Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale E: £24,104 to £25,691 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£26,403 - £28,142 full time/full year equivalent)
Working Weeks: 41 weeks
September 2026
Jane Austen College has a big mission - that every pupil leaves us being able to read confidently and fluently! Can you help us make this a reality?
At Inspiration Trust our mantra is that all children can achieve and succeed, no matter what their background. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds have been more adversely impacted by the pandemic and we are therefore seeking a reliable, proactive and efficient Reading Mentor to join Jane Austen College in order to help our most vulnerable students close the gap between their reading age and their chronological age. Full training will be provided to deliver Thinking Reading, a 1:1 intensive reading intervention within the context of a high-performing academy chain with a vision for truly inclusive schools.
The role will require you to help to develop and maintain effective and supportive relationships with the students you work with, and have a calm, clear and consistent approach to working with young people. You will need to deliver the Thinking Reading programme with a high degree of fidelity and engage in the required training in order to be able to do this successfully.
What You will Be Doing
- To provide 1:1 or small group reading intervention delivery to ensure all have the ability to fulfil their potential.
- Monitor pupils’ responses to learning activities and accurately record achievement/progress as directed and provide detailed and regular feedback to teachers on pupils’ achievement, progress, problems, etc.
- Undertake structured and agreed learning activities/teaching programmes, adjusting activities according to pupil responses, including undertaking literacy and numeracy programmes.
- Promote good pupil behaviour, dealing promptly with conflict and incidents in line with established policy and encourage pupils to take responsibility for their behaviour.
- Assist with the supervision of pupils out of lesson times, including before and after school and accompanying teaching staff and pupils on visits, trips and out of school activities as required and take responsibility for a group under the supervision of the teacher.
About You:
The successful candidate will be patient, empathetic, and passionate about fostering a love for reading. You will possess strong communication skills, offer encouragement and constructive feedback to build student confidence. You will have active listening, adaptability, reliability, and the ability to connect with readers to unlock their potential.
Essential:
- Good literacy, numeracy, and ICT skills.
- Experience of working with or caring for children of relevant age.
- Ability to evaluate learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities.
- Ability to relate well to children and adults.
- Basic understanding of child development and learning.
- General understanding of National Curriculum and other basic learning programmes.
Desirable:
- NVQ 2 or equivalent in teaching assistance or equivalent experience.
- Training in the literacy/numeracy strategy.
- First Aid training in specific medical procedures.
Why Join Inspiration Trust
At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You will be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you will receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.
We offer:
- Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions
- Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
- Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
- Free parking at most sites
- Personalised CPD and development programmes
- A structured and specific induction programme.
- Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.
About Us
Jane Austen College opened in 2014 as a flagship free school of the Inspiration Trust, with a focus on English and Humanities. Since then, it has grown from serving just two-year groups to become a full 11-18 school of over 1,000 pupils.
In May 2024, the college was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in all inspection areas, including leadership, behaviour and sixth form provision. Inspectors noted that pupils benefit from “exceptional academic education, excellent pastoral support and a character curriculum building life skills to see them succeed in progressing to some of the top universities in the country and into prosperous careers.”
The college prides itself on ensuring that all pupils, regardless of background or disadvantage, have access to powerful knowledge and transformative extracurricular experiences, as well as strong mental health and wellbeing support.
We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.
The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners.
Next Steps
Before applying, please read the attached Recruitment Pack and Job Description, for more details about the role. We ask that you read this pack carefully, especially the “Planning your application” section from page 11. This will support your application ensuring you have the opportunity to tell us about your relevant skills, experience and qualifications that relate to the job description and person specification in addition to details of your references covering the last 5 years.
If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Rowan Wood, PA to Principal ([email protected]).
When you start your application, you will receive several emails from our application provider, Vacancy Filler. Please be aware that some email providers may mistakenly mark these messages as spam. To avoid missing important updates, we recommend checking your spam or junk folders regularly throughout the application process and marking these emails as safe.
Closing date for applications: 12pm on Monday 29th June 2026
Interview date: Week commencing 6th July 2026
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.
