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- Tasks: Support students emotionally and help create a positive school environment.
- Company: The Holden School, a caring and inclusive specialist education provider.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mental health support, flexible benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in challenging educational settings and knowledge of emotional support strategies.
- Other info: Join a Great Place to Work with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 22160 - 22160 £ per year.
Location: The Holden School, Leigh WN7 4SB
Salary: £22,160.62 per annum (£13.25 per hour) (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start Date: February 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
About the Role
As a Pastoral Assistant, you will help create a positive, caring, and inclusive school environment where every pupil feels valued and supported. You will provide direct pastoral care to students, including those experiencing crisis or requiring additional emotional support, while working closely with staff to ensure consistent approaches across the school. Working alongside the Head of Behaviour and Welfare and the wider leadership team, you will help implement pastoral strategies, guide staff on effective support, and contribute to the holistic development of pupils.
Key Responsibilities
- Promote a respectful, inclusive environment recognising the value and individuality of every pupil
- Ensure school policies, procedures, and day-to-day practice reflect the school’s ethos and challenge any inappropriate behaviour
- Provide direct pastoral support throughout the school day, including emotional and behavioural support
- Assist class teachers with classroom management, supervision, and care
- Contribute to the development and delivery of individual education, behaviour, and support programmes
About You
- Experience working in challenging educational environments
- Proven success supporting pupils with social, emotional, and behavioural needs
- Strong knowledge of strategies to support social, emotional, and behavioural development
- Commitment to professional standards, quality practice, and continuous improvement
About Us
The Holden School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 5 to 16, catering for pupils with a wide range of needs in Lancashire, Manchester and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life. We are a Therapeutic Led, Trauma Informed School providing individualised curriculums for our students supported by our Class Teams, our Pastoral Team and our own Therapists. We offer a wide range of opportunities to develop your career while taking on rewarding challenges. Acorn Education is a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are at the forefront of creating and delivering innovative approaches that support children and young people in our care to make meaningful progress. In 2025, Outcomes First Group was proudly certified as a Great Place to Work for the sixth consecutive year.
Why Join Us?
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
- Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including: Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
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. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Pastoral Assistant in Leigh employer: Acorn Care and Education
Contact Detail:
Acorn Care and Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Assistant in Leigh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education or related fields. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Pastoral Assistant role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to pastoral care. Think about scenarios where you've supported students emotionally or behaviourally. We want you to shine and show how you can contribute to creating that positive school environment!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for supporting students! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and commitment to helping pupils thrive. This is your moment to stand out and demonstrate why you're the perfect fit for The Holden School.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of students.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Assistant in Leigh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with creating a positive and inclusive environment for pupils.
Showcase Your Experience: Highlight any previous work you've done in challenging educational settings, especially if it involved supporting students with social, emotional, and behavioural needs. We love seeing real-life examples of how you've made a difference!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what makes you passionate about working in pastoral care. Share your motivations and why you believe in our ethos.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this rewarding role at The Holden School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Care and Education
✨Know the School's Ethos
Before your interview, take some time to research The Holden School and its ethos. Understand their commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment for pupils. This will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working in challenging educational environments. Prepare specific examples of how you've supported pupils with social, emotional, and behavioural needs. This will show the interviewers that you have the practical skills and knowledge they are looking for.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations involving pupils in crisis or requiring additional support. Think through potential scenarios and outline your approach to providing pastoral care, ensuring you highlight your empathy and problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role and the school. Inquire about the support systems in place for staff and how they implement pastoral strategies. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
