At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mental health initiatives and provide counselling support to students across two colleges.
- Company: Join Lighthouse Learning Trust, a welcoming and inclusive multi-academy trust.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and foster a culture of care and resilience.
- Qualifications: Experience in counselling and a passion for supporting young people's mental health.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 21286 - 35310 £ per year.
We are searching for the best education professionals.
Location: Southampton, Hampshire
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Part Time, Term Time
Salary: £32,198 FTE
Posted: 14th January 2026
Start Date: As Soon As Possible
Expires: 25th February 2026 11:59 PM
Working across Richard Taunton Sixth Form College (Southampton) and St Vincent Sixth Form College (Gosport).
Lighthouse Learning Trust is an exciting, forward-thinking organisation that prides itself on being welcoming and inclusive. We are a multi-academy trust comprising Richard Taunton and St Vincent Colleges, and we celebrate diversity and create an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. Joining us means becoming part of a community that is passionate about transforming lives through education and supporting every student to achieve their potential.
The Opportunity – Lead Student Counselling Support Across Two Colleges
We are thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for a dedicated and compassionate counselling professional to join our team as Lead Student Counsellor. In this pivotal role, you will act as the Mental Health Lead for the two colleges, spearheading our student mental health and wellbeing strategy across both college campuses. This is a chance to shape and develop our counselling service and make a real difference in the lives of young people across Southampton and Gosport.
As Lead Student Counsellor, you’ll spearhead the Trust’s mental health and wellbeing strategy across both colleges by developing initiatives, providing high-quality counselling services, and maintaining a proactive, supportive environment for students. Your role includes managing a caseload, delivering varied therapeutic interventions, innovating mental health provision (such as the online wellbeing hub), training staff in student support, and leading a team of placement counsellors and volunteers. You’ll collaborate closely with internal colleagues and external agencies, ensure safeguarding protocols are upheld, and make timely referrals for students who need additional specialist support—ultimately fostering a culture of care, resilience, and inclusion for every learner.
If you’re excited about leading mental health initiatives and providing life-changing support to students in an environment that values compassion, innovation, and inclusivity, then we want to hear from you! Join us as our Lead Student Counsellor and help us ensure that no student faces their challenges alone.
Successful candidates will be required to complete an enhanced DBS application.
Safeguarding Statement: Lighthouse Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Lead Counsellor of Students in Southampton employer: Lighthouse Learning Trust
Contact Detail:
Lighthouse Learning Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Counsellor of Students in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work in mental health or counselling. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the colleges and their mental health initiatives. Show us you’re passionate about supporting students and have ideas on how to enhance their wellbeing. We love candidates who come with fresh perspectives!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop us a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on our radar as we make decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. We’re always on the lookout for dedicated professionals who want to make a difference in students' lives, so don’t hesitate to put yourself out there!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Counsellor of Students in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Lead Counsellor role. We want to see how you can contribute to our mental health and wellbeing strategy!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting students shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference in young people's lives, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly!
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lighthouse Learning Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the mental health strategies and counselling techniques relevant to the role. Brush up on current trends in student wellbeing and be ready to discuss how you can implement these at the colleges.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a difference in students' lives, so let your passion for mental health and education shine through. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting young people.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations involving students’ mental health and wellbeing, and be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the colleges’ current mental health initiatives or future plans. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.