Schools Youth Learning Mentor

ACT Ltd; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational training provider in Cardiff is seeking an individual passionate about supporting vulnerable students aged 11-14 with challenging behaviours. The role involves delivering high-quality teaching in a supportive environment and managing small groups to facilitate learning. Candidates should possess at least 3 GCSEs, have experience with disengaged learners, and be willing to work towards teaching qualifications. Benefits include generous holidays, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous holiday package

Flexible and hybrid working

Annual salary increases

Professional development opportunities

Staff counselling sessions

Wellbeing initiatives

Life assurance and pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in working with disengaged learners and managing challenging behaviours.
• Willingness to pursue a teaching qualification as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of high-quality teaching and assessment.
• Work with small groups of students with behavioural support needs.
• Promote a positive learning environment.

Skills

Experience of working with challenging learners

Effective communication with learners and stakeholders

Education

Minimum of 3 GCSEs or equivalent

Youth Work or Teaching Assistant qualification

Job description

If you would like to work for an organisation that demonstrates outstanding commitment to staff engagement, has gained a place on the Times Best 100 Companies to work for in the UK for the last eight consecutive years and that holds Investors in People Platinum accreditation we would love to hear from you!

About the role

ACT Schools is a registered independent school that admits students aged 11‑16 with special educational needs, primarily focused on social, emotional, and behavioural difficulties. We are passionate about ensuring all young people are equipped with the skills they need to become successful adults and pride ourselves on delivering the best possible teaching and support to our learners.

Responsibilities

As a member of the team at the Cardiff School site, you will support the delivery of high‑quality teaching, learning and assessment in line with ESTYN requirements. You will work with small group sizes of approximately 7 students aged 11‑14 who have been referred for behavioural support, may be at risk of being excluded from mainstream education, are school phobic or considered vulnerable. You will assist in managing challenging behaviours, promote a positive learning environment and support the Inclusion Lead Officer in all duties.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience of working with challenging, disengaged learners
• Minimum of 3 GCSEs or equivalent
• Youth Work or Teaching Assistant/Teaching qualification, or willingness to work towards one as a condition of employment
• Ability to communicate effectively with learners, colleagues, managers, parents and stakeholders by telephone, in person and in writing
• Commitment to displaying ACT values

Benefits

• Generous holiday package (up to 45 days per year)
• Flexible and hybrid working (where applicable)
• Annual salary increases and bi‑annual performance reviews
• Professional development opportunities and E‑learning platform
• Staff counselling sessions and Mental Health First Aider support
• Wellbeing initiatives, volunteering days and team building days
• Staff council, recognition awards and celebration days
• Life assurance, contributory pension scheme and healthcare cash plan

Why work for ACT?

As Wales’s largest training provider, ACT cultivates a supportive, family‑like culture where every team member is valued. We invest in our employees through comprehensive professional development and recognise their contributions with a range of rewards and well‑being programmes.

Values

• Being positive and having a ‘can‑do’ attitude
• Taking pride and responsibility in exceeding expectations
• Helping learners raise and realise their aspirations
• Providing professional, safe and friendly services
• Showing respect for individuals

Diversity statement

ACT is dedicated to fair and safe recruitment practices, ensuring equality for all applicants and staff. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability or age. We consider reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process and our information is used only for equality‑monitoring purposes.

Application process

The advert will close 02nd January 2026. The application process is:

• Submit your application online; you will be notified via email of the next steps.
• A two‑stage interview (face‑to‑face).
• Successful candidates after the first interview will be invited to a second interview with the hiring managers and will complete a work‑based task or micro‑teach depending on the role.

Safeguarding

All employees must uphold safeguarding commitments and the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.