At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide therapeutic support to students and contribute to their wellbeing.
- Company: Join a supportive, student-centred team at Streatham & Clapham High School.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, generous pension, and free lunches.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified counsellor or psychotherapist with experience in education.
- Other info: Enjoy excellent career growth opportunities and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
This is a unique opportunity to join a deeply collaborative, student‑centred pastoral team, where your expertise will make a real difference to the wellbeing of our pupils. Working closely with the Assistant Head Pastoral, Safeguarding & DSL and our wider multi‑disciplinary staff, you will provide short‑term, evidence‑based therapeutic support to Senior School pupils through both one‑to‑one and small‑group interventions. You will contribute to our whole‑school approach to wellbeing, playing an active role in staff training, PSHCE provision, and wider pastoral strategy, as well as working in partnership with parents and external agencies to ensure a fully joined‑up approach to pupil welfare.
We are looking for a professionally qualified counsellor or psychotherapist with accreditation (or working towards accreditation) with BACP, UKCP, BAAT, APC or similar. Experience with children or adolescents is essential, ideally within education, along with warmth, excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to safeguarding and mental health. SCHS offers a collaborative, supportive environment with clinical supervision, ongoing CPD and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on pupils' lives.
Streatham & Clapham High School is an independent, academically selective school for girls, aged 3 to 18 with over 870 pupils across the Prep and Senior Schools. The Senior School inhabits a four‑acre site focused on an impressive 1930s building in a delightfully tranquil and leafy oasis of south London.
Benefits:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Generous pension schemes
- Free life assurance benefit
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
- Free lunches for all staff during term time
- Interest free loans for training, computer purchase loans and travel season ticket loans
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- Good transport links
- Competitive terms and conditions of employment
Applications should be received no later than 8:00 on 5 January 2026. Interviews will take place shortly thereafter, though the school reserves the right to appoint an exceptional candidate at any stage of the application process. The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included. We are committed to the safeguarding of children and child protection screening will apply to this post.
School Counsellor employer: The Independent Schools Council
Contact Detail:
The Independent Schools Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Counsellor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education and counselling sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and who knows? They might just have the inside scoop on openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the school’s values and approach to wellbeing. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, and be ready to share specific examples of how you've made a difference in students' lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for student wellbeing! During interviews or networking events, talk about your commitment to safeguarding and mental health. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their pastoral strategy and make a real impact.
✨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 directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace School Counsellor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for supporting students' wellbeing! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially with children or adolescents.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the job description. Highlight your qualifications and experience that align with our needs, particularly your therapeutic skills and commitment to safeguarding.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make your key achievements stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest therapeutic techniques and approaches relevant to school counselling. Brush up on evidence-based practices and be ready to discuss how you’ve applied them in past roles, especially with children and adolescents.
✨Show Your Passion for Wellbeing
Demonstrate your commitment to pupil welfare and mental health during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to a positive school environment or worked collaboratively with staff and parents to support students' wellbeing.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and approach to safeguarding. Think about real-life situations you’ve encountered and how you handled them, focusing on your thought process and outcomes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's pastoral strategies and how they integrate wellbeing into their curriculum. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours.