Learning Support Assistant - Thomas Bennett Community College
Contract Type: Permanent
Start Date: September 2026 or Sooner
Join a Leading Trust in Education
Thomas Bennett Community College is proud to be part of The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT), one of the largest and most established multi-academy trusts in the country. As part of The Kemnal Academies Trust, colleagues benefit from access to a wide network of professional support, collaboration, and development opportunities across a family of schools committed to excellence in education. The Trust is dedicated to investing in its people, providing high-quality training, career progression opportunities, and a strong culture of teamwork and innovation. Joining Thomas Bennett means becoming part of a forward-thinking organisation that values inclusion, ambition, and continuous improvement, where staff are empowered to make a real difference to the lives of young people.
About Thomas Bennett Community College
Thomas Bennett Community College is a welcoming and ambitious 11–18 secondary school at the heart of the Crawley community, serving families across the town and the wider West Sussex area. As part of The Kemnal Academies Trust, the school combines a strong community ethos with the advantages of a wider network of collaboration and support. With more than 1,200 students, including a thriving sixth form, it provides an inclusive and supportive environment where young people are encouraged to achieve their full potential. The school is committed to delivering a high-quality education through a broad and engaging curriculum across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5, supported by modern facilities and dedicated colleagues. Strong relationships with parents, local organisations, and the wider community underpin the school’s work, while students are encouraged to demonstrate aspiration, resilience, respect, and pride in both their achievements and their community.
The Role of the Learning Support Assistant
To provide learning and care support for pupils with special educational needs (SEN). This will involve working with the teacher to plan and deliver activities and supporting pupils with routines, transitions and behaviour management. The Learning Support Assistant (LSA) SEN will:
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Work with the class teachers to raise the learning and attainment of pupils.
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Promote pupils’ independence, self-esteem and social inclusion.
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Give support to pupils, individually or in groups, so they can access the curriculum, take part in learning, and experience a sense of achievement.
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Be responsible for ensuring equality of opportunity for all.
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Take responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children within the school and trust.
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Work in line with the school ethos and the trusts’ vision.
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Demonstrate an informed and efficient approach to teaching and learning by adopting relevant strategies to support the work of the teacher and increase achievement of all pupils including, where appropriate, those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEN).
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Support pupils with their social, emotional and mental health needs, escalating concerns where appropriate.
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Promote, support and facilitate inclusion by encouraging participation of all pupils in learning and extracurricular activities.
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Build positive relationships with pupils, promoting high self esteem and independence.
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Support the teaching of a broad and balanced curriculum aimed at pupils achieving their full potential in all areas of learning.
What We’re Looking For
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Experience of working with children or young people, particularly those with additional learning needs, is desirable.
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students, staff and parents.
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The ability to work effectively as part of a team while also using initiative when supporting students independently.
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A flexible and adaptable approach to meeting the diverse needs of learners.
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Good literacy, numeracy and organisational skills.
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An understanding of safeguarding and a commitment to promoting the welfare of children and young people.
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A positive role model who can encourage confidence, resilience and engagement in learning.
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Experience supporting students with SEND, social, emotional and mental health needs, or behavioural challenges would be an advantage.
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A commitment to inclusion and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
As part of Kemnal Academies Trust, our colleagues enjoy:
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Access to a wide range of resources, training, and best practice across the Trust
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Supportive, forward-thinking leadership with a focus on continuous improvement
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Generous Pension Scheme: Significant employer contributions to support your long-term financial wellbeing
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Wellbeing Support: Access to a wellbeing app and an expert-led Eight-Week Mindfulness Programme
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Family Friendly Leave: Policies designed to support work-life balance and caring responsibilities
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Tailored CPD: Ongoing professional development to support your teaching practice and career progression
To find out more, visit our website here or contact the school office on 01293 526255 or
[email protected]
Our Commitment
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full safer recruitment process, including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check.
Flexible working
We recognise the value of enabling our employees to develop their career and balance this with their commitments and interests outside of work. We promote flexible working practices and opportunities to promote a positive work life balance.
Our Commitment - Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging
At Kemnal, we are committed to Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Belonging. We embrace and celebrate differences, value individual experiences, aspirations, and achievements, and continuously learn how to grow better together. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, as we believe diversity strengthens our community and drives us forward.
Access to interview
Be Who You Are at Kemnal - should you be selected and invited to interview please let us know if you require us to adapt the recruitment process to enable you to participate as your authentic self. We want applicants to be able to engage with us in ways that support who they are and we are committed to making adjustments within the recruitment process and within the workplace.
