Pupil Support Worker - Harbour Future Skills in Portsmouth
Pupil Support Worker - Harbour Future Skills

Pupil Support Worker - Harbour Future Skills in Portsmouth

Portsmouth Full-Time 21893 - 22594 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support young people with SEMH and anxiety to thrive in education and build confidence.
  • Company: Join a values-driven team at Highbury College, dedicated to making a difference.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in students' lives every day and help them succeed.
  • Qualifications: Experience in education or care, with a calm and nurturing approach.
  • Other info: Work in a dynamic setting that values communication and understanding.

The predicted salary is between 21893 - 22594 £ per year.

We are looking for a compassionate, resilient and emotionally intelligent Pupil Support Worker to work alongside young people with SEMH, anxiety and communication needs - supporting them to re-engage with education, build confidence, and take meaningful steps into college life. This is not a "sit at the back of the classroom" role. It is about relationships, trust, consistency - and belief.

About the role:

  • You will play a vital part in helping students attend, settle and succeed at Highbury College.
  • From supporting travel training and transition visits, to calmly guiding learning in the classroom, you will help create the structure and reassurance that allows young people to thrive.
  • You will work closely with teachers, families and external professionals to support students who may have experienced barriers to mainstream education - helping them feel safe, included and capable again.

What you will be doing:

  • Supporting students with SEMH, anxiety and social communication needs to engage positively with learning.
  • Helping students transition into college life through tailored support, visual aids and 1:1 guidance.
  • Building trusting, respectful relationships that promote independence, self-esteem and positive behaviour.
  • Supporting learning activities, assessments and progress tracking under teacher guidance.
  • Encouraging attendance, participation and confident use of ICT.
  • Managing challenging or distressed behaviour calmly, consistently and compassionately.
  • Working collaboratively with parents, carers and multi-agency professionals.
  • Contributing to a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student is valued.

You might be a Learning Support Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Youth Worker, Behaviour Support Worker or someone with relevant experience in education, care or mental health support.

You will bring:

  • A calm, patient and nurturing approach.
  • Confidence supporting young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs.
  • Strong communication skills and a genuine belief in second chances.
  • The ability to stay steady when things are challenging - and warm when they are hard.

Formal qualifications are welcome, but the right attitude, empathy and commitment matter most.

Benefits:

  • Be part of a supportive, values-driven team.
  • Make a tangible difference in young people’s lives - every single day.
  • Access ongoing training, supervision and professional development.
  • Work in a setting that understands behaviour as communication, not defiance.

Further details about the role:

Pupil Support Worker – Harbour Future Skills – Highbury College/The Harbour School. Grade D: £25,583 – £26,403 per annum; actual salary £21,893 – £22,594 for term-time only 37 hours per week, Permanent. Access to a car and UK driving licence with business insurance essential.

Making change where it matters most. Some students don’t struggle because they don’t want to learn. They struggle because learning hasn’t always felt safe, predictable, or possible.

Pupil Support Worker - Harbour Future Skills in Portsmouth employer: Highbury College

Highbury College is an exceptional employer for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. With a supportive, values-driven team and a commitment to ongoing training and professional development, employees are empowered to foster meaningful relationships and create inclusive learning environments. Located in a vibrant community, this role offers the unique opportunity to help students overcome barriers and thrive in their educational journey.
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Contact Detail:

Highbury College Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Pupil Support Worker - Harbour Future Skills in Portsmouth

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, check out Highbury College's website and social media. Understanding their values and approach will help you connect your experiences with what they’re looking for.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your storytelling skills! Think of specific examples from your past roles where you’ve made a difference in a young person’s life. We want to hear about those moments that showcase your compassion and resilience.

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready to discuss how you handle challenging situations. They’ll want to know how you stay calm and supportive when things get tough. Share your strategies for building trust and rapport with students who may be struggling.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest by asking about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and how they support staff wellbeing. This not only helps you gauge if it’s the right fit but also shows you’re genuinely invested.

We think you need these skills to ace Pupil Support Worker - Harbour Future Skills in Portsmouth

Compassion
Resilience
Emotional Intelligence
Relationship Building
Trust Development
Consistency
Confidence in Supporting Young People
Strong Communication Skills
Calmness Under Pressure
Patience
Nurturing Approach
Understanding of SEMH Needs
Behaviour Management
Collaboration with Multi-Agency Professionals
Commitment to Inclusivity

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people shine through. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Pupil Support Worker. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with what we’re looking for.

Be Authentic: We want to see the real you! Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. Highlight your unique qualities and how they make you a great fit for our team.

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details!

How to prepare for a job interview at Highbury College

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Pupil Support Worker inside out. Familiarise yourself with SEMH needs, anxiety management techniques, and how to build trust with young people. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.

✨Show Your Compassion

During the interview, share specific examples from your past experiences where you've supported young people or dealt with challenging behaviours. Highlight your calm and nurturing approach, as well as your ability to create a safe environment. This will demonstrate your emotional intelligence and commitment to helping students thrive.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers about their approach to supporting students with SEMH needs. This shows that you're engaged and eager to learn more about their methods. It also gives you a chance to assess if their values align with yours.

✨Be Yourself

Authenticity is key! Let your personality shine through during the interview. The role requires building relationships based on trust, so being genuine will help the interviewers see how you would connect with the students. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can relate to young people and inspire confidence.

Pupil Support Worker - Harbour Future Skills in Portsmouth
Highbury College
Location: Portsmouth
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  • Pupil Support Worker - Harbour Future Skills in Portsmouth

    Portsmouth
    Full-Time
    21893 - 22594 £ / year (est.)
  • H

    Highbury College

    200-500
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