Graduate Teaching Assistant (Secondary & SEND)
Company: Protocol Education (part of the Supporting Education Group)
Location: Sunderland
Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time / Flexible Supply
Salary: £89.35–£110.00 per day (dependent on role and responsibilities)
About Protocol Education
Protocol Education, part of the Supporting Education Group, partners with secondary schools and SEND provisions across Sunderland and the wider Tyne and Wear area. We provide high-quality support staff, industry-leading training and clear development pathways for graduates beginning their career in education.
Graduate Teaching Assistant Role
We are seeking Graduate Teaching Assistants to work in local secondary schools and specialist SEND settings. This role is ideal for graduates considering a future in teaching, psychology, social care, youth work or any profession involving education and support.
No previous classroom experience is required — full training, mentoring and ongoing support are provided.
Key Responsibilities for the Graduate TA
- Support pupils in mainstream secondary and SEND environments during lessons and structured activities.
- Work with pupils on a one-to-one basis or in small groups to help them engage, learn and progress.
- Promote positive behaviour and help pupils regulate emotions, following school policies and guidance.
- Support teachers with lesson preparation, classroom organisation and learning resources.
- Contribute to a supportive, inclusive and safe learning environment.
Requirements for the Graduate TA
- A genuine interest in working in education, particularly supporting pupils with additional needs.
- Good communication skills and a patient, empathetic approach.
- Willingness to undertake all required training, including safeguarding and an enhanced DBS check.
- Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, support staff and school leadership teams.
What Protocol Education Offers
- Weekly pay through PAYE – no umbrella company or hidden fees.
- Free specialist training, including SEND strategies, behaviour support and child safeguarding.
- Flexible placements across Sunderland secondary schools and SEND provisions.
- A dedicated consultant offering ongoing support, career guidance and progression opportunities.
How to Apply for the Graduate TA
If you’re a graduate looking to begin a rewarding career in education, apply now through Indeed to join Protocol Education as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in Sunderland’s secondary and SEND schools.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.