Graduate Aspiring Education Psychologist

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

Benefits offered by this job

CPD and career development

Training in restorative practice

Mentoring and professional growth

Job summary

Pertemps Education Network is recruiting for a Pastoral & Learning Support Assistant role at a small specialist school in Horley. The role supports students with SEMH needs, promoting restorative, trauma-informed approaches and helping pupils stay engaged in learning.

The successful graduate will gain valuable hands-on experience in educational psychology pathways, with full training and CPD offered and a clear progression into psychology or related therapy careers.

Qualifications

• Graduates in psychology or criminology are welcomed to gain SEN/SEMH experience.
• No prior experience required – full training and CPD provided.
• Role focuses on building relationships and supporting SEMH needs.

Responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with students at risk of exclusion.
• Support social, emotional and mental health development.
• Encourage engagement, confidence and resilience in learning.
• Work with teachers and therapists on SEMH-focused interventions.
• Provide emotional safety for students with trauma experiences.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Motivated and eager to learn

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

• 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