Job Description

Location: Blackpool, Lancashire

Salary: 24,500 - 25,500 FTE (Full-Time Equivalent, depending on experience)

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary to Permanent

Start Date: September 2026

Qualifications Required: None - full training and immediate team support provided.

We are looking for a reliable, practical, and resilient Teaching Assistant / Mentor to join our Alternative Provision (AP) network in Blackpool. Working as part of a dedicated three-person team (You, an Instructor/Teacher, and one student), you will play a vital role in keeping a vulnerable young person engaged, safe, and learning.

This role is ideal for ex-military personnel, veterans, or outdoor enthusiasts who excel in team environments and want a hands-on role without the pressure of leading the classroom solo. You do not need prior school experience-your life experience, discipline, and calm demeanour are what matter most.

You won't be managing a large classroom or working in isolation. You will be explicitly paired with an Instructor/Teacher to support one specific secondary-aged student. Together, you will form a tight-knit team, guiding the pupil through a split schedule of classroom learning and active outdoor activities across Blackpool.

• Team-Based 1:1 Support: Work alongside the lead Instructor to help the student focus, manage their tasks, and stay on track with their learning.

• Active & Outdoor Engagement: Assist with outdoor education sessions, sports, and practical projects-keeping the student safe and motivated outside the traditional classroom.

• Building Routine: Use your military background to help the student develop structure, accountability, and life skills.

• De-escalation & Wellbeing: Act as a grounding, supportive presence, using a firm-but-fair approach to help the student manage challenging emotions and behaviours.

• Armed Forces / Services Background: Highly valued for your adaptability, punctuality, and ability to work seamlessly in a small team.

• An Active Mindset: Someone who loves being outdoors and is happy to get stuck into practical, hands-on activities rather than sitting at a desk.

• Strong Team Players: Excellent communication skills to coordinate effectively with the lead Instructor.

• Resilience & Empathy: A calm, level-headed individual who doesn't take challenging behavior personally and can be a steady mentor.

• Competitive Salary: 24,500 - 25,500 FTE.

• Temp-to-Perm Pathway: A direct, stable route into a permanent, rewarding career in education.

• Full Training & Safety: Comprehensive safeguarding, trauma-informed behaviour management, and de-escalation training provided.

• True Collaboration: You are never left on your own; you always have the lead teacher by your side.

If you want to use your background to be the anchor a young person needs to succeed, we want to hear from you.

Click 'Apply Now' to submit your CV, or contact our Blackpool & Lancashire Education Team today for a confidential discussion regarding this September 2026 start.