Learning Mentor

Learning Mentor:

Varndean School is looking to recruit an enthusiastic, committed and outstanding Learning Mentor. The position is 12 hours across 2 days a week, term time only, salary scale 5, point 13 to 17 - £30,023 - £32,046 actual starting salary: £22,170.

This is a rewarding role delivering mentoring and academic support to students within the Varndean Learning Centre. The successful candidate will work with students who require additional support to engage successfully with education, including those experiencing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), anxiety, autism, social, emotional and mental health needs, and other barriers to learning. Working as part of an experienced and highly skilled SEND team, and alongside two other learning mentors, you will support students through personalised programmes designed to improve engagement, attendance, confidence and outcomes. The Varndean Learning Centre is at the heart of our inclusive approach, bringing together alternative pathways to ensure that all students can thrive. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative SEND provision and make a real difference to the lives of young people.

Varndean is an excellent place to work. Ofsted in 2022 described the “inspirational leaders”, the “expert” teachers, “impressive” pupils and the “exceptionally strong” staff training. We hope you will want to pursue an application further and you are welcome to make a pre-application visit to the school.

To apply please complete the application form and send/e-mail it, with a covering letter to Lynn Hill, Director of Finance and Operations, Varndean School vacancies@varndean.co.uk

The closing date is 9am on 27th November 2026. Early applications are encouraged as the school reserves the right to interview excellent candidates in advance of this date.

What Varndean can offer you:

Being a Teaching Assistant at Varndean is an opportunity to work in a truly inclusive school where we are ambitious for every student. Our pastoral care, SEND provision and commitment to belonging ensure that all young people are supported to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

All teachers see themselves as teachers of SEND and work closely with our specialist staff to create inclusive classrooms. Teaching Assistants play a vital role in supporting students, removing barriers to learning and helping young people achieve success.

Our SEND provision is delivered through a range of specialist pathways, including autism, SEMH, literacy intervention, mentoring and personalised support within the Varndean Learning Centre. This structured and responsive approach ensures students receive the right support at the right time.

Varndean has a strong reputation for professional development. Through high-quality CPD, specialist training and collaborative working, we invest in our staff and provide opportunities to develop expertise and progress their careers.

Situated on a beautiful learning campus overlooking Brighton and Hove, Varndean offers an inspiring environment in which to work. We hope you will want to find out more about joining our team.

Varndean School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We welcome applications from all parts of our community as we aspire to have a staff body that matches the social and cultural diversity of our student intake.

The successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check. The school welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

Brighton & Hove Schools - Taking Action for Equality