Behaviour Support Assistant – Secondary School | Portsmouth Full-Time | Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 3:30pm | Term Time Only Permanent Opportunity Available for the Right Candidate GSL Education are working in partnership with a welcoming and forward-thinking secondary school in Portsmouth to recruit a resilient and dedicated Behaviour Support Assistant to join their pastoral team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people, particularly those who require additional behavioural and emotional support within a school setting. About the School The school is a well-established secondary setting that places a strong emphasis on inclusion, student wellbeing, and personal development. Staff work collaboratively to create a safe, structured and supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally. With a proactive pastoral system and a strong leadership team, the school is committed to improving outcomes for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and those who present with challenging behaviour. Staff benefit from a supportive culture, regular professional development opportunities, and a genuine focus on staff wellbeing and retention. The Role As a Behaviour Support Assistant, you will be a key member of the pastoral team, working closely with students, teachers, and senior leaders to support positive behaviour and emotional regulation across the school. Your responsibilities will include: Supporting students with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour on a 1:1 and small group basis De-escalating incidents and implementing effective behaviour management strategies Working closely with the pastoral team to monitor behaviour patterns and interventions Supporting reintegration of students back into lessons following incidents Building strong, trusting relationships with vulnerable students to promote engagement and progress Assisting in the creation and implementation of behaviour and support plans Acting as a positive role model and promoting the school’s values at all times Liaising with teachers and safeguarding teams where appropriate About You We are looking for someone who is: Resilient, calm, and confident when dealing with challenging behaviour Experienced working with young people (school-based experience is ideal, but transferable experience from youth work, sports coaching, residential care, or similar settings will be considered) Passionate about supporting students who face barriers to learning Strong in communication and relationship-building Able to remain professional and consistent in high-pressure situations Committed to safeguarding and student wellbeing What’s on Offer Full-time, stable position (Monday to Friday, term time only) Opportunity for a permanent contract for the right candidate Clear progression routes within the school and wider trust Supportive and experienced pastoral team Ongoing training and development opportunities The chance to make a genuine impact every day Why Work with GSL Education? At GSL Education, we pride ourselves on matching the right educators and support staff to the right schools, ensuring long-term success for both candidates and settings. Our consultants have extensive experience within education and provide hands-on support throughout the entire recruitment process. From your initial application through to your first day in school and beyond, you’ll have a dedicated consultant guiding and supporting you every step of the way. If you are a resilient, committed individual looking to take the next step in a rewarding pastoral role, we would love to hear from you.