Pupil Support Worker – The Horizon Service

Grade F: £27,814 – £31,688 per annum, actual salary for 37 hours per week, term time £23,802-£27,117 per annum) plus generous sick pay and pension scheme. 

* Successful candidate required to have use of own vehicle

Not your average classroom. Not your average job. But the difference you’ll make? Huge.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people who face barriers to mainstream education? Do you have the resilience, empathy, and commitment to support students with social, emotional, and mental health needs?

Are you looking for a role where every day is different, every challenge is real, and every success – no matter how small – is truly life-changing?

Some students don’t fit into the mainstream – and that’s okay. They need a different kind of school, and we need a different kind of person. Someone who sees beyond the behaviour, who understands that trust takes time, and who knows that sometimes, just getting through the door is a victory.

If you’re the kind of person who celebrates the small wins, stays calm in any situation, and believes in second (and third… and fourth) chances, we want to hear from you.

We’re looking for a dedicated Pupil Support Worker to join The Horizon Service based at The Harbour School to provide online small group teaching for students who are unable to attend their mainstream school for health reasons, alongside in-person emotional literacy sessions. The purpose of the Service (based at The Vista Campus) is to provide a bespoke educational programme that allows students to successfully reintegrate back into a mainstream setting or onto the next relevant phase of their educational journey.

As a Pupil Support Worker, you will:

  • Work closely with the Horizon Phase Leader to support students in small groups, helping them engage with learning and rebuild confidence.
  • Plan, deliver and evaluate learning activities that reflect specific expertise and knowledge regarding pupil’s social, emotional and behavioural development needs.
  • Monitor pupil responses to learning through observation and structured assessment
  • Prepare and design supporting and monitoring materials (eg attendance charts, target charts and visual timetables).
  • Support the Curriculum Plan and learning programmes designed by the teacher.
  • Encourage resilience, emotional regulation, and positive choices, even on the hardest days.
  • Work closely with families, and external professionals to provide the support our students need.
  • Celebrate the small wins – because for some of our students, just showing up is a victory.
  • Help students achieve their individual learning and behaviour targets.
  • Supervise and support targeted students, promoting engagement and positive learning experiences.

We are looking for someone who:

  • Sees the child, not the behaviour and can be a champion for young people with complex needs.
  • Stays steady when emotions run high, is patient, understanding, and skilled at building positive relationships.
  • Is a team player, who understands that progress takes time.
  • Helps students navigate emotions, frustrations, and challenges – showing them that adults can be reliable.
  • Has experience of working with children and has knowledge or experience in SEMH, alternative provision, youth work, or a related field – or just a deep understanding of how tough life can be for some kids.
  • Has 5 GCSE’s with a minimum grade C or above in English and Mathematics, or at least equivalent Level 2 qualifications in Literacy & Numeracy with relevant experience
  • Never gives up. Even on the tough days. Especially on the tough days.

What we offer:

  • A small, supportive school environment where relationships come first.
  • The chance to make a real impact on young people’s confidence, learning, and future choices.
  • A team that supports each other – because this job is tough, but you’ll never be alone.
  • Professional development opportunities because we’re all about helping you grow, both as a person and in your ability to juggle six things at once!
  • A school that celebrates progress, not just results.
  • A rewarding role where no two days are the same and every day makes a difference!

This role is challenging, but if you have the heart, resilience, and commitment, it will be one of the most rewarding jobs you’ll ever do.

If you have the passion and skills to support our students, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please complete our Support Staff Application Form and return it to  [email protected]. See our Horizon – Pupil Support Mentor – Dec 24 job description for further details on the role and our THS Safeguarding-Child-Protection-Policy-2024-2025.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, this role involves directly working with children and significant contact with children, and therefore we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.

If successfully shortlisted the HR Department will also be conducting an individual online search including social media platforms of your ‘name, education and employment’, to demonstrate due diligence following ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance. The search will not form part of the actual shortlisting process and any concerns arising from the search will be discussed directly with you.