Student Support Mentor
Durham Sixth Form Centre, Durham, County Durham, DH1 1SG14 days remaining to apply
Job start date
1 September 2026
Closing date
3 March 2026 at 9am
Date listed
17 February 2026
Job details
Job role
- Learning support or cover supervisor
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time: 37 hrs/week , Term-time plus 5 days
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- Grade 5, SCP 7 - 12, £23,356.22 - £25,298.01 pro rata (£26,403 - £28,598 whole time equivalent)
What skills and experience we're looking for
We are looking to recruit an exceptional Student Support Mentor (SEN) to join our outstanding sixth form team, part of the Providence Learning Partnership, where unwavering support, care, and guidance for our post-16 learners is at the heart of everything we do.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of our students with additional educational needs, ensuring they receive the individualised encouragement and bespoke interventions required to remove barriers to learning. You will be instrumental in championing our students from their initial transition into Year 12 through to their successful progression into Year 13, ensuring they excel during two of the most critical years of their education.
The successful candidate will be a relationship-builder who can work with autonomy and as part of a wider team to maintain the highest expectations for our students, their families, and the wider community.
What Makes This Role Exciting?
The Student Support Mentor is a key role, focusing on ensuring every student flourishes in an environment that demands high expectations for academic, vocational, and personal excellence, whilst nurturing support and development.
Targeted Academic Support: Delivers 1:1, small group, and in-class assistance.
Liaison & Feedback: Acts as a vital link between subject teachers, parents/carers, and the Student Support Team to provide feedback on progress and coordinate personalised learning strategies.
Holistic Wellbeing & Development: Champions the social and emotional development of students, fostering independence and resilience, while supporting transitions into and beyond the Sixth Form.
Administrative & Resource Management: Maintains accurate records in SIMS, assists in writing Student Profiles, collates evidence for access arrangements, and develops specialised SEN training resources.
School Environment & Safeguarding: Ensures the Student Support Hub remains a purposeful learning space, supervises students during non-contact time, and upholds safeguarding and first-aid protocols.
We are looking for someone who:
Demonstrates exceptional planning and time management skills.
Is able to inspire and challenge both students and colleagues.
Has the highest expectations of themselves and others.
Exhibits outstanding interpersonal skills.
Models the values, ethos, and vision of the school in pursuit of excellence and equity.
What the school offers its staff
Why choose us?
Be a part of an Investors in People: Platinum [Employer of the Year 2025] organisation.
We are a flourishing high-performing sixth form where students achieve and exceed their potential.
Be part of a team that’s ambitious, supportive, and driven by purpose.
Benefit from personalised CPD, leadership coaching, and genuine career progression.
Flexible working opportunities
At our Trust, we deeply value the health and wellbeing of our staff, recognising that a happy, supported team is essential to delivering the best outcomes for our students. We are committed to fostering a positive working environment where staff feel cared for, empowered, and equipped to thrive both personally and professionally.
Pension scheme
All contracted members of staff will be automatically enrolled into either the Teachers' Pension Scheme or the Local Government Pension Scheme (whichever is appropriate).
National terms and conditions
We offer national terms and conditions in line with the School Teacher’s Pay and Conditions document (STPCD) and Burgundy Book for teachers or the NJC Green Book for support staff.
Training and development
Professional development opportunities aimed at the continuous process of enhancing your skills, knowledge and competencies discussed with your appraiser on an individual basis.
City centre parking
Durham City Centre barriered private parking for staff whilst at work which extends to free all year round parking, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Staff wellbeing working group
For the staff, by the staff, our wellbeing working group meet at least 3 times a year and is open to all members of staff. To date the group has raised money for charity, built a Staff Wellbeing portal, organised socials, sporting events and family days out.
Healthcare services
All staff benefit from a range of comprehensive health and wellbeing services including: GP service which gives staff the access to a General Practitioner around the clock, 24/7, access to nurse support services and physiotherapy provided face-to-face at times, dates and locations convenient to our staff.
Live webinars
Online webinars for Mental Health First Aid and Stress Coaching are available to staff which run frequently throughout the year with a choice of dates and times.
Health and Wellbeing
Free Flu vaccines, menopause counselling and access to financial wellbeing coaches through our staff absence insurance policy.
Daily breakfast
We provide a selection of hot drinks, cereals, croissants, toast and jams complimentary each morning in the refectory for staff and students.
Lifestyle
Our lifestyle benefits include shopping discounts with hundreds of online and high street retailers and discounted gym membership.
Free Will Writing Service
Organised through the Financial Guys, all staff are provided with a free single basic Will which also includes a 50% discount for partners.
Blue Light
Blue Light Card have now added Teaching and Support staff to the list of careers that are able to apply for their card. When applying please upload your staff ID badge as evidence.
Working From Home
We are currently trialling working from home. This arrangement supports flexible working and recognises that some tasks, such as planning, marking and resource development, can be carried out more effectively in a quiet, uninterrupted environment.
Further information about the job
Thank you for your interest in joining the Student Support Team at Durham Sixth Form Centre. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a dedicated, forward-thinking team that sits at the very heart of our school community.
At Durham Sixth Form Centre, we are defined by our commitment to excellence, but we recognise that for many students, achieving that excellence requires more than just high-quality teaching - it requires a supportive, inclusive and empowering environment. As a Student Support Mentor, you will be a catalyst in creating that environment. You are not just providing academic assistance; you are removing the barriers to learning that might otherwise prevent a young person from reaching their full potential.
Our team is a collaborative hub of professionals who believe that every student, regardless of their additional needs or background, deserves an educational experience that is both ambitious and accessible. Currently, the team is strategically led by Lee Bone, Vice Principal, and is composed of the following colleagues:
Ms Amanda Eggett, Leader of Learning: Student Support & SENCo
Mr Stephen Joel, Deputy SENCo
Miss Emma Colvin, Student Support Coordinator
Miss Emily Barr, Student Support Mentor
In this role, you will find yourself in a unique and influential position. Whether you are providing 1:1 intervention, supporting students within the classroom or managing the Student Support Hub, your work will have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of our students.
We pride ourselves on a holistic approach. You will play a key role in developing our students’ independence, resilience and confidence - equipping them with the tools they need not just to succeed in their exams, but to thrive in their next steps beyond the Sixth Form life.
We are looking for a mentor who is proactive, empathetic and highly organised; someone who can liaise effectively with teachers and parents/carers while remaining a steadfast advocate for the student. In return, we offer a supportive professional environment where your development is prioritised, and your contribution to our school’s ethos is truly valued.
If you are passionate about inclusivity and driven by the desire to see young people overcome challenges and succeed, we would love to hear from you. We would encourage candidates interested in this role to visit us in advance. Should you wish to discuss this role further, or come to visit us to see what we are about, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Best regards,
Lee Bone
Vice Principal
lee.bone@durhamsixthformcentre.org.uk
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.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Durham Sixth Form Centre
- School type
- Academy, ages 16 to 19
- Education phase
- Sixth form or college
- School size
- 1708 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 16 to 19
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Durham Sixth Form Centre website
- Email address
- staffvacancies@durhamsixthformcentre.org.uk
Welcome to Durham Sixth Form Centre and thank you for your interest in the advertised post. I hope the following information gives you an insight into our school.
Durham Sixth Form Centre is a large post-16 provider based in the North East of England, with approximately 1,700 students on roll. We are situated in the middle of Durham City centre, a couple of minutes walk from both the bus and railway stations. Students generally enrol at Durham Sixth Form Centre from over 60 different secondary schools from
across County Durham, Sunderland and into Northumberland.
In 2017 we were graded an ‘outstanding’ post-16 academy, this is reflected in our recent Ofsted monitoring visit
report. Our students have an excellent record of success, which they work hard to achieve. Trends over time demonstrate the following headlines:
In academic qualifications:
● Progress (VA) has been consistently above the National Average (NA) and was graded above average in the
2025 performance tables.
● A level average point score (APS) is significantly above the NA and places us in the top 6% of schools and
colleges nationally.
● 71% of students achieved A*- B A level grades in the summer 2024.
In applied general qualifications:
● Progress (VA) has been consistently above the NA and was graded above average in the 2025 performance
tables.
● Overall attainment (APS) is consistently above the NA and is ranked in the top 2% of schools and Academies
nationally.
We recently celebrated 110 years in education. We are housed in various buildings, often referred to as a mini university setting. Our site comprises a 1913 former girls’ grammar school, which was converted to sixth form
accommodation in 1983. In addition to the original building, there is now a science specific wing; a 200 seated theatre; our Hunter resource centre; visual arts centre and Freeman’s Quay leisure centre. In 2019, we expanded further to include our digital media centre, which houses a grab-and-go café, conference facility, TV studio, small cinema room
and additional classroom space. We also have a dedicated Art Gallery on site, the Dead Dog Gallery, with an ever changing exhibition and community programme in place.
Through sustained effort, and a clear focus and direction, Durham Sixth Form Centre is a truly embracing and dynamic organisation. We are committed to promoting the principles of equal opportunities and we aspire to an environment where all our students and employees can develop their potential. We have a strong professional development
programme and have achieved CPD Mark accreditation, Investors in People Gold and Governor Mark among others. Our most recent Ofsted inspection report said ‘The Headteacher and the highly skilled leadership team have established a culture in which students flourish and grow. Consequently, there is a healthy appetite for learning and achievement in an environment that demands high expectations for academic, vocational and personal excellence’.
Our academy operates according to the Values of our Trust which we feel help to determine the culture, ethos and atmosphere of Durham Sixth Form Centre.
If you are energetic and passionate about post-16 education and have the skills and aptitude required for the role then
we would welcome your application and look forward to hearing from you.
Arranging a visit to Durham Sixth Form Centre
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email staffvacancies@durhamsixthformcentre.org.uk.
School location
Similar jobs nearby
Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College
Vane Terrace, Darlington, County Durham, DL3 7AU
Get a job alert when similar jobs are listed
Find more school jobs in County Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool and Stockton