Job description
Learning Mentor – Alternative Provision
Location: Bournemouth
Salary: £ - £ per hour (Depending on experience)
Contract: Full-Time | Permanent
Start Date: September 2026
Driving Licence Required
Are you resilient and passionate about supporting young people who need guidance the most?
GSL Education are currently recruiting for a full-time Learning Mentor to join a specialist Alternative Provision in Bournemouth from September. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of secondary-aged students who have faced significant barriers within mainstream education.
The provision supports students who have been permanently excluded from school and require a more personalised, therapeutic, and structured environment to help them re-engage with education. Many students have Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, often linked to adverse childhood experiences, trauma, attachment difficulties, anxiety, behavioural challenges, or disrupted educational journeys.
This is not a traditional classroom-based role. Every day will be different, and successful candidates must be prepared to build strong relationships, remain calm under pressure, and support students through both academic and emotional challenges.
The role will involve working both on-site and off-site, including community-based activities and educational visits, therefore a full UK driving licence is essential.
The Ideal Learning Mentor Will:
• Be patient, resilient, and emotionally intelligent
• Have strong behaviour management skills and the ability to de-escalate challenging situations calmly
• Build positive and trusting relationships with vulnerable young people
• Be adaptable, proactive, and confident working independently and as part of a team
• Understand that behaviour is often a form of communication
• Have a genuine passion for supporting students with SEMH and behavioural needs
Experience:
We welcome applicants with direct school-based experience, but we are also keen to hear from candidates with transferable experience from settings such as:
• Youth Work
• Support Work
• Residential Care
• Mental Health Services
• Sports Coaching
• Behaviour Mentoring
• Prison or Rehabilitation Services
• Armed Forces
• SEN or Alternative Provision Settings
Responsibilities:
• Supporting students on a 1:1 and small group basis
• Managing challenging behaviour in a calm and consistent manner
• Encouraging engagement with learning and personal development
• Supporting students both inside and outside of the classroom
• Acting as a positive role model and mentor
• Assisting with off-site activities and provision-based trips
Why Choose GSL Education?
At GSL Education, we pride ourselves on matching exceptional educators and support staff with the right schools for long-term success. Our experienced consultants have extensive knowledge of the education sector and are committed to providing ongoing support throughout your journey.
This role is due to start in September, with trial days and interviews being arranged over the next couple of weeks.
If you are ready for a rewarding challenge and believe you can positively impact the lives of young people who need support, we would love to hear from you.
Apply now or contact GSL Education to find out more.