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United Learning is a unique group of independent and state schools working together to achieve the best in everyone. Our vision is to provide excellent education so that all young people are able to make a success of their lives and, if we are to realise this vision, we need to make sure we attract, develop and reward the key ingredient – you.

Job Introduction

We seek a motivated, committed and caring individual to the role of Student Support Officer. We want the best for our students and the person in this role will support young people so that they can overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. This is through one to one support and intervention as well as through group activities in and beyond the school day. Experience and knowledge of child protection and safeguarding would be an advantage but training will be given.

We know that outstanding Student Support Officers have transferable skills and are confident and effective in all aspects of their role, but we also recognise that you will need support and challenge so that you can grow to be the best you can be – we will make this happen.

You will relate to the Academy’s ethos of “the best in everyone” and enjoy working with a rich, diverse group of young people in a dynamic and vibrant learning environment. Walthamstow Academy is sponsored by United Learning. As part of the largest group of Academies and independent schools, we offer outstanding professional development and career progression across both the maintained and independent sector.

To conclude, we need someone who is passionate about making a difference.

Main Responsibilities

Meet with students who may have self-referred or who have been referred for emotional, psychological and other needs, including but not only; depression, eating disorders, bullying, family issues, sexual health concerns, relationship issues, drug and alcohol abuse
Liaise with outside agencies, especially social services for support, referral and follow up with students in need at the direction of the Designated Safeguarding Lead
Undertake assessments, making appropriate recommendations, which may include referral of complex cases to an external agency
Attend core and strategy meetings with students under Child Protection

Working for us

Walthamstow Academy opened its impressive new building in 2006 and since then we have achieved excellent results both at GCSE and at A Level. In 2024, Walthamstow Academy students achieved a Progress 8 score of 0.49. At A-Level, our students achieve excellently with many of them progressing to Russell Group institutions. Because we are so successful, the school is now full and oversubscribed on first choices alone.

We do not achieve these results by accident. At Walthamstow Academy, we believe in the best in everyone. We have a relentless focus on high expectations and aim to identify barriers to success and provide necessary support as quickly as possible to ensure our students achieve. We do not accept excuses and always strive for the best.

The Academy is proud of its multi-cultural character, and we celebrate the diversity of heritage in our community. 90% of our students are from minority ethnic groups, many coming from African, Caribbean, Eastern European, Turkish and Pakistani communities. Within the community served by the Academy there is social and economic disadvantage with 35% of students being eligible for Pupil Premium. Almost 60% have a first language other than English and a significant number have low levels of literacy on entry. Many students enter the Academy with low levels of attainment and the staff work hard to add value to their performance. Standards across the Academy are above national averages in most subjects.

The Academy is located close to the North Circular Road, M11 and both Blackhorse Road and Walthamstow Central underground stations from where it takes about half an hour to get into central London. The Academy is situated in a part of London where property prices are still relatively inexpensive and within easy access of Epping Forest, the Lee Valley and rural Hertfordshire and Essex.

Walthamstow Academy has achieved the CPLD Gold Award in recognition of our investment in professional development, because we know that without our wonderful staff, what we have achieved would not be possible, so thank you for your interest in coming to work with us. It starts with someone like you believing you can contribute further to our community.

What we Offer

Here at Walthamstow Academy, we are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued and appreciated and this includes your employee benefits.

Westfield Health Cash Plan, available to all staff after 6 months service, providing you with access to 24/7 virtual GP consultations, quick access to specialist health services and the facility to claim back some of the cost of services and treatments you may currently be paying for yourself. Dependent children (up to the age of 22) are also covered as standard with an option to upgrade the level of cover or add other adult family members for an additional cost.

We recognise that flexible working has a key role to play in attracting, retaining, developing and rewarding outstanding members of staff. We are committed to encouraging and enabling flexible working opportunities at Walthamstow Academy.

We work with Westfield Health Rewards to offer you over 250 exclusive benefits, all through their easy-to-access platform and app. Featuring a huge range of perks, from discounted cinema tickets and holidays, to money off meals out at restaurants nationwide, and savings on food, technology and clothes shopping.

Discounted Gym Memberships through Westfield Health Rewards, you can access a range of gym membership discounts at over 3000 sites across the country. We also provide free use of our school gym 24/7 with weekly participation of sporting tournaments on offer. We also have our own gym in the academy!

Cycle2Work Scheme provides you with a bicycle and equipment such as lights, locks and panniers so that you can cycle to work and in your spare time! As this is a salary sacrifice scheme, you can save money through income tax and NI deductions.

Car Lease Scheme, as a Group, we have partnered with SG Fleet to launch the Novalease scheme for all staff, providing you with access to great discounts on car leasing through a direct debit scheme. You can also exchange a portion of your gross salary in return for any lower CO2 emission car of your choice.

We want to ensure staff wellbeing is at the forefront of the Academy and all members of staff feel valued and appreciated therefore in addition to other benefits we offer 1 Paid Personal Day to all members of staff per year.

Salary range

£34,000 - £37,000 per year