Graduate Teaching Assistant – Art Specialism

Location: Manchester City Centre
Salary: £22,000 – £26,000 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract: Full-Time, Long-Term
Start Date: ASAP / November 2026

Are you a creative Art graduate with a passion for supporting young people who struggle in mainstream education?

KPI Education is working in partnership with a specialist alternative education provider in Manchester City Centre to recruit a passionate, creative and enthusiastic Graduate Teaching Assistant with an Art specialism.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an Art, Fine Art, Illustration, Graphic Design or Creative Arts graduate who wants to make a genuine difference to young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, Special Educational Needs (SEN) and behavioural challenges.

Our client provides a supportive, alternative learning environment for young people who may have struggled to engage with mainstream education. Creativity, practical learning and positive relationships are central to helping pupils rebuild their confidence and enthusiasm for education.

The Role – Graduate Teaching Assistant (Art)

As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support young people on a one-to-one basis and in small groups.
• Use Art and creative activities to engage pupils, encourage self-expression and develop confidence.
• Assist with delivering creative enrichment sessions, practical projects and classroom activities.
• Support students with SEN, SEMH and behavioural needs.
• Build positive relationships with pupils who may have experienced barriers to mainstream education.
• Work alongside teaching staff to adapt learning activities to individual needs.
• Help pupils develop their emotional regulation, social skills and academic confidence.
• Promote a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds a 2:1 degree or above, ideally in Fine Art, Art & Design, Illustration, Graphic Design or a related creative discipline.
• Has a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable young people.
• Is creative, patient, resilient and enthusiastic.
• Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Is comfortable working with young people who may display challenging behaviour.
• Has an interest in SEN, SEMH, alternative provision or therapeutic education.
• Ideally has experience working with children or young people, although this is not essential.
• Holds a full UK driving licence, ideally with access to a vehicle.

Why Apply?

• £22,000 – £26,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Opportunity to use your creative talents to make a genuine difference.
• Gain valuable experience in SEN and alternative education.
• Work with young people who benefit from creative, personalised approaches to learning.
• Excellent stepping stone towards careers in Teaching, Art Therapy, Educational Psychology, SEN or Youth Work.
• Long-term opportunity with potential for professional development.

Apply Today!

If you're an ambitious Art graduate who believes creativity can transform the lives of young people, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today through KPI Education to discuss this exciting Graduate Teaching Assistant opportunity in Manchester City Centre.

All applicants will be subject to relevant safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

KPI Education – Connecting Exceptional Graduates with Brighter Futures.

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