Graduate Aspiring Education Psychologist

Pertemps Education Network; Fernhill; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on experience

CPD and mentoring

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Pertemps Education Network is seeking a motivated Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant in Horley to support SEMH pupils at a small specialist school. The role is term-time only, with pay of £88-£115 per day and start date ASAP.

Ideal for Psychology or Criminology graduates looking to gain hands-on experience in restorative, trauma-informed practice and to develop skills for careers in Educational or Clinical Psychology. Full training provided.

Qualifications

• Graduate in Psychology or Criminology with an interest in SEMH.
• Willing to undertake training and CPD to support learners.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with students who are disengaged or at risk of exclusion
• Support social, emotional, and mental health development
• Encourage engagement, confidence, and resilience in learning
• Work alongside teachers to deliver SEMH-focused interventions
• Provide emotional safety for students with trauma or adverse experiences
• Demonstrate empathy and restorative approaches in behaviour support

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Empathy

Resilience

Education

Psychology or Criminology degree

Job description

Location: Horley

Contract: Full-time, term-time only

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:00pm

Start Date: ASAP

Pay: £88-£115 per day

Are you a Psychology or Criminology graduate looking to gain meaningful, hands-on experience supporting young people with SEN / SEMH needs?

Do you have a genuine interest in mental health, emotional wellbeing, and trauma-informed practice, and are considering a future career in Educational or Clinical Psychology?

About the School

A small specialist school in Horley is seeking a motivated Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant / Aspiring Educational Psychologist to join their dedicated SEMH team.

The school supports pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and associated challenging behaviours. Many students may be disengaged from education or at risk of exclusion, so building trust, consistency, and positive relationships is at the heart of the role.

This is an excellent opportunity for Psychology or Criminology graduates to gain first-hand experience in a restorative, trauma-informed environment, and develop key skills relevant to careers in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or therapeutic practice.

Your Role

As an Aspiring Educational Psychologist / Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant, you will:

• Build positive, trusting relationships with students who are disengaged or at risk of exclusion
• Support social, emotional, and mental health development
• Encourage engagement, confidence, and resilience in learning
• Work alongside teachers and therapists to deliver SEMH-focused interventions
• Provide consistency and emotional safety for students with trauma or adverse childhood experiences
• Model empathy, restorative approaches, and positive behaviour supportThis role offers valuable exposure to SEMH practice, therapeutic approaches, and intervention strategies, providing strong preparation for further training in psychology or education-based careers.

Person Specification

• Passionate about supporting young people with SEMH needs
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Calm, empathetic, resilient, and able to remain composed in challenging situations
• Motivated, professional, and eager to learn
• No prior experience required - full training and CPD provided

What We Offer

• Real, hands-on experience supporting vulnerable and disengaged learners
• Training in restorative practice and trauma-informed approaches
• CPD, mentoring, and career development opportunities
• Clear progression pathways into psychology, therapy, or SEN-focused roles
• A supportive, close-knit school environment where you can make a real impact

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK