At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in hands-on learning, guiding them to gain vocational qualifications.
- Company: Join Ark Charter Academy, a vibrant school dedicated to inspiring young minds in Portsmouth.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, relocation costs, gym discounts, and access to well-being support.
- Other info: Applications are reviewed continuously, so apply early to secure your chance!
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' futures while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in vocational education and a passion for alternative learning are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24600 - 29000 £ per year.
About The Role
Location: Southsea, Portsmouth
Salary: Band 7 (£28,624 - £34,314)
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time (Term time only)
Start date: 1st September 2025.
Closing date: 04/07/2025.
Interview date: As soon as suitable candidates apply.
Are you passionate about vocational education and committed to helping students thrive in alternative learning environments? Do you want to make a real difference in the futures of young people who flourish through hands-on, practical learning?
We are looking for a Vocational Learning Coach to join our Pathways Provision, supporting students as they develop key life and career skills. You will play a vital role in delivering and assessing vocational qualifications while helping students build resilience, teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
About the role:
As a Vocational Learning Coach, you will play a key role in supporting students within our Pathways Provision, providing an alternative vocational curriculum tailored to their needs. You will guide students who thrive in hands-on, practical learning environments, helping them gain qualifications such as AQA Awards, Prince’s Trust Awards, ASDAN, BKSB, and Functional Skills. Through engaging lessons, intervention teaching, and real-world learning experiences, you will equip students with essential skills for future education, employment, or training. In addition to academic support, you will assist students with work placements, fostering resilience, teamwork, leadership, and communication. You will collaborate with staff, parents, and external stakeholders to ensure every student receives the tailored guidance they need to succeed.
Our ideal candidate will be:
- Experienced in delivering and assessing vocational qualifications, including AQA, ASDAN, BKSB, Prince’s Trust, and Functional Skills
- Passionate about alternative education and supporting students who thrive in hands-on learning environments
- Committed to intervention training, ensuring students with additional needs or those at risk of disengagement receive tailored support
- Skilled in helping students develop key life and career skills such as resilience, teamwork, leadership, and communication
- Knowledgeable about supporting students through work placements, providing guidance and real-world learning opportunities
- Organised and proactive, able to plan, prepare, and deliver engaging vocational lessons
- Collaborative, working effectively with staff, parents, and external stakeholders to support student success
If you wish to discuss this opportunity or for any questions, please contact Keah Stell, HR Advisor, on k.stell@charteracademy.org.uk.
Benefits:
- Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
- 10 inset days (of which at least one is dedicated to staff wellbeing)
- A behaviour policy that ensures disruption-free learning
- Development opportunities for future leaders
- Generous pension scheme.
- Up to £3,000 relocation costs to move to the south coast (dependent on the role)
- Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers
- Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
- Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.
About Us
Ark Charter Academy is a happy and vibrant school located in the heart of Portsmouth. We believe that every young person should feel a sense of belonging to our school community and enjoy their learning. We inspire and support our students so they can become the very best they can in every single way. With love and care, we develop motivation both inside and outside the classroom, encouraging an appetite for learning in a safe and stimulating Christian environment. We want our students to become the leaders and game-changers of the future. To achieve this we offer an academic curriculum that strives to expose all pupils to the richness of education, allowing them to experience a diversity of subjects during their time with us. Our teachers and support staff work hard every day to inspire each and every student to develop skills which will help them to achieve their full potential. We pride ourselves in recognising hard work and rewarding it accordingly, providing opportunities for professional and personal growth in school and across the wider Ark network.
Diversity and inclusion: We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.
Safeguarding statement: Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.
Please note we will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience.
Vocational Learning Coach in Portsmouth employer: Ark Charter Academy
Ark Charter Academy in Portsmouth is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment for its staff. As a School Admin Apprentice, you will benefit from a structured career development path, alongside perks such as gym discounts and a generous pension scheme, all while contributing to the enriching experiences of students. Join us to be part of a community that values growth, collaboration, and making a meaningful impact in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vocational Learning Coach in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the vocational qualifications mentioned in the job description, such as AQA, ASDAN, and Prince’s Trust. Understanding these qualifications will not only help you during the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to vocational education.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Vocational Learning Coaches or educators in similar roles. Engaging with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights into the role and may even lead to a referral, which can significantly boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've supported students in alternative learning environments. Highlighting your experience in fostering resilience, teamwork, and communication skills will show that you're well-suited for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Ark Charter Academy's values and mission. Tailoring your conversation during the interview to align with their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and student success will demonstrate that you are a good cultural fit for the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Vocational Learning Coach in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in vocational education and any qualifications you have in delivering AQA, ASDAN, BKSB, or similar programmes. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in supporting students in hands-on learning environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for alternative education and your commitment to helping students thrive. Mention how your previous experiences align with the role's requirements, particularly in fostering resilience, teamwork, and communication skills.
Showcase Relevant Achievements:Include specific achievements that illustrate your ability to deliver engaging vocational lessons and support students through work placements. Quantify your successes where possible, such as improvements in student engagement or qualification attainment.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in an educational setting.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ark Charter Academy
✨Show Your Passion for Vocational Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for vocational education during the interview. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to helping students thrive in hands-on learning environments.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience with Qualifications
Be prepared to discuss your experience in delivering and assessing vocational qualifications like AQA, ASDAN, and Functional Skills. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully guided students through these programmes.
✨Highlight Your Intervention Strategies
Discuss your approach to intervention training and how you support students with additional needs. Share examples of tailored strategies you've implemented to engage students at risk of disengagement.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to talk about your experience working with staff, parents, and external stakeholders. Highlight any successful partnerships you've built to support student success.
