Graduate Pastoral Teaching Assistant – Alternative Provision

Macclesfield, Cheshire
Full-Time | Term-Time Only
September 2026 Start
Interviews Throughout September
£500–£600 per week

Are you a graduate who wants to make a meaningful difference to young people?

Do you have the patience, resilience and confidence to support students who have found mainstream education challenging?

KPI Education is working with a specialist educational setting in the Macclesfield area to recruit a Graduate Pastoral Teaching Assistant for September 2026.

The school supports young people who require a more personalised and structured approach to education, including students who may have experienced exclusion or difficulties engaging with mainstream schools.

This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate considering a career in teaching, psychology, youth work, social care, SEN or pastoral education.

The Role

Working alongside teachers and pastoral professionals, you will provide day-to-day support to students, helping them feel settled, engage with learning and develop positive routines.

You will play an important role in building students' confidence, encouraging positive behaviour and helping young people overcome barriers to education.

Your Responsibilities

You will:

• Support pupils during lessons and structured activities.
• Provide individual and small-group pastoral support.
• Encourage positive attitudes towards education and attendance.
• Help students manage emotions and challenging situations.
• Build trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Promote confidence, independence and resilience.
• Reinforce positive behaviour and consistent expectations.
• Support pupils with transitions throughout the school day.
• Communicate concerns and observations to teaching and pastoral staff.
• Maintain appropriate records relating to student support.
• Assist with individual strategies designed to improve engagement.
• Help prepare students for their next stage of education or employment.
• Follow safeguarding and school procedures at all times.

Who We're Looking For

You must be educated to degree level and have the maturity and resilience required to work in a specialist setting.

Your background could include:

• Teaching or Education
• Psychology or Criminology
• Youth or Community Work
• Social or Residential Care
• Police or Emergency Services
• Prison, Probation or Youth Justice
• Sports Coaching or Mentoring
• SEN or Pastoral Support
• Mental Health or Community Support

Previous school or alternative provision experience is desirable but not essential.

We are looking for someone with:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, resilience and emotional maturity.
• A calm and supportive approach.
• Confidence working with challenging situations.
• The ability to establish positive boundaries.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• A professional approach to safeguarding and confidentiality.
• The ability to work effectively within a wider team.

Why Apply?

This role offers valuable experience in pastoral education and alternative provision, alongside support from experienced teaching and pastoral professionals.

You'll develop practical skills that can support future careers in teaching, psychology, SEN, youth work and social care while making a genuine difference to young people.

Apply Today

If you're a graduate looking for a rewarding role supporting students who need additional pastoral guidance, apply through KPI Education today.

Interviews will take place throughout September, with successful candidates starting in September 2026.

INDEDU