At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 1:1 support to help a pupil with autism thrive in lessons.
- Company: A 'Good' secondary school in Wednesbury focused on student wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, structured induction, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a student's life while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Degree in Psychology, Education or related field; passion for working with young people.
Want meaningful SEN experience before Educational Psychology or ITT? Provide steady 1:1 support so a pupil with autism can access every lesson.
Immediate start until July 2026
£80 - £101 per day
‘Good’ secondary school, Wednesbury
1:1 support with a student who has Autism
The Role
- You will deliver consistent 1:1 support that makes classroom tasks clear and manageable.
- You will break work into small steps, use visual schedules and now next prompts, and rehearse routines so transitions are predictable.
- Before lessons you will pre‑teach key vocabulary and task demands.
- In class you will model examples, set up checklists and help the pupil plan, start and finish work.
- You will run short sessions to build communication, regulation and study habits, then link gains back into live tasks across English, maths, science and humanities.
- You will keep brief notes after each lesson, update intervention trackers and agree next actions with teachers, Heads of Year and the SENCO so strategies stay consistent across subjects and unstructured times.
- You will follow safeguarding and behaviour procedures and support punctuality, equipment checks and calm lesson entry.
The Candidate & Requirements
- You are calm, observant and clear in your communication.
- You follow plans, act on feedback quickly and help pupils move towards independence.
- Degree, 2:2 or above in Psychology, Education or a closely related field.
- Communication, confident written and spoken English.
- Enhanced DBS, held already or willingness to obtain.
- Desire to work in education/with young people, strong interest in autism and pupil wellbeing.
- Experience with children or young people, such as mentoring, tutoring or school work, is desirable but not essential.
The School
This ‘Good’ Wednesbury secondary keeps lessons purposeful through simple, consistent routines. Departments share sequenced curricula, common assessments and exemplar responses, so your support dovetails with teaching. Reading is reinforced with guided practice and vocabulary work, while maths and science are taught in small, connected steps with regular low‑stakes checks to surface gaps early. The inclusion team runs plan‑do review cycles, provides practical tools such as visuals, timers and checklists, and offers access to regulation spaces when needed. New colleagues receive a structured induction, weekly CPD and regular coaching drop‑ins with precise, usable targets, giving you strong conditions to show impact fast and build evidence for Educational Psychology or teacher training routes.
How to Apply
Apply through the job advert with your CV. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a brief call and an in‑school observation. Roles may close early if filled. Due to the number of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted.
SEN Academic Mentor in Wednesbury employer: The Graduate Network
Join a supportive and dynamic secondary school in Wednesbury, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students with autism through tailored 1:1 mentoring. With a strong focus on professional development, including structured induction and weekly CPD, this 'Good' school fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises pupil wellbeing and academic success. As an SEN Academic Mentor, you will benefit from a clear pathway for growth towards Educational Psychology or teacher training, all while working in an environment that values consistency and innovation in teaching practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEN Academic Mentor in Wednesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before your interview! Check out their website, social media, and any recent news. This will help us tailor our conversation and show that we’re genuinely interested in their approach to SEN.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your skills align with supporting pupils with autism, as this is key for the SEN Academic Mentor role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share specific examples from your experience. Whether it’s mentoring, tutoring, or working with young people, we want to hear how you’ve made a difference and how you can apply that to this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace SEN Academic Mentor in Wednesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience you have with SEN, especially with autism. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills!
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working in education and how you can support pupils with autism. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since clear communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects that. Use concise language and structure your thoughts well. We want to see that you can communicate effectively both in writing and verbally!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it makes the process smoother for us and you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Graduate Network
✨Know Your SEN Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of autism and special educational needs. Familiarise yourself with strategies like visual schedules and task breakdowns, as these will be key in your role. Showing that you understand the specific needs of the pupil will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since clear communication is crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with young people in the past, especially in challenging situations.
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. Share any relevant experiences or insights that highlight your desire to support pupils' wellbeing and independence. This will help convey your commitment to the role and the school’s values.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about how you would handle specific classroom situations, such as helping a pupil transition between tasks or using checklists effectively. Being ready to discuss practical strategies will show that you're not just theoretical but also ready to jump into action.
