Sixth Form Learning Mentor

About the role

ob description

• To provide high-quality academic, pastoral and enrichment support to Sixth Form students, helping them to develop the knowledge, skills, confidence and independence required to achieve their academic potential and progress successfully to university, employment, apprenticeships or further education.

• The postholder will provide targeted mentoring for students, supervise and promote purposeful independent study within the Sixth Form Study Centre, and coordinate an effective programme of external speakers and enrichment opportunities that broaden students’ experiences, aspirations and understanding of future pathways.

• To contribute to the overall ethos, work and aims of the Academy.

• Provide regular mentoring and pastoral support to identified Sixth Form students.

• Develop positive, professional relationships with students and act as a consistent source of guidance and encouragement.

• To be aware of students' academic progress, attendance, punctuality, behaviour and engagement.

• To work with the Head of Year to be aware of students who are underachieving, disengaged or at risk of not meeting their targets and to assist in providing appropriate early intervention.

• To help students to take responsibility for their learning, organisation, attendance and future destinations.

• Support students in developing effective study habits, revision strategies, time management and independent learning skills.

• Liaise with subject teachers, tutors, the Sixth Form team and parents/carers where appropriate to support individual students.

• Contribute to intervention plans for students requiring additional academic or pastoral support.

• Support students in developing confidence, resilience and the skills required for successful transition beyond Sixth Form.

• Maintain appropriate records of mentoring meetings, interventions and student progress.

• Follow safeguarding procedures and report concerns promptly in line with school policy.

B. Study Centre Supervisor

• Provide a calm, purposeful and supportive environment in the Sixth Form Study Centre.

• Supervise students during directed study periods.

• Promote a strong culture of independent learning, high expectations and academic engagement.

• Ensure students use directed study time productively and appropriately.

• Support students to organise their workload and prioritise tasks where appropriate.

• Encourage students to use appropriate study strategies, resources and revision materials.

• Monitor attendance and engagement within the Study Centre and report concerns to the Sixth Form team.

• Challenge low-level disruption, poor engagement or inappropriate use of study time in line with school expectations.

• Support students in accessing appropriate academic resources and online learning platforms.

• Encourage students to develop the independence and self-discipline required for successful study at Level 3 and beyond.

• Maintain an orderly, welcoming and productive study environment.

• Work with Sixth Form leaders to identify patterns in attendance, engagement and use of directed study and contribute to appropriate interventions.

• Plan and coordinate a programme of external speakers and enrichment opportunities for Sixth Form students.

• Identify speakers and organisations that complement the Sixth Form curriculum, careers programme and students' future aspirations.

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with external organisations, employers, universities, apprenticeship providers, training providers and other relevant partners.

• Arrange dates, times, venues and practical requirements for external speakers.

• Ensure appropriate safeguarding and school procedures are followed when organising external visitors.

• Coordinate communication with staff and students regarding upcoming events.

• Ensure students understand the purpose and relevance of each speaker or enrichment activity.

• Maintain an annual calendar of external speakers, enrichment activities and opportunities.

• Seek opportunities that broaden students' knowledge of careers, higher education, apprenticeships, employment and different pathways.

• Ensure enrichment opportunities reflect the interests, aspirations and needs of the Sixth Form cohort.

• Gather student feedback following events and use this to inform future planning.

• Maintain an appropriate record of speakers, organisations, attendance and student feedback.

• Work closely with the Sixth Form and Careers teams to avoid duplication and maximise the impact of enrichment opportunities.

The postholder will contribute to the Sixth Form's wider systems for:

• improving attendance and punctuality;

• identifying underachievement at an early stage;

• supporting disadvantaged and SEND students to overcome barriers to learning;

• developing students' independence and study skills;

• raising academic aspirations;

• supporting successful applications to university, apprenticeships, employment and further education;

• developing students' employability and wider personal skills;

• preparing students for successful destinations.

• Work collaboratively with the Director of Sixth Form, Sixth Form team, tutors, curriculum leaders, teachers and careers staff.

• Communicate effectively with parents/carers when required.

• Build productive relationships with external organisations and speakers.

• Attend relevant meetings and contribute to the evaluation and development of Sixth Form provision.

• Share relevant information about student progress, attendance, engagement and welfare with appropriate staff.

• Contribute to a consistent approach to expectations, behaviour and student support across the Sixth Form.

This is not an exhaustive list of duties; they may be varied from time to time without changing the general character of the job or the level of responsibility. A high degree of flexibility and adaptability is an important element of this role.

The duties and responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present. This role will be reviewed annually as part of the performance appraisal process and the post holder is expected to accept any reasonable alterations that may from time to time be necessary.

Westfield Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children and Young people. To meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Person specification