Graduate Academic Coach – Pastoral

Stepintoteaching; Guildford; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Step Into Teaching is seeking a Graduate Academic Coach (Pastoral Mentor) in the Guildford area to gain school-based experience. You will work in a secondary school to support academic progress and emotional wellbeing, alongside pastoral and teaching staff.

The role is ideal for graduates aiming for teaching, educational psychology, counselling or youth work, offering hands-on support and development within an inclusive school culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (2:2 or above) required.
• Experience working with children or young people is desirable.
• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and student wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Support teachers in promoting development and wellbeing of students.
• Deliver one‑to‑one and small‑group academic interventions.
• Support students with personal needs including social, emotional, and behavioural development.
• Promote inclusive learning and build positive relationships with students.
• Collaborate with teaching, pastoral and safeguarding teams to coordinate support.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Resilience

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree (2:2 or above)

Job description

Are you a compassionate graduate looking to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people? Step Into Teaching is offering an exciting opportunity to gain valuable school-based experience as a Graduate Academic Coach (Pastoral Mentor) in a welcoming secondary school in the Guildford area.

This role is ideal for graduates considering a future in teaching, educational psychology, counselling, social work or youth support. It provides hands‑on experience supporting students' academic progress, emotional wellbeing and personal development, while working alongside experienced pastoral and teaching staff.

Step Into Teaching has partnered with a supportive secondary school in Guildford that is seeking a dedicated Pastoral Mentor to join their team this academic year. You will play a key role in helping students overcome barriers to learning and reach their full potential in a positive and inclusive school environment.

The school has a strong commitment to staff development and wellbeing, providing a collaborative and supportive culture where both students and staff are encouraged to thrive.

The Pastoral Mentor will:

• Support teachers in promoting the development, wellbeing and education of students.
• Deliver one‑to‑one and small‑group academic interventions, both independently and alongside teaching staff, to help students make progress.
• Support students with personal needs where appropriate, including contributing to their social, emotional and behavioural development.
• Encourage inclusive learning by helping all students access classroom activities, promoting independence, confidence and positive peer interactions.
• Build positive relationships with students, acting as a trusted adult and role model throughout the school day.
• Work collaboratively with teaching, pastoral and safeguarding teams to ensure students receive the support they need.

The Pastoral Mentor must:

• Hold a degree (2:2 or above).
• Have a genuine passion for supporting young people.
• Have some relevant experience working with children or young people (e.g. education, youth work, mentoring, coaching or care).
• Be patient, empathetic and resilient.
• Be an excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
• Be committed to inclusion, safeguarding and student wellbeing.
• Be able to work effectively as part of a team.

Step Into Teaching is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and the successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure and Barring Service check.