SEN Learning Mentor

Horbury Academy, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 5HE

16 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  As soon as possible

• Closing date

  20 November 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  4 November 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Pastoral, health and welfare
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time: Term Time Only + 2 INSET days
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: Band E, £20,307 to £21,890 per annum (actual salary)

What skills and experience we're looking for

Horbury Academy is looking to appoint a committed, proactive, and resilient SEN Learning Mentor to join our dedicated support team. This rewarding role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN), providing the tailored support, encouragement and guidance they need to overcome challenges and engage fully in learning.

The successful candidate will deliver a range of targeted interventions to pupils who require additional support to reach their full potential. This includes planning and leading tailored programmes for individuals and small groups, focusing on identified learning needs and ensuring measurable progress in academic achievement, social development, emotional wellbeing, and independence.

The postholder will also provide effective pastoral support, promoting pupils' wellbeing, engagement and inclusion. They will work closely with pupils who have behavioural, emotional, or additional learning needs, helping them to develop confidence, positive relationships, and engage successfully in their learning. Through high-quality support and intervention, the SEN Learning Mentor will contribute to creating a nurturing environment where all pupils feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Contract: Term Time Only + 2 INSET days.

The successful candidate will be:

• Qualified to GCSE Grade C or above in English and Maths (or equivalent)

• NVQ Level 3 Qualified or able to demonstrate a comparable level of relevant experience

• Knowledgeable about the development of numeracy and literacy skills, and the techniques required to support pupils in acquiring them

• Capable of managing a range of tasks efficiently and applying effective organisational skills

• Skilled in establishing effective working relationships with colleagues and external agencies

• Committed to inspiring, engaging, and motivating young people, helping them to overcome barriers to learning, build resilience, and achieve their full potential

What the school offers its staff

This is an exciting opportunity to join a forward-thinking and ambitious organisation driven by a genuine passion for the wellbeing, care, and education of young people.

Place Partnership was formed in September 2026 following the voluntary merger of two strong and successful Trusts in South and West Yorkshire: Maltby Learning Trust, established in 2014, and Accord Multi Academy Trust, founded in 2016. At the heart of Place Partnership is a commitment to building a culture where people feel valued, take pride in their place, and hold high expectations because everyone matters. At Place Partnership, we are dedicated to providing high-quality education, which ensures that every child is given the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

We invest in our people through extensive professional learning and development opportunities, and we recognise that our people are our greatest strength. As such, we offer a comprehensive suite of benefits as part of our commitment to wellbeing and professional growth. Here are a few examples of employee benefits that focus on our employees’ financial, physical and mental wellbeing:

• Membership to either the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or the Local Government Pension Scheme

• Technology scheme via SmartTech*

• Access to an extensive discounts platform via ‘Place Plus’

• Access to an industry-leading employee assistance programme (EAP)

• 24/7 access to an online GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner through corporate paid healthcare cash plans

• Access to health and wellbeing services, with the ability to claim money back for essential healthcare such as prescriptions, optical and dental care through corporate paid healthcare cash plans

• Cycle-to-work scheme*

• Free, on-site parking at every site

• Trained Mental Health First Aiders in all our settings

* restrictions apply

For full details of our employee benefit package, please see our recruitment pack.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Visits are warmly welcomed and can be arranged. For further details regarding this opportunity, an informal discussion regarding the role or to arrange a visit, please do not hesitate to contact hr@placepartnership.com.

Application forms are available from our vacancies website.

Completed application forms to be returned to hr@placepartnership.com

Closing date: 9.00am on Friday, 20 November 2026.

Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 23 November 2026.

Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, Place Partnership reserves the right to interview sooner than the specified dates above. Applicants will be notified of this where possible. Therefore, early applications are encouraged.

Place Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and checks of the relevant barred list/prohibition lists.

Place Partnership is committed to providing a culture of inclusion, respect and equity of opportunity that attracts, supports, and retains high-quality colleagues from all backgrounds and across all job roles.

Candidates will always be shortlisted based on the content of application against the job description and essential criteria without access to the personal details information.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

Recruitment Brochure - SEN Learning Mentor.pdf - 14.4 MB (opens in new tab)

About Horbury Academy

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 11 to 16
• Education phase: Secondary school
• Size: 1070 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 16
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Horbury Academy website
• Email address: hr@placepartnership.com
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/horbury-academy

Horbury Academy is a co‑educational 11–16 school at the heart of the Horbury community, educating almost 1,100 young people. As a proud member of  Place Partnership, we work closely with our partner schools to deliver exceptional teaching, strong pastoral support and a shared commitment to raising aspirations across the Wakefield district and beyond.


Our academy is a lively, forward‑thinking environment where pupils are encouraged to aim high, work hard and discover their potential. Learning sits at the centre of everything we do, supported by a curriculum designed to build deep knowledge, curiosity and confidence. Pupils are extremely valued at Horbury, and all staff are driven to ensure that they achieve during their time in the academy. High classroom standards and expectations underpin this.


Beyond the classroom, students benefit from a rich programme of extracurricular and enrichment opportunities that broaden horizons and nurture personal growth.


We believe every young person has unique strengths, and we are dedicated to helping them flourish. High expectations underpin our culture — from attendance and punctuality to conduct, effort and engagement. By focusing on the small things that matter, we create a calm, purposeful atmosphere where students can thrive academically and personally. Our approach is shaped by the Key Character Virtues: Ambition, Compassion, Courage, Open‑Mindedness, Resilience and Duty.


Horbury Academy is known for its warm, respectful relationships and strong sense of community. Pupils are encouraged to take pride in themselves, their academy and the wider world. Their determination, enthusiasm and willingness to contribute makes the academy a truly unique place.


It is an absolute privilege to lead Horbury Academy and to work alongside our dedicated staff, supportive families and remarkable pupils. I hope our website gives you a clear sense of our values and our vision. If you would like to learn more, we would be delighted to welcome you for a visit.

Arranging a visit to Horbury Academy

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email hr@placepartnership.com.

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