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Salary/Grade: NJC SO1 point 21 £37,134 pa pro rata

Hours Per Week: 28 hours 4 days (negotiable at interview)

Weeks Per Year: 38 termtime only

Location: Darrick Wood School

Contract Type: Permanent

We are looking for a qualified counsellor to lead our professional and confidential counselling service to students. The ideal candidate will be registered with a recognised professional body, such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

They will have experience working with young people within a school setting and demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting safe working practices and safeguarding.

The successful candidate will consistently display a positive, calm, and approachable manner when working with both young people and adults. They will possess excellent emotional self-management skills, enabling them to remain professional and effective in challenging situations.

They will be able to build positive, trusting relationships with young people and work in accordance with relevant professional and ethical standards. In addition, they will demonstrate a clear understanding of, and commitment to, implementing agreed school policies and procedures.

Darrick Wood is an oversubscribed and successful 11-18 ten form entry mixed comprehensive academy, housed in modern buildings on an attractive site. The School consistently achieves excellent results and was judged to be ‘good’ in all areas in its OFSTED inspection in May 2024. The School was awarded the World Class Schools Quality Mark in 2015 and again in 2018 and 2021. The School provides excellent opportunities for career development and a full support programme for all new staff. All staff have access to sports facilities, and a private employee assistance programme.

Darrick Wood School is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected.

Closing Date: midday Thursday 16th July 2026

Interviews will be held week commencing Monday 20th July 2026.

Darrick Wood School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; pre-employment checks will be carried out; references will be sought, and successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant checks with statutory bodies.

For more information and to apply, please click here: Lead Student Counsellor at Darrick Wood School, Orpington, Kent | MyNewTerm

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