Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Studio 5

The Mercian Trust, About this Role Job Title: Higher Level Teaching Assistant - Studio 5 Location: Walsall Walsall Studio School & Sixth is a deliberately small, forward-thinking school for young people aged 14–19 who are passionate about creative pathways in performance, music, and media. We offer a unique learning environment that mirrors a modern creative workplace, with flexible studio spaces and industry-standard facilities. Traditional schools don't work for everyone, that's why we built something different. Where others teach theory, we give you networks and experience, so that you are ahead of the game professionally. With just 60 places in Year 10 and 11 and 90 in Sixth Form, every student is known, supported and challenged to succeed. Our aim is simple: to provide a curriculum that gets you hired. We work with industry experts to design learning that is real, relevant and future-focussed. Students don't just sit in classrooms – they collaborate, create, problem-solve and present like professionals. Students achieved a phenomenal average grade of Distinction+ in 2025, but we know that life is more than just qualifications. We prepare you for responsibility, leadership and resilience - skills that you will need for life. Everything we do is shaped by our MAGIC values - Motivation, Aspiration, Grit, Independence and Collaboration. We are a place where you can be yourself, push boundaries and become unmissable. Find more information here: Walsall Studio School Want to make a difference to young people? Are you ready to embark on a rewarding journey within an educational community that values increasing opportunities, improving outcomes for our students. We are looking for a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to join our team. Reporting to Assistant Headteacher and SENCO you will undertake: Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Deliver tailored 1:1 and small-group learning interventions.
• Support students to access lessons and develop independence.
• Lead and coordinate the Studio 5 support team.
• Monitor student progress and maintain accurate records.
• Provide pastoral support using trauma-informed approaches.
• Work with staff, parents, carers and external professionals.
• Support EHCP reviews, risk assessments and safeguarding procedures.
• Promote inclusion, attendance and student wellbeing. Pay range: Grade 6 (SCP15-23) Qualifications and Skills:
• HLTA status or equivalent experience.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above.
• Experience supporting students with SEND, SEMH, anxiety or communication needs.
• Knowledge of EHCPs, safeguarding and inclusive practice.
• Strong communication, organisation and team leadership skills.
• Ability to adapt learning and provide calm, trauma-informed support. For full details of the post please see attached Job Description and Person Specification Why The Mercian Trust? As one Trust we share a common purpose. We call it our social mobility and social justice mission to change our communities through the very best equitable education. When we get this right, it enables our children and young people to fulfil their potential, thrive in the world of work, and make a positive contribution to the local, national and international community. Our recent achievements include: Sustainable Growth - becoming one of the largest and most diverse trusts in the region Social Mobility & Social Justice - National recognition for the Trust's two selective grammar schools who the most successful on the number of local disadvantaged students passing the entrance and joining the schools Increasing Opportunities – Opening brand-new purpose-built campus in Walsall Town Centre including an alternative provision for students at risk at permanent exclusion from mainstream schools alongside a Digital Skills Hub to provide professionals and employers Pioneering Spirit – National recognition for pioneering work around youth mental health, including establishing an in-house multi-disciplinary team of clinicians and allied health professionals delivering interventions and providing support to vulnerable students Outward Looking – Organising and hosting the region's first Youth Suicide Conference (2023) and Youth Violence Conference (2024) at Villa Park Innovation and Improvement – A multi-million-pound investment in the digital infrastructure of Trust schools and our Digital Skills Hub underpinning the ongoing transformation of how staff teach, students learn, leaders lead and the whole Trust operates in readiness for the AI-supercharged careers and workplaces of the future. Want to be a part of something extraordinary? What can we offer you: Benefits: Financial, Health and Lifestyle discounts on everyday purchases (Eden Red) a comprehensive free of charge health plan (UK Health Care) a cycle to work scheme via Halfords Access to the Blue Light Card For further benefits including education sector leading CPD: