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We’re currently recruiting for Sports Graduates to work as Teaching Assistants across primary schools in Leeds.

If you’ve recently graduated in Sport, Sports Science, PE, Sports Coaching or a related subject, this is a brilliant opportunity to take the skills you’ve developed through your degree, coaching, university sport and competitive environments and bring them into the classroom.

You don’t need to have a background in education. Your experience in teamwork, leadership, communication, motivation, discipline and resilience can make you a fantastic role model for young people.

Whether you’ve played competitively, coached a team, worked in a sports club or simply have a genuine passion for sport and working with young people, we want to hear from you.

Why Sports Graduates?

Sport develops many of the qualities that schools value highly.

As a sports graduate, you may already have experience in:

• Leadership – motivating others, taking responsibility and leading by example
• Teamwork – understanding how individuals work together towards a shared goal
• Communication – giving clear instructions, providing feedback and adapting your approach
• Resilience – responding positively to setbacks and encouraging others to keep going
• Motivation – helping individuals push themselves and recognise their own potential
• Discipline – understanding the importance of preparation, commitment and consistency
• Confidence – communicating with different groups and taking the lead when needed
• Coaching – breaking down skills, demonstrating techniques and helping others improve
• Problem-solving – adapting your approach when something isn’t working
• Relationship building – creating positive connections and earning trust
• Emotional intelligence – recognising when someone needs encouragement, support or a different approach

These skills transfer incredibly well into a school environment.

Your Main Responsibilities

As a Sports Graduate Teaching Assistant, you’ll use your sporting background to support pupils both inside and outside of the classroom.

Your role could include:

• Supporting pupils on a one-to-one or small-group basis with their learning and development
• Using your coaching experience to break down tasks and explain concepts in a clear and accessible way
• Acting as a positive role model and encouraging pupils to develop confidence and self-belief
• Supporting pupils who may struggle with motivation, behaviour or engagement
• Using your understanding of teamwork and competition to encourage positive relationships between pupils
• Helping pupils develop resilience and a growth mindset, particularly when they find learning challenging
• Helping teachers deliver interventions, catch-up sessions and classroom activities
• Encouraging pupils to participate, take risks with their learning and learn from mistakes
• Supporting pupils with additional needs, including SEND and SEMH
• Helping maintain a positive, structured and inclusive classroom environment
• Building strong relationships with pupils and becoming a trusted member of the school community

What We're Looking For

We’re looking for graduates who can bring the mindset of a coach into the classroom.

You’ll ideally have:

• A degree in Sport, Sports Science, PE, Sports Coaching or a related subject
• A genuine passion for sport and working with children and young people
• Experience playing, coaching or participating in competitive sport
• Experience working with young people through coaching, clubs, volunteering, mentoring or similar environments is highly desirable
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• The confidence to motivate and encourage pupils
• A patient and positive approach
• The ability to build relationships and gain the trust of young people
• A willingness to learn and develop within an education setting

School experience isn't essential. If you can demonstrate that you know how to lead, motivate, coach, communicate and build relationships, your experience could transfer brilliantly into this role.

Why This Could Be the Perfect Next Step

This role is particularly suited to sports graduates who are considering careers such as:

• Teaching / Teacher Training
• PE Teaching
• Sports Coaching
• Youth Work
• Pastoral Support
• SEN Support
• Education
• Child Development
• Community or Youth Sport

Working in a school gives you the opportunity to understand how young people learn, develop and respond to different environments – while gaining valuable experience that can support your future career.

Benefits

• Competitive daily rates up to £115 per day
• Full-time and part-time opportunities across Leeds
• Potential temp-to-perm opportunities
• Speedy registration process & fast-track compliance – APSCo Compliance+ accredited for the highest safer recruitment standards
• Culture-matched placements – we take the time to understand you and find schools that fit your values and strengths
• Priority Partnership school network – access to trusted schools who work with us long-term
• 5+ CPD courses completed before placement, including Safeguarding, SEND & Behaviour, with access to further training through Milk Academy
• FREE PSHE lesson plans and resources
• FREE Educator Wellbeing resources and access to our community hub
• School Preparation Pack with handover notes and school guides
• 24/7 support from your personal consultant

Interested?

If you’re a Sports Graduate looking to turn your passion for sport into a career working with young people, we’d love to hear from you.

Click ‘Apply Now’ or contact Anisha to chat through the opportunities available across Leeds.

Email: anisha.wahid@milk-education.co.uk

Milk Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We are APSCo Compliance+ accredited, meeting the highest standards in safer recruitment. All applicants will be subject to compliance checks in line with DfE, Keeping Children Safe in Education and APSCo guidelines.

Milk Education is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy, available on our website. Milk Education is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.