At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with tailored advice and guidance to help them succeed in their education.
- Company: Join a leading provider of post-16 education in London, dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, wellbeing leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help them achieve their potential.
- Qualifications: Level 4 qualification in IAG or relevant field and experience with young people.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time (36 hours per week, over 52 weeks per year). Please note that this post is funded for the 2026/27 academic year onwards, so the successful candidate would not be expected to commence in post prior to August 2026.
Merton College have an exciting opportunity for a Student Support Adviser to provide comprehensive and flexible support, information, advice and guidance to learners to improve their likelihood of successful completion of their programme and progression into further education, training and/or employment.
You will work in close liaison with students, staff, and external organisations to safeguard students and support them in achieving their full potential by offering holistic support, which is tailored to their needs. You will provide and support the provision of a range of activities to engage learners within the wider community of college life and the preparation for life in society.
As our Student Support Adviser, you will be qualified to Level 4 or above in Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) or a relevant discipline (e.g. youth and community work, education, psychology, sociology, or health and social care). You will have proven experience working with vulnerable young people, including successfully re-engaging those who are disengaged or disaffected and supporting them to remain in or return to education or training. You will be experienced in delivering 1:1 interventions, as well as producing risk assessments and support plans.
You will bring strong safeguarding experience, with a sound knowledge of safeguarding legislation and practices within an educational setting. A good understanding of post-16 education services is essential, including the challenges faced by young people transitioning from pre- to post-16 education or returning after time out of formal learning. You will also be confident delivering workshops or tutorials to a diverse range of students.
Strong IT skills are required to effectively market and record service provision. In addition, you will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with students and external agencies.
Following the initial round of interviews, if you are successful for the second interview, there will be a session where you will be asked to engage with the students. Based predominantly at Merton but you may be required to travel to and work from Carshalton College on occasion.
The successful candidate will be eligible for any increase in salary as a consequence of the annual cost of living review that will be implemented in the new academic year. Closing date for the return of completed applications is 19th May 2026.
The benefits package includes generous annual leave of 27 days plus up to 8 additional days over Christmas/New Year as well as an additional 5 days Wellbeing leave to enhance employees' physical and mental health. There is an excellent pension scheme that receives a significant financial contribution from the employer (Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme), subsidised sports facilities and professional development and training plus a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.
As outlined in the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
As part of our due diligence checks on prospective employees, successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, an online search and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
The South Thames Colleges Group is made up of Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College and South Thames College, which merged on 1 August 2017. South Thames Colleges Group is one of London's largest providers of post-16 education and training and is an ongoing and significant contributor to its local communities. We aim to put students' success at the heart of everything we do.
We are looking for hard-working and collaborative people who can join our team and help challenge our students to progress and achieve.
Student Support Adviser in London employer: Merton College
Merton College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises the well-being and professional development of its staff. With generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and a commitment to equality, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally while making a meaningful impact on students' lives in a vibrant educational community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Support Adviser in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the college culture! Before your interview, check out Merton College's website and social media. Understanding their values and community will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your delivery! Since you'll be engaging with students during the second interview, think about how you can present your ideas clearly and engagingly. Maybe even run through a mock session with a friend to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your safeguarding knowledge! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've supported vulnerable young people in the past. This will demonstrate your experience and commitment to creating a safe learning environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Support Adviser in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of a Student Support Adviser. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experiences, especially those involving vulnerable young people. We want to see how you've successfully engaged and supported students in the past.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations for applying.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merton College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the role. Familiarise yourself with the challenges young people face when transitioning from pre- to post-16 education. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the support they need.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work where you've successfully engaged with vulnerable young people. Highlight any 1:1 interventions or risk assessments you've conducted, as this will show you have the practical skills needed for the job.
✨Engage with the Students
If you make it to the second interview, be ready to interact with students. Think about how you can create a welcoming environment and engage them in conversation. This is your chance to show your interpersonal skills in action!
✨Be Tech-Savvy
Brush up on your IT skills, especially if you’ll be using software to market and record service provision. Being comfortable with technology will not only help you in the role but also impress your interviewers.
