At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in overcoming barriers to learning and promote positive behaviour.
- Company: Kelso High School, a collaborative environment focused on student success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Standard Grades or equivalent, including English and Maths.
The predicted salary is between 18271 - 19769 £ per year.
Grade: 5A
Hours: 27.5
Salary: £18,271.21 - £19,769.91 per annum
Hourly Rate: £14.75 - £15.96
Contract Duration: Permanent
Interviews will be held week commencing 15th June 2026.
Role Purpose
Kelso High School is one of nine secondary schools in the Scottish Borders, serving learners aged 11 to 18. In our 2025/26 academic year, the school has an enrolment of 555 learners. Our dedicated and highly skilled teaching and support staff bring a diverse range of experiences, fostering a collaborative environment where staff can learn from each other and enhance the overall quality of teaching and learning for our learners—a key focus of improvement at KHS. We believe that Career-Long Professional Learning is crucial to our school's success, and we are proud of our positive approach to this at all levels. As an Apple Distinguished School, Kelso High School provides every student with a 1:1 device, integrating technology into their learning experience.
Global responsibilities:
- Deal with enquiries related to young people, promote parental engagement and improve links between young people, parents and staff;
- Contribute to raising standards of achievement and attainment;
- Provide assistance and support to young people to overcome barriers to learning and participation across the school;
- Contribute to the achievement of educational objectives and standards;
- Promote the values of Jedburgh Grammar Campus and Ancrum Primary School;
- Focus on restorative approaches, arranging and managing restorative meetings to be carried out between children/young people and/or staff;
- Promote positive behaviour;
- Respond and listen to children and young people;
- Provide support to Pastoral PTs and SLT, including admin support such as taking minutes of Meetings Around the Child;
- Liaise with all school staff and other professionals to collate information around the progress of the children and young people;
- Administer minor first aid for children and young people.
Responsibilities for allocated children and young people:
- Provide universal and targeted support by being the first point of contact for children and young people on issues such as behaviour or attendance, including daily attendance checks;
- Communicating with families regarding attendance, timekeeping etc.;
- Triage the support for children, young people, staff and parents/carers to ensure the most appropriate person deals with the issue and investigate incidents as appropriate;
- Promote the wearing of school uniform and make appropriate interventions;
- Gather reports from Seemis for meetings around the child/young people e.g. attendance, referrals;
- Liaise with Pastoral PTs/SLT in all aspects of their work;
- Keep accurate records and take minutes of meetings;
- Work with Pastoral PTs/SLT to monitor behaviour/attendance and share this information with parents/carers;
- Record relevant information within Seemis management information system.
Essential
4 Standard Grades or equivalent (General level 3 or above) including English and Maths.
Informal Enquiries
Informal enquiries may be made to Tom Angus by telephone on 01573 227440 or by email at tom.angus@scotborders.gov.uk.
Scottish Borders Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010. In particular from candidates who assess themselves as having a disability, under the Disability Confident Employer scheme this guarantees an interview to those individuals who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.
Scottish Borders Council is committed to providing support for Armed Forces Veterans. Showing its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, the Council guarantees an interview to veterans who meet the essential criteria of the post. All appointments will be made on merit.
Pastoral Support Assistant - Kelso High School - SBO10055 employer: Scottish Borders Council
Kelso High School is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment for its staff. With a strong emphasis on Career-Long Professional Learning, employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills while contributing to the success of our learners. Located in the picturesque Scottish Borders, the school offers unique advantages such as a commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all staff feel valued and supported in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Support Assistant - Kelso High School - SBO10055
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Kelso High School, its values, and its community. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local education events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you'd handle specific scenarios related to pastoral support. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Support Assistant - Kelso High School - SBO10055
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Pastoral Support Assistant. We want to see how you can contribute to our school community!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through in your written application. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to helping students overcome barriers to learning.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and motivations for applying.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you on the path to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Borders Council
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Pastoral Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the school's values and how they align with your own approach to supporting young people. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations where you've successfully supported young people or dealt with challenging behaviour. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will demonstrate your practical experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Show genuine interest in the school and its community during the interview. Ask thoughtful questions about their approach to pastoral care and how they measure success. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
As a Pastoral Support Assistant, effective communication is key. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with students, parents, and staff. Share examples of how you've successfully communicated in previous roles, especially in sensitive situations.