Graduate Academic Coach - SEN

Step Into Teaching; Guildford; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Step Into Teaching is working with an outstanding specialist school in Guildford to place graduates into a year-long, school-based role as a Graduate Academic Coach. The role focuses on supporting pupils aged 3–19 with autism and complex needs, both 1:1 and in small groups, to access learning and develop independence.

The ideal candidate holds a degree (2:2 or above) and is patient, emotionally resilient with a genuine interest in SEN.

Qualifications

• Hold a degree (2:2 or above).
• Be patient, supportive and emotionally resilient.
• Have genuine interest in SEN, autism or child development.
• Communicate clearly and build strong relationships with pupils and staff.
• Be reflective, proactive and willing to learn.
• Support classroom activities and prepare learning materials.
• Deliver structured support to individuals or small groups.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils 1:1 and in small groups to access learning.
• Help pupils regulate emotions and develop independence.
• Work within a highly skilled inclusion team to support daily learning.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Clear communication

Relationship building

Reflective practice

Education

Degree (2:2 or above)

Job description

Do you want to gain hands‑on experience supporting children with complex needs before progressing into teaching, educational psychology or another specialist pathway?

Step Into Teaching is here to support you.

Who are Step Into Teaching?

We are a pre‑teacher training programme designed to support graduates in gaining meaningful, long‑term experience in education. We place graduates into year‑long, school‑based roles that provide a strong foundation for careers in teaching, educational psychology, counselling or specialist SEN provision.

This experience allows you to build confidence, develop specialist skills and decide whether education is the right long‑term path for you.

The opportunity

We are working with an outstanding specialist school in Guildford that supports children and young people aged 3-19 with:

• Autism (Communication and Interaction Needs)
  
• Severe and complex learning disabilities

The school is deeply committed to preparing pupils for life beyond education, with high expectations, a strong values‑led culture and a curriculum tailored to individual needs.

Role details:

• Full-time, Monday to Friday
  
• September start (subject to compliance checks)
  
• £500‑£520 per week (term‑time only)
  
• Classroom‑based role
  
• Supporting pupils with ASD, SEN and complex needs
  
• Working as part of a highly skilled inclusion team
  
• Making a tangible difference every day

About the role

As a Graduate Academic Coach, you will support pupils both 1:1 and in small groups, helping them to access learning, regulate emotions and develop independence.

The school uses evidence‑based approaches that reflect how pupils learn best, including structured communication, emotional regulation and independence‑building strategies. You will gain exposure to specialist practices and work alongside experienced staff who are highly invested in training and development.

The ideal graduate will:

• Hold a degree (2:2 or above)
  
• Be patient, supportive and emotionally resilient
  
• Have a genuine interest in SEN, autism or child development
  
• Communicate clearly and build strong relationships with pupils and staff
  
• Be reflective, proactive and willing to learn
  
• Support classroom activities and prepare learning materials
  
• Deliver structured support to individuals or small groups

Why this role?

• Exceptional experience for future teachers, psychologists or therapists
  
• Deep insight into specialist SEN and autism provision
  
• A supportive environment with strong staff development

So are you ready to contribute to shaping the world of tomorrow?