Aspiring Psychologist

Academics; Croydon; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on experience

SEN exposure

Future psychology training

Ongoing training

Job summary

Academics in Croydon is seeking an Aspiring Psychologist to join a specialist SEN school as a Teaching Assistant. The role offers hands-on experience supporting children with ASD, ADHD, SEMH and other needs, with 1:1 and small group support.

Ideal for those planning a career in psychology, educational psychology, or mental health, with both full-time and part-time options, term-time only and a temp-to-perm path starting September 2026.

Qualifications

• Aspiring Psychologist with an interest in child development.
• Patient, empathetic and resilient.
• Experience in a school, care or youth setting is desirable.
• Able to commit to a full-time role in Croydon.

Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 support for pupils with additional needs
• Supporting small groups with learning and engagement
• Assisting teachers with lesson delivery and classroom management
• Helping pupils with emotional regulation and behaviour support
• Monitoring and recording pupil progress
• Supporting pupils during transitions and unstructured times

Job description

Are you an Aspiring Psychologist looking to gain hands-on experience supporting children with additional needs? Do you want to build valuable experience before progressing into psychology, therapy, or mental health training?

Role: Aspiring Psychologist - SEN Teaching Assistant

Pay: £95 - £105 per day

Contract: Full-time/Part time | Monday - Friday | Term Time Only

Length: Temp to Perm - Remainder of Academic Year

Start Date: September 2026

Location: Croydon

We are recruiting a dedicated Aspiring Psychologist to work as a SEN Teaching Assistant in a specialist Special School based in Croydon.

This role is ideal for someone considering a future career in psychology, educational psychology, mental health support, or therapy. You will gain practical experience supporting children with complex additional needs in a structured and supportive environment.

The school supports pupils with conditions such as ASD, ADHD and SEMH needs. You will work closely with experienced teachers, SEN professionals and external specialists while developing key skills relevant to psychology and child development in Croydon.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing 1:1 support for pupils with additional needs
• Supporting small groups with learning and engagement
• Assisting teachers with lesson delivery and classroom management
• Helping pupils with emotional regulation and behaviour support
• Monitoring and recording pupil progress
• Supporting pupils during transitions and unstructured times

Ideal Candidate

• Aspiring Psychologist, undergrad or recent graduate interested in psychology
• Passionate about child development and supporting pupils with SEN
• Patient, empathetic and resilient
• Experience in a school, care, support or youth setting (desirable)
• Able to commit to a full-time role in Croydon

What's in it for you

• Hands-on experience in a Special School setting
• Exposure to SEN, behaviour support and specialist interventions
• Excellent experience for future psychology or mental health training
• Supportive school environment with ongoing training opportunities

This is a fantastic opportunity to build meaningful experience supporting children while preparing for a future career in psychology or mental health.

Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy