At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in lessons, provide 1:1 help, and assist teachers.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking secondary academy with strong values.
- Benefits: Full training, mentoring, and potential for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference while gaining valuable classroom experience.
- Qualifications: Degree in any subject; no prior school experience needed.
- Other info: Immediate start with a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Location: Smethwick
Contract: Full-time | Long-term (until July, with potential to extend)
Smile Education is working in partnership with a high-performing and forward-thinking secondary academy in Smethwick, part of a well-established Multi-Academy Trust in the West Midlands. The school is known for its strong values of innovation, collaboration and inspiring young people, as well as its commitment to staff development and wellbeing.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Graduate Academic Coach to gain valuable, hands-on experience in a secondary school setting. No prior school or teaching experience is required — full training and ongoing support will be provided. This role is ideal for graduates considering a future career in teaching, education, pastoral support, educational psychology or youth work, or anyone seeking a rewarding role where they can make a genuine difference.
About the role
- Support students within lessons across a range of subjects
- Provide 1:1 and small-group support to help students engage and progress
- Assist teachers with classroom routines and behaviour support
- Cover lessons when required, following pre-prepared work
- Support students with organisation, confidence and learning habits
- Work closely with teaching and pastoral teams to support student success
This is a full-time role starting immediately, running until the end of the academic year (July), with potential for extension or progression within the school or trust.
Why this is a great opportunity
- No previous school experience required
- Full training, mentoring and ongoing support
- Long-term, stable role in one school
- Excellent experience for graduates considering teacher training
- Opportunity to work across multiple subjects and year groups
- Supportive, inclusive school environment with a strong team ethos
- Immediate start available
Who we’re looking for
- Hold a degree in any subject
- Are confident, positive and reliable
- Enjoy working with young people and building relationships
- Are flexible and happy to support across different lessons and subjects
- Are keen to learn, develop and gain classroom experience
This role would suit graduates or individuals with experience in:
- Tutoring, mentoring or academic support
- Youth work, childcare or pastoral roles
- Sports coaching or training roles
- University-based student support roles
- Customer-facing or people-focused careers
- Or graduates looking for a stepping stone into teaching
Requirements
- Enhanced DBS check (can be processed if required)
- Full-time availability preferred
- Strong communication skills and a proactive approach
Apply today. Interviews and trial days are being arranged immediately, and early applications are strongly encouraged.
We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.
Graduate Coach employer: Smile Education Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Smile Education Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Coach
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work at schools or academies. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews like a pro! Research the school’s values and ethos, and think about how you can contribute to their mission. Practise common interview questions and have some examples ready that showcase your skills and passion for working with young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance! We’re all about making the process smooth and straightforward. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and get back to you quicker!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Coach
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Graduate Academic Coach role. Highlight any relevant experience working with young people or in educational settings, even if it's informal.
Craft a Personal Statement: Use your personal statement to showcase your passion for education and working with students. Share why you want to be a Graduate Academic Coach and how you can contribute to the school's values of innovation and collaboration.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smile Education Recruitment
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to research the school's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to innovation and collaboration will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for. Show them that you share their passion for inspiring young people!
✨Prepare Examples of Your Experience
Even if you don’t have direct teaching experience, think about times when you've worked with young people or in supportive roles. Prepare specific examples that highlight your ability to build relationships and support others. This will demonstrate your suitability for the Graduate Academic Coach position.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Learning
Since this role is ideal for graduates considering a future in education, express your eagerness to learn and develop. Talk about how you’re looking forward to the training and mentoring opportunities. This shows that you’re proactive and ready to grow within the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, the team you'll be working with, or how success is measured in the role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.