Scholar Mentor (Graduate)

Job Purpose: To ensure students on our Academic Scholars Programme in Key Stage Three (ages 11 - 14 and specifically Year 7 – age 11 - 12) perform to their best and fully engage in the scholars’ curriculum alongside suitable individual academic pursuits; To prepare Key Stage Four (Years 10 - 11) to develop scholarly skills when called upon 

Start Date:   September 2022 (some flexibility on start date for the right candidate)

Tenure:  1 Year Fixed-Term Contract 

Working Hours: Term time – 36 weeks of the year 

Full-time or part-time working days and/or hours considered 

If part-time, must be available for some morning sessions starting at 8:20am

This is a new and exciting role within one of the UK’s largest independent schools a founding member of United Learning, the largest multi-academy trust in the country.  

Although not a requisite for the role, it may be particularly suited to, and benefit the career progression of, a recent graduate interested in:

• Potentially entering the education sector, whether that be teaching, educational policy, educational psychology and/or
• Potentially entering a career in psychology, counselling, coaching and/or career guidance; and/or
• Someone wishing to gain valuable and interesting work experience over the year before moving onto further study, training or job role.

Key Responsibilities:

• To work with a Scholar group or groups, particularly in Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14), and guide/ mentor them through the Scholars Programme. 

• To encourage and guide students in personalised learning such as the use of Surbiton High School Super-Curricular Bible. 

• To lead 1:1 or small group mentoring sessions developing skills such as critical thinking and curiosity about a wide range of subjects.

• To lead subject specific activities relevant to your degree background as appropriate.  

• To support the continued development of the academic scholar’s enrichment programme, working with the other members of the scholars network team.

• To work with mentees on advanced technical skills relevant to your background, such as writing skills (for mentors with an arts background) or maths/science skills (for mentors with a science background).

• To promote the right attitude and character needed for successful scholarship experiences with your mentees. 

• To work collaboratively with Heads of Year, Heads of Department, form tutors, educational support staff and teachers to establish innovative and creative ways for academic scholars to develop their academic skills and interests.

• To monitor academic scholars’ progress throughout the academic year, designing and executing effective interventions where necessary.  

• To keep parents up to date with scholars’ academic progress and achievement, under the guidance of your line manager.

• To keep abreast of the wider careers and labour market landscape.

• To undertake such tasks as the Principal may reasonably request.

Possible responsibilities dependent on the candidate:

While the above will be the core of the successful candidate’s role, depending on the skills, experience and interests of the successful candidate, and the needs of the school, there may be opportunities to:

• Assist with sporting activities 

• Assist with our Sixth Form Careers activities  

• Assist with our work with United Learning academies

• Assist in administrative tasks across the school in Departments such as: Marketing, Communications and Admissions; Finance; Administration; etc.

Depending on candidate performance and interest, and school needs, there may be opportunities for the right candidate to stay on with the school after their 1-year contract in a similar role or another suitable role such as Trainee Teacher.  There is, however, no guarantee that this will be possible.

Person Specification

The successful applicants will form part of a scholars’ network team who will continually work together as one group to be advocates of how scholarship provides opportunity.  

The successful candidate will be likely to fit the following profile: 

• An undergraduate degree in any subject 

• A curiosity beyond one’s own degree subject and/or interest in subjects beyond the national curriculum

• Willing to work with small groups of students or one-on-one to challenge thinking with appropriate academic questioning

• Willing to and capable of working with a range of ages, particularly 11-14..  

• Excellent organisational, administrative and ICT skills 

• High levels of personal and professional integrity and the ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality

• Personal warmth to gain the confidence of pupils, staff and parents 

• High standards of personal presence and presentation and attention to detail

• A reflective and flexible approach and the ability to think creatively and imaginatively

• Able to work with others, from pupils to teachers, so as to get their “buy-in” 

• Organised, able to self-direct, work proactively and meet deadlines

• High expectations for pupil attainment, personal development and conduct

• Display a high level of maturity, independence, enthusiasm and communication (written and spoken)

• Committed to professional development and show a willingness to undertake appropriate training for this role