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.
- 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.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available with a focus on personal development.
The predicted salary is between 25185 - 25989 ÂŁ 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 Schoolâs 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 âApply Nowâ 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\â 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 Gloucestershireâs 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 âcustomer facing roleâ 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.
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Student Support Officer employer: Gloucestershire County Council
Contact Detail:
Gloucestershire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Student Support Officer
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at The Virtual School on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the role and the team. Understand what it means to support children in care and think of examples from your experience that show your commitment to this cause.
â¨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During the interview, highlight your attention to detail and data entry abilities. Bring up any relevant experiences where youâve successfully managed records or worked collaboratively with a team.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows youâre serious about joining our supportive team at The Virtual School.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Support Officer
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Make sure to customise your personal statement for the Student Support Officer role. Highlight your administrative skills and any relevant experience you have, especially in supporting children or working in educational settings.
Show Your Enthusiasm: We want to see your passion for helping children and young people achieve their educational goals. Share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles or experiences.
Pay Attention to Detail: Since accurate data entry is crucial for this position, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is key for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to hit that 'Apply Now' button on our website! Itâs the easiest way to submit your application and ensures it gets to the right place quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gloucestershire County Council
â¨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Student Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around maintaining accurate records and data entry. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
â¨Show Your Passion
The Virtual School is all about supporting children in care. Be ready to share why this cause matters to you. Talk about any relevant experiences or skills that demonstrate your commitment to helping young people achieve positive outcomes.
â¨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the induction programme, or how success is measured in the role. It shows you're engaged and thinking ahead about how you can contribute.
â¨Highlight Teamwork Skills
Since collaboration is key in this role, think of examples from your past where you've worked effectively in a team. Share how you contributed to group success and how you handle challenges within a team setting.