questioning).
  • Identify and respond to pastoral and academic behaviours in learners.
  • Provide feedback to learners.
  • Apply strategies to support and encourage the development of independent learners.
  • Adapt communication strategies for the audience and context.
  • Apply behaviour management strategies in line with organisational policy.
  • Adapt resources to support all learners.
  • Communicate with teachers to ensure clarity of the TA’s role.
  • Apply teaching strategies to deliver learning activities or interventions.
  • Build relationships with learners, teachers, other professionals and stakeholders.
  • Comply with legislation, guidance, and procedures for Prevent, safeguarding and health & safety.
  • Support the well-being and mental health of learners.
  • Observe, record, and report on learners in line with organisational procedures.
  • Apply methods of formative assessment.
  • Use up to date technology safely, to support learning.
  • Encourage safe use of technology by learners.
  • Adapt teaching strategies to support all learners (for example, scaffolding, open questioning).
  • Identify and respond to pastoral and academic behaviours in learners.
  • Provide feedback to learners.

Training schedule

You will be completing the Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship standard with Darlington Borough Council Learning & Skills. This programme equips you with the knowledge and practical skills to support teaching and learning across a range of classroom settings. Training is delivered through a blend of online learning and expert-led sessions, covering key topics such as supporting pupil progress, safeguarding, behaviour management, and inclusive practice.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll be supported by experienced tutors with real-world education experience. You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in the classroom, working alongside qualified teachers while earning a nationally recognised qualification.

More training information

Training will be provided to achieve the following qualifications:

Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Standard

Drop-in training sessions could take place weekly, at Darlington Borough Council Learning & Skills training centre (DL1 1NG) or remotely. Here you will develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to ensure these exceed the minimum requirements for the Teaching Assistant Level 3 apprenticeship standard. 

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4+/ C+)
  • maths (grade 4+/ C+)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • People Skills
  • Desire to work with Children
  • Understand Confidentiality

Other requirements

You will be required to attend our Skills Centre in Darlington (DL1 1NL) and you will need to make your own way there for day release training.

Travel to and from the employer, based at St John’s Church of England Academy, Fenby Avenue, Darlington (DL1 4UB).

You will need to pass an Enhanced DBS check if successful.

About this employer

At St John’s, we take pride in being a welcoming and inclusive school, creating a sense of family within our community. Our primary focus is on providing an excellent education while nurturing each child’s individual potential. We believe that every child, regardless of their background, can achieve excellence.

Our school is dedicated to offering a safe and positive environment where children feel valued, heard, and cared for. Christian values form the foundation of our approach, guiding everything we do. We emphasise strong partnerships with parents and carers, viewing them as essential contributors to their children’s education. We look forward to regular opportunities to connect, celebrate successes, discuss progress, and explore how families can engage in their child’s learning journey.

Supported by dedicated Academy Councillors, leading our committed team of staff who work to provide the best possible education for our pupils is a privilege. We are proud to serve the local community and represent the families that make our school unique. In the midst of ongoing changes, our mission remains the same – ‘Trust in God, Trust Yourself. Aspire, Believe, Achieve!’

https://www.stjohnsceacademy.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Successful completion of the apprenticeship could lead to full-time employment and /or further training.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DARLINGTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

Graham Curry - Learning & Skills Darlington

graham.curry@Darlington.gov.uk

07949845325

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000062947.

Apply now

Closes in 17 days (Friday 27 November 2026 at 11:59pm)