At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate counselling and support to students, fostering a positive school environment.
- Company: Award-winning independent school committed to social impact and student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, professional development, free lunch, and access to sports facilities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Recognised counselling qualification and experience with children or young people.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Habs has been awarded Independent School of the Year 2025, with Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools receiving both the award for Outstanding Educational Partnerships and the overall top accolade of Independent School of the Year 2025. This recognition reflects our long-term commitment to social impact and the deep, sustained collaborations we continue to build with our state sector partners. It is an exciting time to join our community.
Term-time plus one week | 37.5 hours per week
Haberdashers’ Boys’ School is seeking a compassionate, skilled and reflective School Counsellor to play a central role in the pastoral life of our school. This is a rewarding opportunity to join a values-driven community where wellbeing, relationships and care sit at the heart of school life. Working closely with the Deputy Head Pastoral and a highly experienced pastoral team, the successful candidate will provide a professional, confidential counselling service that supports pupils to thrive. Haberdashers’ Boys’ School is a 4–18 through school, and while the Counselling Service supports pupils across all age groups, the majority of this role will focus on pupils in the Senior School.
About the role
As School Counsellor, you will deliver high-quality therapeutic support to pupils, contribute to whole-school wellbeing initiatives, and help foster a positive, caring and inclusive culture. You will manage a varied caseload, work collaboratively with safeguarding and pastoral colleagues, and liaise with external professionals where appropriate to ensure coordinated and effective care. Beyond individual counselling, you will play an active role in shaping the school’s approach to mental health and wellbeing — contributing to policies, staff training, assemblies, workshops and strategic pastoral planning.
What you will bring
You will be a reflective practitioner with strong professional judgement, emotional resilience and a genuine commitment to supporting young people. You will be confident working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary pastoral team, with a clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and professional boundaries.
Essential requirements include:
- A recognised counselling or psychotherapy qualification and registration/membership with a professional body (e.g. BACP, UKCP)
- Experience of therapeutic work with children or young people
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to manage sensitive and complex situations
- A strong understanding of safeguarding and ethical practice
What we are offering:
- An actual salary of between £36,000 and £44,000 per year, based on the successful candidates experience
- Private Pension Scheme through Aegon with generous employer contributions
- Additional life assurance cover
- Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), providing confidential support and advice
- Financial assistance for obtaining further qualifications
- Extensive professional development training opportunities
- Free lunch and refreshments
- Free onsite parking and access to travel on the schools extensive coach network
- Free access to state-of-the‑art sports facilities including the gym, swimming pool, and fitness classes
- Wellbeing initiatives and programmes, such as yoga, mindfulness sessions, and health checks
- Access to an online GP service, providing quick and convenient healthcare advice
- Access to Vivup, the staff benefits platform, featuring discounts, financial advice, and wellbeing resources
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme and other green travel incentives including Octopus Electric Vehicles
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. Haberdashers’ Elstree Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
Counsellor in Elstree employer: Haberdashers' Boys' School
At Haberdashers’ Boys’ School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and values-driven community where the wellbeing of our pupils is paramount. As a School Counsellor, you will benefit from a competitive salary, extensive professional development opportunities, and access to state-of-the-art facilities, all while contributing to a positive and inclusive school culture that prioritises mental health and personal growth.
Contact Details:
Haberdashers' Boys' School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counsellor in Elstree
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Haberdashers' Boys' School. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Haberdashers' Boys' School.
We think you need these skills to ace Counsellor in Elstree
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Haberdashers' Boys' School:Take some time to research Haberdashers' Boys' School and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Haberdashers' Boys' School
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Haberdashers' Boys' School's values and approach.
