Student Support Coach

PeoplePlus UK; Bedford; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

PeoplePlus UK are looking for a proactive and compassionate Student Support Coach to join our Prison Education team. You will be the first point of contact for learners, delivering induction, assessment, and ongoing pastoral support to help them access education and stay engaged.

This fixed-term contract for 18 months requires building relationships, supporting learners with barriers, and guiding them to learning pathways including Open University options, while coordinating with tutors and

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration or equivalent.
• Level 3 qualification in supporting individuals with learning disabilities or equivalent.
• Information, Advice and Guidance qualification.
• Experience safeguarding, equality and data protection.
• Experience in prison or secure environments.
• Strong IT and data management skills.
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to motivate and engage learners with barriers.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a warm and professional welcome to learners entering education.
• Lead screening and assessment during induction.
• Gather learner history and assess starting points.
• Deliver engaging induction sessions to maximise participation.
• Provide ongoing pastoral support to improve retention.
• Build relationships to understand goals and barriers.
• Support learners at risk of disengagement and track interventions.
• Use trauma-informed approaches to support learners effectively.
• Offer advice and guidance on available courses and learning pathways.
• Promote education opportunities, including Open University and distance learning.
• Support applications and liaise with tutors and external organisations.
• Ensure learners are enrolled on courses aligned to their sentence plans.
• Maintain accurate learner records and data across prison systems.
• Coordinate with internal teams and partner agencies.
• Contribute to achieving contract KPIs and standards.

Skills

Induction skills

Pastoral support

Trauma-informed approaches

Relationship building

Communication skills

Teamwork

Data management

Motivation & engagement

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration

Level 3 qualification in supporting individuals with learning disabilities

Information, Advice and Guidance qualification

Tools

MS Office

Data systems

Job description

Were looking for a proactive and compassionate Student Support Coach to join our Prison Education team. This is a key front-facing role where youll support learners from their very first interaction with education, helping them access opportunities, overcome barriers, and stay engaged in learning.

As the first point of contact for learners, youll play a vital role in shaping positive first impressions, supporting induction, and ensuring every learner is set up for success.

Please note this is a fixed term contract for 18 months.

What youll be doing

Induction & Assessment

• Deliver a warm and professional welcome to learners entering education
• Lead screening and assessment processes during induction
• Gather learner history and assess starting points
• Deliver engaging induction sessions to maximise participation and engagement

Learner Engagement & Support

• Provide ongoing pastoral support to improve learner retention and achievement
• Build relationships with learners to understand goals and barriers
• Support learners at risk of disengagement and track interventions
• Use trauma-informed approaches to support learners effectively

Progression & Guidance

• Offer advice and guidance on available courses and learning pathways
• Promote education opportunities, including Open University and distance learning
• Support applications and liaise with tutors and external organisations
• Ensure learners are enrolled on courses aligned to their sentence plans

Administration & Operations

• Maintain accurate learner records and data across prison systems
• Support enrolment, registers, exams, and invigilation processes
• Coordinate with internal teams and partner agencies
• Help maintain systems for the smooth running of the education centre

Teamwork & Flexibility

• Work collaboratively with tutors, support staff, and prison teams
• Support peer mentors and learner development activities
• Provide cover across the team, including admin and induction duties where required
• Contribute to achieving contract KPIs and standards

What were looking for

• NVQ Level 2 in Business Administration (or equivalent)
• Level 3 qualification in supporting individuals with learning disabilities (or equivalent)
• Strong IT skills and ability to manage and analyse data
• Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to motivate and engage learners, particularly those with barriers to education
• Experience in administration and working with individuals with additional needs or trauma
• High attention to detail and ability to manage records accurately
• Understanding of safeguarding, equality, and data protection
• Information, Advice and Guidance qualification
• Experience in prison or secure environments
• Experience of exam invigilation and multi-agency working
• Knowledge of OFSTED EIF
• Play a crucial role in supporting learner engagement and achievement
• Be part of a collaborative, supportive education team
• Develop experience in prison education and learner support
• Access ongoing training and development opportunities

Our values

Were looking for people who demonstrate:

• Customer First supporting learners to improve their lives
• True North acting with integrity
• Own It taking accountability
• Improve to be the best striving for excellence