Location: Bristol (Various Schools across the Trust)
Placement Window: 8 June 2026 – 1 July 2026
Status: Voluntary & Unpaid
Application Deadline: 20 February 2026
The Opportunity
Our summer volunteer programme offers a unique opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to the classroom environment within a local Bristol primary or secondary school.
This placement is specifically designed for university students (from any degree background) who are considering a future career in education and would like to gain valuable experience in the classroom. It offers an ideal way to gain practical awareness of our school communities, build your professional network, and give back to the Bristol community.
Please see the attached Placement Information Pack for more information.
Important Information: Voluntary Status
Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid placement focused on personal development and classroom observation. As a volunteer-led programme, there is no mutuality of obligation; we offer a flexible approach to attendance to ensure the placement fits around your studies and other commitments. While we are unable to offer a salary or travel expenses, we are committed to providing you with high-quality training and mentorship. If you are seeking paid employment, please visit the vacancies section of the TiLA website for current staff opportunities.
How You’ll Grow
Our Trust is dedicated to nurturing local talent. During this placement, you will:
- Gain Professional Insight: Observe and support experienced teachers in a real-world Bristol school setting.
- Develop Skills: Build confidence by participating in school activities and projects, helping you navigate professional challenges.
- Tailored Experience: Depending on your interests, you can choose to support pupils in areas such as Sports, Drama, Music, STEM, Languages and more.
- Certified Training: Attend a two-day induction to gain training in Safeguarding and Health & Safety, with certificates to add to your CV.
- Career Stepping Stone: Gain invaluable experience and references to support future applications for a PGCE, Teaching Assistant roles, or other professional pathways.
Trust in Learning (Academies) is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance. Our policy and practice is in line with the Department for Education’s ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ most recent Guidance. We ensure that all appropriate measures are applied in relation to everyone who works for the Trust who is likely to be perceived by the children as a safe and trustworthy adult. Safer recruitment practice includes scrutinising applicants, online checks, verifying identity and academic or vocational qualifications, obtaining professional and character references, checking previous employment history and ensuring that a candidate has the health and physical capacity for the job.