Learning Mentor

Role overview

The Thomas Hardye School Sixth Form is looking for a compassionate, motivating and proactive Learning Mentor to join its team in a busy secondary school setting. The role focuses on supporting sixth form students aged 16 to 19 who are disengaged, demotivated, or facing barriers that make it difficult for them to take part fully in learning. The aim is to help each student build confidence, stay connected to education and reach their potential.

Student and family support

You will deliver high-quality pastoral support to students and their families, working alongside Sixth Form leaders and year teams. The position also involves coordinating with pastoral colleagues, teaching staff and outside specialists such as educational psychologists and social workers.

Safeguarding responsibilities

A key part of the post is contributing to safeguarding as one of the school’s Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads. Training will be provided, and experienced safeguarding leaders will offer support and direction.

What the school is looking for

• Previous experience of supporting students in a school-based pastoral or educational role.
• A solid grasp of child development, learning processes and the different factors that can create barriers to learning.
• Growing awareness of local authority services and national agencies that can provide help for students.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures for children and young people, along with a clear commitment to keeping them safe.
• A genuine commitment to inclusion and diversity.
• A relevant Level 3 qualification as a minimum, or equivalent experience in the sector, plus willingness to complete further training and work towards a qualification.

Working pattern and pay

This is a full-time, term-time role for 39 weeks plus inset days. The grade is 9, with an annual salary of £28,199 rising by increments up to £31,983, subject to pay award approval.

Additional information

The post is based in the UK and the right to work will need to be confirmed during the appointment process. A DBS check will be required in line with safer recruitment guidance.

The role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and applicants should note that the relevant exceptions and filtering rules may apply when declaring convictions or cautions.

The school will carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates as part of its safeguarding checks. These searches are limited to suitability for work with children and are conducted by someone not involved in the appointment panel. Any relevant concerns will be shared if found.

Salary is quoted as the annual figure for the role at the time of advertising. Pay is issued in equal monthly instalments and may be adjusted at the start of employment or if the contract ends part way through the school year to reflect the work completed.

About the school

The Thomas Hardye School is committed to a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from people across all sections of the community. The school also places a strong emphasis on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share that commitment.

Benefits

• Supportive, friendly working culture with supervision and training.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development.
• Generous pension arrangements and employee benefits.
• On-site nursery.
• Discounted membership at a local gym.
• Time off during school holiday periods.

Application information

Questions about the post can be directed to the Head of Sixth Form, Richard Nicholls. Applicants should submit a letter of application together with a completed application form to the Headteacher’s PA, Lauren Pointer, by the stated deadline.