Psychology, Arts and Education Graduates

Graduate Opportunities in Schools Across Leeds

Psychology, Drama & Education Graduates, your skills belong in the classroom. Finished uni and not quite ready for a desk job that involves endless spreadsheets and sad meal deals? If you’re someone who connects well with people, stays calm under pressure, and wants work that actually means something, schools across Leeds are looking for graduates like you right now.

At Protocol Education, we’re supporting primary and secondary schools in finding brilliant graduates to work alongside pupils who need extra encouragement, structure, and support throughout the school day. These roles are ideal if you’re curious about careers in teaching, psychology, youth work, mental health, SEND, counselling, or pastoral support, and want proper school experience before taking the next step.

What could your day look like? One day you might be helping a pupil settle into class after a difficult morning. Another, you could be running creative activities, supporting emotional regulation, or helping a student rediscover confidence in learning. You’ll become the person pupils rely on. The calm face in the room. The steady encouragement that helps things click.

Roles include:

• SEND Teaching Assistant
• Behaviour Support Assistant
• Learning Mentor
• Classroom Support Assistant
• Pastoral Support Workers

The details:

• Leeds
• Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm
• Flexible start dates available
• Full-time and long-term opportunities

Why your degree actually matters here:

• Psychology Graduates: You already understand that behaviour communicates something deeper. Schools value graduates who can build trust, support emotional wellbeing, and approach challenges thoughtfully rather than reactively.
• Education Studies Graduates: You’ve spent years learning how children develop and engage with learning. Now’s your chance to put that knowledge into practice in real classrooms, with real pupils, and real impact.
• Drama & Performing Arts Graduates: Creative graduates absolutely thrive in schools. Your confidence, communication skills, and ability to think on your feet can completely change how a young person experiences learning. Sometimes the best behaviour support starts with connection, energy, humour, and making pupils feel understood.

You’ll probably suit this role if you:

• Have a degree in Psychology, Education, Drama, Performing Arts, or a similar subject
• Enjoy working with children or young people
• Are patient, approachable, and resilient
• Can build positive relationships naturally
• Want experience that feels meaningful and genuinely useful for future careers

No formal teaching assistant qualifications needed.

What you’ll get from Protocol Education:

• Weekly PAYE pay, no umbrella companies involved
• Free CPD and subsidised SEND courses like Team Teach
• Knowledgeable consultants who actually get to know you
• Access to roles in mainstream schools, SEND settings, and alternative provisions
• Ongoing support throughout placements
• Experience that opens doors into teaching, educational psychology, counselling, social work, and more

And if you’re not Thrive trained yet, chat to us about our free Thrive training options. Schools love graduates who understand emotionally aware and trauma-informed approaches, and it’s a brilliant skill to add to your toolkit.

If you’re looking for work where you can learn fast, build confidence, and make a genuine difference before 3:30pm rolls around, this could be exactly what you’ve been searching for.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance “Keeping Children Safe in Education”, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants. We offer online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all workers. All candidates must undertake a valid enhanced DBS check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Full assistance provided.

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