At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' transition, progress, and welfare in a vibrant college environment.
- Company: Join WQE, a thriving Sixth Form College near the University of Leicester.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a passion for helping students succeed.
- Other info: Fixed-term, full-time role during term-time, starting August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 21659 - 26666 £ per year.
Working hours: Fixed term, Full-time, Term-time
£24,953 to £26,666. The actual starting salary is £21,659.
Thank you for your interest in this post at WQE. We believe that this is a particularly exciting time to be joining us, offering a real opportunity to make a difference in this thriving and vibrant Sixth Form College. We strive for excellence in all aspects of our work with students; their academic and wider achievements, their learning experiences, the support they receive in their academic progress, their learning environment, and their wider experience of College life.
The College operates across two closely located campuses, next to the University of Leicester on University Road and a smaller campus at Regent Road. The College is seeking to recruit a Specialist Support Mentor to join the Welfare and Skills team. The successful applicant will focus on supporting students and will play a key part in supporting successful student transition, progress, and welfare.
The Welfare and Skills team work closely with students to remove barriers to learning and progression. The team consists of specialist groups of staff working with students who have a broad variety of needs, including additional learning support, medical needs, and others. You would be joining a highly motivated, student-focused team that is strategically supporting the agenda of improving student progress and welfare.
This post, which is conditional upon funding being secured, is a 1-year fixed-term, full-time during term-time contract commencing 18th August 2025, with a competitive salary on the SFCA support pay spine. The salary banding for this post will be 7 – 10, ranging from £24,953 to £26,666 per annum (pro rata). The actual starting salary for this post is £21,659 but may be negotiated based on experience.
We offer an exceptional package of benefits, including:
- Annual incremental pay increases, linked to performance, within the pay scale range
- Pension – Automatic enrolment into the Teachers’ Pension scheme with 28.68% employer contribution or into the Local Government Pension Scheme for support staff (if applicable), one of the most competitive on the market with an employer contribution of above 20% in most cases
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Continual Professional Development
- On-site parking
Our active and enthusiastic staff wellbeing group meets regularly and is committed to enhancing life at work, fostering a strong sense of community, offering wider opportunities, and providing mutual support in our workplace.
Please do not submit a separate CV. Only information on the application form will be used in the selection process. To apply, complete our Application Form, Personal Details, and Equal Opportunities Form, available on our Vacancies page.
Completed applications must be submitted by 10 pm on Sunday, 15th June 2025. Interviews will be held on Monday, 23rd June 2025. Full details will be emailed to candidates.
Thank you again for considering joining our team at WQE and for your application if you decide this is the right step for you.
University Road Campus University Road Leicester LE1 7RJ
Contact Detail:
WQE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SPECIALIST SUPPORT MENTOR (3 x 1 YEAR FIXED TERM POSITIONS AVAILABLE)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students at WQE. Research the types of barriers to learning that students may face and think about how you can support them effectively. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Connect with current or former staff members from the Welfare and Skills team, if possible. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and the challenges faced in supporting students, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in supporting diverse student needs. Think of specific examples where you've successfully helped individuals overcome challenges, as this will showcase your capability and commitment to student welfare.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on educational trends and best practices in student support. Being knowledgeable about current methods and strategies will not only impress during interviews but also show your dedication to continuous professional development in the field.
We think you need these skills to ace SPECIALIST SUPPORT MENTOR (3 x 1 YEAR FIXED TERM POSITIONS AVAILABLE)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Specialist Support Mentor position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role.
Complete the Application Form: Make sure to fill out the application form accurately and completely. Since only the information on this form will be used in the selection process, it's crucial to provide detailed responses that showcase your qualifications.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any previous experience you have in supporting students or working in educational settings. Mention specific examples of how you've helped students overcome barriers to learning.
Check Submission Guidelines: Before submitting your application, double-check the submission guidelines. Ensure that you submit your application by the deadline of 10 pm on Sunday, 15th June 2025, and follow any specific instructions provided in the job listing.
How to prepare for a job interview at WQE
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Specialist Support Mentor. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the role, particularly in supporting students with diverse needs.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Education
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for working in an educational environment. Share examples of how you've positively impacted students' learning experiences or supported their welfare in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to support students. Think of specific situations where you successfully helped students overcome challenges and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of challenges students face, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the college.