Job Description:

Sports Graduate / Teaching Assistant – Manchester

Location: Manchester
Salary: £95–£115 per day, dependent on experience
Contract: Full-time, long-term
Start Date: September 2026

Sports Graduates – Start Your Career in Education!

Are you a Sports Graduate looking to turn your passion for sport into a rewarding career working with children and young people?

Engage Education are currently recruiting Sports Graduates to work as Teaching Assistants across a range of schools in Manchester.

This is a fantastic opportunity for graduates with a sporting background who are considering a career in teaching, education, youth work, coaching or pastoral support.

Your sporting background can be a huge asset in the classroom. Schools value graduates who can motivate pupils, build positive relationships, encourage teamwork and provide strong role models.

The Role

As a Sports Graduate Teaching Assistant, you will:

• Support pupils in lessons across the curriculum.
• Work with individuals and small groups to help improve engagement and attainment.
• Use your sporting background to encourage teamwork, resilience, discipline and confidence.
• Support pupils with additional needs, including SEN, SEMH, autism and behavioural needs.
• Assist teachers with classroom activities and learning.
• Provide mentoring and pastoral support to pupils.
• Help promote positive behaviour and encourage pupils to reach their potential.
• Build strong and positive relationships with children and young people.
• Where appropriate, support PE lessons and extracurricular sporting activities.

Who We're Looking For

We're particularly interested in candidates who:

• Have a degree in Sport, Sports Science, PE, Coaching or a related subject.
• Have experience working with children or young people through coaching, volunteering, mentoring or youth work.
• Are passionate about helping young people succeed.
• Are confident, energetic and enthusiastic.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can build positive relationships with pupils.
• Are patient, resilient and adaptable.
• Are considering a career in teaching, educational psychology, youth work or pastoral support.

You don't necessarily need previous classroom experience. Your experience as a sports coach, athlete, mentor or youth worker can provide excellent transferable skills.

Why Work With Engage Education?

At Engage Education, we work with schools across Manchester and can help you gain valuable classroom experience while developing your education career.

As an Engage Sports Graduate Teaching Assistant, you can expect:

• Competitive daily rates of £95–£115.
• Full-time and long-term opportunities.
• A dedicated consultant supporting you throughout your placement.
• Opportunities to gain valuable school-based experience.
• Access to free CPD and training.
• Opportunities to work in mainstream and specialist SEND settings.
• Potential routes into teacher training and permanent education roles.
• PAYE employment.
• Ongoing career support.

Perfect for Graduates Considering Teaching

If you've recently graduated and are thinking:

“Could teaching be for me?”

This could be the perfect opportunity to get your foot in the door.

Gain hands-on classroom experience, develop your behaviour management and communication skills, and see what it's really like working in education — while getting paid.

Apply Today

If you're a Sports Graduate, Sports Coach or PE Graduate looking for your next opportunity in Manchester, apply today with Engage Education.

We'll help you find a role that matches your experience, interests and career ambitions.

Engage Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check where required.