At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in care by maintaining accurate records and data management.
- Company: The Virtual School, dedicated to positive educational outcomes for vulnerable children.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, career development, and supportive environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available with a focus on personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong admin skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset.
The predicted salary is between 25185 - 25989 £ per year.
- Job Title: Student Support Officer
- Job Location: The Virtual School
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Closing Date: 07/11/2025
- Job Requisition Number: 12681
- This post is not open to job share
About the role
The Virtual School is seeking to appoint a new team member following the retirement of a valued colleague. The successful candidate will join a committed team of education professionals dedicated to supporting the learning and progress of children in care and those with a social worker.
In this role, you will play a key part in maintaining accurate and up-to-date records for these children, ensuring the timely and precise input of data into the Virtual School’s information management systems. This data is vital for the effective administration of statutory Personal Education Plans (PEPs) for every child in the care of Gloucestershire County Council.
You will be joining a well-established and supportive team that is passionate about helping children and young people achieve positive educational outcomes. We are looking for someone who shares this commitment and is ready to make a meaningful contribution.
About you
We are seeking to recruit an individual with strong administrative and interpersonal skills. Attention to detail and accurate data entry are essential for this role. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about personal development and eager to grow their skill set.
A collaborative mindset is important, as the role involves working closely with a team. While prior knowledge of school operations would be advantageous, it is not a requirement. The Virtual School offers a comprehensive induction programme to support the successful candidate in their role.
About us
Hybrid working arrangements are available for many of our roles, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice, with a mix of both remote and office working.
Benefits
Joining us could mean access to these great benefits:
- Flexible and agile working opportunities
- 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years continuous service
- An option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year (pro rata for part-time staff)
- Family friendly employer offering benefits to help support you and your family
- Career development and qualification opportunities
- Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential, counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone.
- An in-house Occupational Health service
- Cycle to Work scheme (Eligibility criteria and T&Cs apply)
How to apply
Please submit your application and personal statement today by clicking the “Apply Now” Button. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Jane Featherstone via email at janefeatherstone@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Additional Information
To access the Job Profile for this role, please follow the link below:-
The council is not currently able to offer sponsorship in this role. Candidates will need to have right to work that enables them to commit to at least 6 months\' employment. Right to work is not transferable from a sponsored role held with another employer.
We want to be an employer of choice, attracting and retaining excellent people to work for us, so that we can best serve all of Gloucestershire’s diverse communities. Our promise to you is that we will provide an inclusive and supportive working environment that enables you to bring your whole self to work and realise your full potential.
It is a legal requirement, under the Immigration Act 2016, that anyone appointed to a ‘customer facing role’ must be able to demonstrate an ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in fluent English.
Hybrid working arrangements are available for the majority of our roles, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice, wit h a mix of both remote and office working.
Student Support Officer in Gloucester employer: Gloucestershire County Council
The Virtual School is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its team members. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a strong focus on career development, employees are empowered to grow both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children in care. Join a passionate team that values collaboration and offers comprehensive support to help you thrive in your role as a Student Support Officer.
Contact Details:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Support Officer in Gloucester
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Gloucestershire County Council just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Gloucestershire County Council. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Support Officer in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Student Support Officer role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Gloucestershire County Council, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire County Council
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Gloucestershire County Council, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Gloucestershire County Council, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
