Sports Graduate Teaching Assistant – Secondary & SEN Schools

About the role

We are seeking a recent sports graduate to join secondary and SEN schools in Manchester as a Teaching Assistant. The role starts in September 2026 and offers the chance to use sport to motivate and support young learners while gaining classroom experience.

Key responsibilities

• Support pupils individually and in small groups during lessons.
• Work with students with SEND, SEMH and other additional needs.
• Use sport and physical activity to build relationships and encourage engagement.
• Assist academically, socially and emotionally throughout the school day.
• Manage and positively respond to challenging behaviour.
• Act as a mentor and positive role model.
• Help create a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Required profile

• UK bachelor's degree in Sport, Sports Coaching, Sports Science, Physical Education or related field.
• Experience working with children through sports coaching, holiday camps, youth work or similar.
• Confidence working with pupils who have SEND, SEMH or challenging behaviour.
• Positive, resilient and able to build strong relationships.
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain) and recent references.

Required skills

What we offer

• Placement across a variety of mainstream secondary and specialist SEN schools.
• Opportunity to develop teaching and coaching expertise.
• Support from Aspire People recruitment team.