At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' emotional and behavioural needs, helping them thrive in their learning environment.
- Company: Join a leading specialist education provider committed to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day working week, competitive salary, and comprehensive wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a dynamic educational setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while enjoying a great work/life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and strong relationship-building skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 19500 - 24500 £ per year.
Location: Westbourne School, Sutton in Ashfield, NG17 2EL
Hours: 37.5 per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am – 4.00pm
Salary: Up to £23,500 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: June 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
We are looking for a passionate, resilient and proactive Student Support Coach to join our Student Services Team — someone who can combine calm authority with compassion, and who believes that every behaviour tells a story. This is more than a support role — it’s an opportunity to positively shape a young person’s future every single day. As a Student Support Coach, you’ll be at the heart of our pastoral and behaviour support provision. You will help students reflect, regulate and return to learning successfully, while maintaining high standards of behaviour and safeguarding at all times. You’ll work closely with SLT, teaching staff, parents, clinical colleagues and external agencies to ensure students feel supported, understood and motivated to achieve.
- Supporting and monitoring student behaviour, helping pupils successfully return to lessons
- Providing on‑call responses to incidents, calmly de‑escalating situations and facilitating restorative conversations
- Coaching students to understand and manage their emotions, building self‑regulation and resilience
- Working 1:1 or in small groups on areas such as self‑esteem, friendships, bullying and behaviour
- Monitoring behaviour data through online systems to identify trends and inform interventions
- Supporting the development and implementation of behaviour strategies and reward systems
- Contributing to risk assessments, safety plans, intervention plans and student documentation
- Collaborating with staff, parents and external agencies to ensure consistent and effective support
Who We’re Looking For
- Calm, confident and resilient when managing challenging situations
- Experienced in working with young people with SEMH and/or autism
- Skilled in building strong, positive relationships and using restorative approaches
- Emotionally intelligent, reflective and solution‑focused in practice
- Knowledgeable about safeguarding, child development and behaviour management principles
- Committed to high professional standards, ongoing CPD and confident using IT systems for recording and communication
Please be aware – all candidates must have a full UK driving licence
About Us
Westbourne School is a specialist provision for pupils aged 11–18, growing to 85 students across two sites. We offer a broad, balanced curriculum blending academic, vocational, and life‑skills learning tailored to individual needs. A trauma‑informed, holistic approach supports personal, social, and emotional development alongside therapeutic input. Our focus is on empowering every pupil to achieve success and prepare confidently for education, training, or employment.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence‑based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the 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.
Benefits
- 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
*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
Student Support Coach employer: Acorn Care and Education
At Outcomes First Group, we prioritise your wellbeing and work-life balance, offering a unique 4-Day Working Week that allows you to thrive both personally and professionally. As a Student Support Coach at Westbourne School, you'll be part of a compassionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on young people's lives, with ample opportunities for professional development and a supportive work culture that values every contribution. Join us in creating a nurturing environment where you can grow while helping students achieve their potential.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Support Coach
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out their social media and website. This will help you understand their values and how you can fit in, making it easier to connect during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience and how it relates to the Student Support Coach role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you're in the interview, share specific examples of how you've positively impacted students in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment to supporting young people and align with the ethos of Outcomes First Group.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Support Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for supporting students and how your experiences have shaped your approach.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the Student Support Coach role. Highlight your relevant experience with young people, especially those with SEMH or autism, and how you’ve successfully managed challenging situations in the past.
Showcase Your Skills:We’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships and use restorative approaches. Use specific examples in your application to demonstrate these skills and how they’ve made a difference in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining #teamOFG and being part of our mission to make a real difference.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Care and Education
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Student Support Coach inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as supporting student behaviour and working closely with staff and parents. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage challenging situations and build positive relationships with young people. Think about times when you've used restorative approaches or helped students with SEMH needs. Specific anecdotes will make your answers more impactful.
✨Emphasise Emotional Intelligence
As a Student Support Coach, emotional intelligence is crucial. Be ready to discuss how you approach emotional regulation and resilience-building with students. Share your thoughts on why understanding emotions is important in a school setting and how it can positively affect behaviour and learning.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the school's approach to behaviour management or how they support staff development. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to the school's mission and culture.
