Student Support Mentor

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance - and we're putting wellbeing first.

That's why we're proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW - and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it's already in place or just around the corner, now's the perfect time to join .

Job Title: Student Support Mentor

Location: The Grange Therapeutic School, Knossington, Oakham LE15 8LY

Salary: £20,906.25 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week Monday-Thursday 8.30am - 4.30pm Friday 8.30am - 4.00pm

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Start Date: November 2025

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our continued growth, We're looking for a caring, motivated, and resilient Student Support Mentor to join our close-knit team at The Grange Therapeutic School, part of Acorn Education.

About the Role

Our Student Support Mentors play a vital role in helping pupils reach their full potential - both academically and socially. This is not just a classroom support role; it's an opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of children and young people by guiding them through challenges and celebrating their successes.

You will work closely with teaching staff and therapists, supporting pupils inside and outside the classroom, leading activities, and helping to create a nurturing, structured environment where every student feels valued and understood.

Key Responsibilities

• Support pupils' learning and development across a range of subjects and activities
• Provide 1:1 and small group interventions as required
• Lead or assist in outdoor learning experiences, trips, and enrichment activities
• Help maintain a positive and inclusive school environment where pupils feel safe and supported
• Work closely with teachers, therapists, and pastoral staff to meet the needs of each pupil
• Respond to emotional and behavioural needs with empathy, consistency, and professionalism
• Support pupils with their personal, social, and emotional development

What We're Looking For

We welcome candidates who are:

• Adaptable and proactive, able to work in a variety of roles and settings throughout the school day
• Compassionate and resilient, with a calm, child-centred approach
• Positive role models, committed to supporting vulnerable children
• Team players who are confident working both independently and collaboratively

Essential:

• Minimum of GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Maths (or equivalent)
• Experience working with children or young people (in education, care, or youth work settings)

Desirable:

• Experience working in a therapeutic, SEN, or alternative provision setting
• An interest in outdoor learning or experiential education

About Us

The Grange Therapeutic School is an independent school for students aged 8 -18 years with social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Our school is based in a Victorian country house near Oakham with stunning views and fantastic facilities to develop not only the educational, but also the social and emotional needs of our pupils. With access to woods and lakes on site, the school has an ethos about delivering a personalised curriculum tailored to, and driven by, the individuals. Behaviour is currently rated as "Outstanding" by Ofsted.

We need hardworking, pupil centred staff who are resilient and willing to go the extra mile. In return we offer significant investment in your professional development, a supportive staff group and opportunities for progression.

Acorn Education is the UK's leading independent provider of specialist education. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education?

We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you'll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you'll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that's right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100's of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

You'll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.