At a Glance
- Tasks: Mentor students and guide them through education options and university applications.
- Company: Join a mission-driven organisation supporting under-resourced students to access top universities.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, wellbeing days, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help them achieve their dreams.
- Qualifications: Experience in mentoring, excellent organisation skills, and strong communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 29227 - 29227 € per year.
Location: London/Hybrid
Hours: Full-Time
Contract: Permanent (there is also a separate vacancy for a Maternity Cover for a 12 month Fixed Term Contract available)
Salary: £29,227.50 per annum (including London Weighting)
Closing Date: 21st May 2026
Interviews: June 2026
About the Role
You will be responsible for mentoring young people, delivering a programme in partnership with school leaders. Students enrolled on the programme receive expert support from the University Access Officers, who guide pupils through their education options, university applications and student life topics such as navigating student finance. Mentorship helps students make decisions about their education choices, develop their university applications, and prepare for life ahead. 83% of students say that one-to-one meetings with their mentors have improved their independence to pursue academic interests and 92% of our students feel that the workshops have motivated them to attend a top university.
Key responsibilities
- Working in up to 4 schools between Monday and Thursday, and working from home on Friday.
- Proactively building relationships with school staff to ensure their cooperation and timely completion of activities, enabling effective communication to contribute to the smooth running of the programmes.
- Using your excellent organisation and time management skills to deliver multiple programmes and projects at pace and manage administration accurately.
- Demonstrate your communication skills and ability to influence impactfully at all levels.
We are recruiting several permanent Officer roles, which will be based in schools across London and the West Midlands. This is a great opportunity to be part of a great team of colleagues supporting you along the way with weekly team meetings and team training sessions to develop your skills. Share your ideas and make a difference to the programme and help young people achieve social mobility!
About You
Key skills for this role include:
- Experience of mentoring groups of students and 1:1.
- Excellent organisation and time management skills.
- Experience of delivering multiple programmes and projects at pace and manage administration accurately.
- Able to communicate and influence impactfully at all levels.
- Resilient and adaptable.
- Able to work towards and meet deadlines with a problem‑solving mindset.
- Able to effectively time manage and actively prioritise.
- Able to work independently, in busy school environments, with an ownership mindset.
- Skilled in building and maintaining excellent relationships with young people and school staff/leaders.
- Good sense of attention to detail.
- Can demonstrate an ability to take action to keep young people safe and raise concerns.
About the Organisation
Join an organisation whose mission is to support students from under‑resourced backgrounds to access top universities, through a unique combination of tuition and in‑school mentoring.
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave p.a. (pro rata) plus Bank Holidays and 5 Winter closure days.
- PerkBox and Employee Assistance Programme.
- Online Medical assistance.
- Interest‑free travelcard loans.
- Cyclescheme loans.
- Paid wellbeing day and 2 paid Volunteering Days.
- Employer's pensions contributions (3%).
- CPD options in line with L&D programme.
- Staff Mentoring scheme.
As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. If you believe you have most of the skills to fulfil the role we encourage you to apply. Amongst staff at the organisation, there is under‑representation of people who are Black, Asian or people from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled, care‑experienced, from low socio‑economic backgrounds, and who are LGBTQIA+. We also particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience in reference to the mission. As a proud to be a Level 1 Disability Confident employer, if you require any reasonable adjustments please contact us. Please note, if you are selected for appointment to the role, you will be subject to a DBS check.
Student Support Officer employer: THE ACCESS PROJECT
Join a dynamic organisation dedicated to empowering students from under-resourced backgrounds to access top universities. With a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development, including CPD options and a mentoring scheme, employees enjoy a fulfilling career while making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. Located in London, this role offers a hybrid working model, generous annual leave, and unique benefits such as paid volunteering days, ensuring a balanced and rewarding work experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education or mentoring roles. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to mentoring and student support. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping students! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in students' lives. It’s all about that personal touch.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Student Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Mentoring:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for mentoring young people. Share any relevant experiences you've had in guiding students or working in educational settings. We want to know how you can inspire and support them!
Highlight Your Organisation Skills:This role requires excellent organisation and time management skills. Make sure to mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects or programmes in the past. We love a good story about juggling tasks like a pro!
Communicate Clearly and Impactfully:Your written application should reflect your communication skills. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from showcasing your ability to influence others. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can connect with students and school staff alike!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re keen on being part of our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE ACCESS PROJECT
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Student Support Officer inside out. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around mentoring and supporting students through their education options. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully mentored or supported students. Highlight how you built relationships, influenced decisions, and helped them navigate challenges. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with young people and school staff effectively.
✨Time Management is Key
Since this role involves juggling multiple programmes across different schools, be ready to discuss your time management strategies. Share specific techniques you use to stay organised and meet deadlines, as this will show that you can handle the pace of the job.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
Think of scenarios where you've faced challenges in a mentoring or educational setting. Be prepared to discuss how you approached these situations and what solutions you implemented. This will highlight your resilience and adaptability, which are crucial for this role.
