At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver engaging life skills and vocational learning to support young people's development.
- Company: Specialist SEMH school in Horley with a focus on personal growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Small class sizes and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while building trust and relationships.
- Qualifications: Open to qualified and unqualified candidates with a passion for mentoring.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 28000 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Vocational Tutor / Instructor to join a specialist SEMH school in Horley, supporting teenage boys who require a practical, relationship‑led approach to education. This is a fantastic opportunity for both qualified teachers and unqualified instructors/tutors who have the ability to engage young people, build positive relationships, and develop the life skills needed for success beyond school.
The school follows the Kings Trust Curriculum, placing a strong emphasis on personal development, employability, independence, resilience, and preparing students for adulthood alongside academic learning. Due to the school's location, a driving licence and access to a vehicle is highly desirable, as public transport access can be challenging.
The Role
As a Vocational Tutor, you will deliver engaging practical and life‑skills‑based learning to small groups of students aged 11–16. The focus is less on traditional classroom teaching and more on helping young people develop confidence, aspirations, employability skills, and positive attitudes towards learning. You will work closely with pastoral staff, teachers, and therapists to support students who may have experienced barriers to education, helping them re‑engage and achieve positive outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver vocational, practical, and life‑skills‑based learning activities
- Support students to develop employability, communication, and independence skills
- Build positive, trusting relationships with young people
- Act as a mentor and positive role model
- Support students with SEMH, behavioural, and additional learning needs
- Encourage engagement, confidence, resilience, and personal growth
- Contribute to personalised learning plans and EHCP outcomes
- Work collaboratively with teaching, pastoral, and therapy teams
- Create a safe, structured, and motivating learning environment
The Ideal Candidate
This role would suit:
- Qualified Teachers looking for a more personalised teaching environment
- Unqualified Teachers, Tutors, Instructors, Coaches, or Mentors
- Youth Workers, Support Workers, or Behaviour Mentors
- Candidates with vocational, trade, or practical skills backgrounds (e.g., Sports coaches or Physical education experience)
- Individuals passionate about supporting vulnerable young people
You will be:
- An excellent relationship‑builder
- Calm, resilient, and patient
- Creative and adaptable in your approach
- Focused on developing life skills as well as educational outcomes
Why Apply?
- Permanent full‑time opportunity
- Small class sizes and high staff‑to‑student ratios
- Opportunity to make a genuine difference to young people's futures
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Career progression opportunities within specialist education
- Highly rewarding role where relationships and outcomes matter
Vocational Tutor for SEMH: Life Skills & Mentoring in Horley employer: NextGen Teachers
NextGen Teachers is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture in the heart of Horsham. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ongoing training and development opportunities to help our staff excel in their roles. Join us to make a meaningful impact on students' lives while enjoying the benefits of a fulfilling career in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Vocational Tutor for SEMH: Life Skills & Mentoring in Horley
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like NextGen Teachers just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at NextGen Teachers. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Vocational Tutor for SEMH: Life Skills & Mentoring in Horley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Vocational Tutor for SEMH: Life Skills & Mentoring role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At NextGen Teachers, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at NextGen Teachers
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at NextGen Teachers, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At NextGen Teachers, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
