Learning Support Assistant
-
School:
Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust -
Location:
County Durham -
Salary:
Grade E SCP 8-11 (£26,823 - £28,141 per annum, pro rata) -
Hours:
37 hours per week, Term Time Only Plus 5 Days 8.15am - 4.15pm (3.45pm on Fridays) -
Contractual Status:
Permanent -
Closing Date:
31st May 2026
Location: St Leonard’s Catholic School, North End, County Durham, DH1 4NG
Grade: Grade E SCP 8-11 (£26,823 – £28,141 per annum, pro rata)
Hours: 37 hours per week, Permanent, Term Time Only Plus 5 Days
8.15am – 4.15pm (3.45pm on Fridays)
St Leonard’s Catholic School is a thriving, oversubscribed secondary school with a vibrant sixth form, located in the historic cathedral city of Durham. We are proud to have been graded ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by Ofsted (October 2024), with inspectors praising our culture of care and achievement where every pupil is known and loved. They highlighted our expertly designed curriculum, exceptional teaching, and strong personal development programme that builds character and resilience. Pupils achieve exceptionally well and value the high-quality education they receive.
Our Catholic Schools Inspection (2025), commended St Leonard’s as a community where faith and learning flourish together, describing our mission as “lived and visible in every aspect of school life.” Inspectors noted the strength of our pastoral care, the commitment of staff to pupils’ spiritual and moral development, and the inclusive, supportive environment that makes our school a joy to be part of.
Our newly opened school, delivered through the national School Rebuilding Programme, offers cutting-edge facilities while looking ahead to the restoration and opening of our Victorian house in 2027, which will sit at the heart of our site and add lasting character.
As one of the highest-achieving schools in the North East—with almost 50% of GCSE grades at 9–7 and excellent A Level outcomes (Overall Grade B)—we have a strong track record for Oxbridge and Russell Group university applications.
We are proud to be part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, the largest Catholic education trust in the North East, offering exceptional opportunities for collaboration, professional development, and career progression across 48 schools.
Why work with us?
- Outstanding behaviour and a calm, respectful learning environment.
- A supportive, faith-driven community where staff are valued and developed.
- High-quality professional development opportunities through the school and Trust.
- A school culture that prioritises wellbeing, collaboration, and excellence.
- Exciting future with state-of-the-art facilities opened in Spring 2026.
The successful candidate will have:
- Experience of working with young people
- An understanding of the needs of pupils in particular those with SEND
- The ability to work within a team
- The ability to work with pupils on individual targets set by a member of staff
- Good written and spoken communication skills
For an application form and further details about this vacancy please visit our website http://bwcet.com/vacancies/ where applications can be completed online.
Closing date: Sunday 31st May 2026
Interview date: TBC
The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust
At Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, our mission is clear: enabling all to flourish. Inspired by our Catholic faith and values, we are dedicated to nurturing the whole child – spiritually, academically, and personally – so that every young person is given the opportunity to thrive.
We are proud to be a family of 48 schools working in partnership with our Diocese, directors, governors and school leaders. Together, we are committed to preserving and protecting Catholic education, ensuring its strength, sustainability, and accessibility for generations to come.
Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust supports and partners with five secondary schools, one middle school, one first school and forty-one primary schools in the west of our Diocese. Our designated schools are located in four different Local Authorities: Northumberland, Gateshead, Sunderland and Durham.
