Create an Interview-Winning Graduate Learning Support Assistant CV Template Example
The role of a Graduate Learning Support Assistant (LSA) is more vital than ever in today’s educational environment. Learning Support Assistants provide essential support to teachers and students, helping to create an inclusive learning environment where every child can succeed. The job typically involves assisting students with special educational needs, supporting classroom activities, and working one-on-one with pupils to ensure they reach their full potential. The average starting salary for a Graduate LSA in the UK ranges between £18,000 and £22,000, with opportunities to progress into senior roles or specialise in areas such as behaviour support, SEND, or educational psychology support. Crafting a CV that highlights your skills, enthusiasm, and relevant experience is crucial to landing that interview.
Understanding the Graduate Learning Support Assistant Role
Before you start writing your CV, it’s essential to fully understand the role. A Graduate LSA works closely with classroom teachers to support pupils in both academic and social development. Responsibilities typically include:
Supporting children with additional learning needs or disabilities
Assisting with lesson planning and classroom organisation
Implementing individual education plans (IEPs)
Observing and recording student progress
Supporting inclusive teaching practices
Employers are looking for candidates who are patient, adaptable, and capable of building strong relationships with both pupils and staff. Highlighting these qualities in your CV can make you stand out from the competition.
Structuring Your Graduate Learning Support Assistant CV
A well-structured CV is your first step to securing an interview. The most effective CVs are concise, targeted, and easy to read. For a Graduate LSA, consider the following structure:
Personal Statement
Your personal statement should immediately capture attention. Write 3–4 lines highlighting your passion for education, experience with children, and key strengths. Use an optimistic and confident tone. Example: “Enthusiastic Graduate Learning Support Assistant with a passion for creating inclusive learning environments. Skilled in supporting children with diverse needs, fostering engagement, and promoting academic success.”
Key Skills
Include both soft and hard skills. Examples include:
Classroom management and organisation
Behavioural support strategies
Communication and teamwork
Lesson planning support
Knowledge of SEND policies
Patience, empathy, and adaptability
Professional Experience
Even if you are a recent graduate, include any work placements, volunteering, or tutoring roles. Use bullet points and start with strong action verbs:
Supported students with learning difficulties, improving literacy and numeracy outcomes
Assisted in the implementation of Individual Education Plans for pupils with SEND
Collaborated with teachers to plan and deliver engaging classroom activities
Education
Include your degree, institution, and graduation date. If you have any relevant certifications, such as Level 2 or 3 Teaching Assistant qualifications, include these too.
Additional Information
Mention any voluntary work, extracurricular activities, or additional training relevant to education. This can demonstrate commitment and passion.
Creating a Graduate CV That Wins Interviews
To stand out as a Graduate LSA, your CV should do more than list qualifications. Show impact. Use measurable achievements wherever possible: “Increased engagement of pupils with behavioural challenges by 20% through tailored support activities.” Avoid generic statements like “helped children learn.”
Tips for Graduates
Highlight transferable skills gained during university, such as teamwork, research, and communication
Include any volunteering with schools or youth programmes
Demonstrate enthusiasm for child development and education
Keep your CV clear, concise, and focused on relevant experience
Advice for Middle and Senior Management Applicants
If you are targeting a more senior LSA or SENCO support role, emphasise leadership, mentoring, and project management experience:
Experience in coordinating support strategies for multiple classes
Leading training sessions for junior support staff
Tracking student progress and reporting to senior staff
Developing inclusive teaching initiatives
CV Do’s and Don’ts for Learning Support Assistants
Do:
Tailor your CV for each application
Use professional, clear formatting
Include measurable outcomes and achievements
Keep sentences concise and action-oriented
Proofread carefully for spelling and grammar
Don’t:
Use vague statements like “good with children” without evidence
Include unrelated work experience unless transferable
Overcrowd your CV with unnecessary details
Lie or exaggerate your experience
Forget to include contact information and LinkedIn profile
Conclusion
Creating a Graduate Learning Support Assistant CV that truly stands out takes careful planning and attention to detail. Focus on demonstrating your passion for education, relevant skills, and measurable achievements. Remember, your CV is your personal marketing document—it should reflect your strengths and make it impossible for an employer to overlook you.
For personalised guidance, and to take your CV and LinkedIn profile to the next level, book an appointment with me today: https://www.cvlondon.net/book-an-appointment/
