Sports Graduate Teaching Assistant - Secondary & SEN Schools
Location: Manchester
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-time | Short-term & Long-term Opportunities
Agency: Aspire People

Are you a recent Sports graduate looking to start a rewarding career in education? Do you have experience working with children through sports coaching, holiday camps, youth work, or supporting young people with SEND or challenging behaviour?

Aspire People are recruiting enthusiastic and motivated Sports Graduate Teaching Assistants to work across a range of secondary mainstream and SEN schools throughout Manchester from September 2026.

This is an excellent opportunity for graduates who are passionate about using sport to inspire, motivate, and support young people while gaining valuable classroom experience.

The Role
As a Sports Teaching Assistant, you''ll use your enthusiasm, teamwork, and coaching skills to support students both inside and outside the classroom. You''ll play an important role in helping pupils engage with learning, develop confidence, manage their behaviour, and achieve their potential.

Your responsibilities will include:
* Supporting students in lessons on a 1:1 basis and in small groups.
* Working with pupils with SEND, SEMH, and additional learning needs.
* Using sport and physical activity to build positive relationships and encourage engagement.
* Supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the school day.
* Managing and positively responding to challenging behaviour.
* Acting as a mentor and positive role model for young people.
* Helping to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

About You
We''re looking for graduates who are:
* Passionate about sport and supporting young people.
* Positive, resilient, and able to build strong relationships with students.
* Confident working with children who have SEND, SEMH, or challenging behaviour.
* Adaptable, proactive, and committed to making a positive impact every day.

Essential Requirements
* A UK Bachelor''s degree in Sport, Sports Coaching, Sports Science, Physical Education, or a related subject.
* Previous experience working with children through sports coaching, holiday camps, youth work, schools, placements, or employment.
* Experience supporting children with SEND or managing challenging behaviour is highly desirable.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* An Enhanced DBS registered on the Update Service (or willingness to obtain one).
* References covering the last two years.

Why Aspire People?
* Opportunities across a variety of mainstream secondary and specialist SEN schools throughout Manchester.
* Full-time short-term and long-term roles available from September 2026.
* Competitive rates of pay.
* Ongoing support from a dedicated education consultant.
* A fantastic opportunity for graduates considering careers in teaching, educational psychology, youth work, or pastoral support.

If you''re ready to use your passion for sport to inspire and support young people, we''d love to hear from you.

Apply today to join Aspire People and kick-start your career in education this September.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.