At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students facing challenges to help them thrive academically and emotionally.
- Company: Join a caring community at Mercia Learning Trust, dedicated to empowering young learners.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help them overcome barriers to success.
- Qualifications: Experience in mentoring or education, strong communication skills, and a passion for youth development.
- Other info: Flexible start date and a commitment to safeguarding and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Salary: Grade 6 £33,143 to £37,280 FTE
Actual salary: £28,507 to £32,065 (with under five years' service)
Contract term: 37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year, permanent
Start date: As soon as possible (flexible start date for the right candidate)
Closing date: Midnight Sunday 1 March 2026
Mercia Learning Trust
Mercia Learning Trust is a successful partnership of four primary and three secondary schools located in the south-west of Sheffield. Established in 2012, with one secondary school, our trust has grown to serving over 5000 pupils, with 650 staff.
- To empower everyone in our communities, especially the most disadvantaged, to succeed.
- We are kind - showing care and supporting each other.
- We have integrity - doing the right thing and always putting children first.
- We work with diligence - overcoming obstacles and having no excuses.
- We run schools that focus on academic excellence, cultural capital and the development of character.
- A culture of excellence – high standards shaped by clarity, not control.
- Academic focus – empowering all children through an exceptional curriculum.
- Purposeful collaboration – relationships built on trust, reducing sub-optimisation and driving collective success.
Woodlands Primary School
Woodlands Primary School is a 2-form entry primary and nursery for children aged 2-11 in a vibrant South Sheffield community. This popular and over-subscribed school has around 500 pupils. In February 2022, Ofsted graded our school as strongly Good.
The role
We are seeking to appoint an experienced Learning Mentor. As a learning mentor, you will work closely with individuals who are struggling with problems that affect their ability to learn. You'll work alongside teachers and other staff to support the needs of learners and help them overcome barriers that are preventing them from achieving their full potential. You'll work with a range of learners but give priority to those who need most help, especially those experiencing multiple disadvantages. A developed knowledge of children's mental health, child cognitive development and the ability to deliver small group and one to one interventions will be integral. You could cover a variety of issues, ranging from punctuality, absence, challenging behaviour and abuse, to working with able and gifted learners who are experiencing difficulties. You will work predominantly with pupils but will have a broader remit including families and the wider community.
The candidate
The successful candidate needs to be flexible, versatile, and nurturing and able to work effectively with whole classes and 1:1. You will be expected to work independently with small groups and plan and prepare for this. You will need to have patience as well as strong behaviour management skills. You will also need a passion for working with young people and supporting those with barriers to their learning. If you are resilient and passionate about the social, emotional and mental wellbeing of young people then we would like to hear from you.
Safeguarding Statement: Woodlands Primary School 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 under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Learning Mentor in Sheffield employer: Merciatrust
Contact Detail:
Merciatrust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Learning Mentor in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Mercia Learning Trust on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching common questions for Learning Mentors. We suggest practising your answers with a friend or in front of the mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've supported young people in overcoming barriers. This will demonstrate your commitment to their wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team at Woodlands Primary School.
We think you need these skills to ace Learning Mentor in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Learning Mentor role. We want to see how you can support our pupils, especially those facing challenges.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in their lives, as we value candidates who are genuinely committed to their wellbeing.
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. Avoid jargon and focus on what really matters.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merciatrust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of children's mental health and cognitive development. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges learners face, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your behaviour management techniques and how you've successfully supported students in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to work independently and in small groups, as this is crucial for the Learning Mentor role.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Patience
The role requires a nurturing approach, so be ready to talk about how you adapt your methods to meet individual needs. Share experiences where your patience and versatility made a difference in a student's learning journey.
✨Connect with the Community
Since the role involves working with families and the wider community, think about how you can demonstrate your commitment to collaboration. Discuss any previous experiences where you've engaged with parents or community members to support learners.