Pupil Support Worker - Harbour Future Skills
| Posting date: | 08 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 02 March 2026 |
| Location: | Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 8RA |
| Company: | Teaching Vacancies |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | e2a01ea4-24f8-4009-8751-61507e1bedf1 |
Summary
What skills and experience we're looking for
You might be a Learning Support Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Youth Worker, Behaviour Support Worker or someone with relevant experience in education, care or mental health support.
You’ll bring:
• A calm, patient and nurturing approach
• Confidence supporting young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs
• Strong communication skills and a genuine belief in second chances
• The ability to stay steady when things are challenging – and warm when they’re hard
Formal qualifications are welcome, but the right attitude, empathy and commitment matter most.
What the school offers its staff
• Be part of a supportive, values-driven team
• Make a tangible difference in young people’s lives – every single day
• Access ongoing training, supervision and professional development
• Work in a setting that understands behaviour as communication, not defiance
Further details about the role
Pupil Support Worker –Harbour Future Skills –Highbury College/The Harbour School
Grade D: £25,583 – £26,403 per annum; actual salary £21,893 – £22,594 for term time only
37 hours per week, Permanent
Access to a car and UK driving licence with business insurance essential
Making change where it matters most
Some students don’t struggle because they don’t want to learn.They struggle because learning hasn’t always felt safe, predictable, or possible.
We’re looking for a compassionate, resilient and emotionally intelligent Pupil Support Worker to work alongside young people with SEMH, anxiety and communication needs – supporting them to re-engage with education, build confidence, and take meaningful steps into college life.
This is not a “sit at the back of the classroom” role.It’s about relationships, trust, consistency – and belief.
About the role
You’ll play a vital part in helping students attend, settle and succeed at Highbury College. From supporting travel training and transition visits, to calmly guiding learning in the classroom, you’ll help create the structure and reassurance that allows young people to thrive.
You’ll work closely with teachers, families and external professionals to support students who may have experienced barriers to mainstream education – helping them feel safe, included and capable again.
What you’ll be doing
• Supporting students with SEMH, anxiety and social communication needs to engage positively with learning
• Helping students transition into college life through tailored support, visual aids and 1:1 guidance
• Building trusting, respectful relationships that promote independence, self-esteem and positive behaviour
• Supporting learning activities, assessments and progress tracking under teacher guidance
• Encouraging attendance, participation and confident use of ICT
• Managing challenging or distressed behaviour calmly, consistently and compassionately
• Working collaboratively with parents, carers and multi-agency professionals
• Contributing to a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student is valued
Commitment to safeguarding
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) check is required for this post prior to commencement. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.
You might be a Learning Support Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Youth Worker, Behaviour Support Worker or someone with relevant experience in education, care or mental health support.
You’ll bring:
• A calm, patient and nurturing approach
• Confidence supporting young people with complex emotional and behavioural needs
• Strong communication skills and a genuine belief in second chances
• The ability to stay steady when things are challenging – and warm when they’re hard
Formal qualifications are welcome, but the right attitude, empathy and commitment matter most.
What the school offers its staff
• Be part of a supportive, values-driven team
• Make a tangible difference in young people’s lives – every single day
• Access ongoing training, supervision and professional development
• Work in a setting that understands behaviour as communication, not defiance
Further details about the role
Pupil Support Worker –Harbour Future Skills –Highbury College/The Harbour School
Grade D: £25,583 – £26,403 per annum; actual salary £21,893 – £22,594 for term time only
37 hours per week, Permanent
Access to a car and UK driving licence with business insurance essential
Making change where it matters most
Some students don’t struggle because they don’t want to learn.They struggle because learning hasn’t always felt safe, predictable, or possible.
We’re looking for a compassionate, resilient and emotionally intelligent Pupil Support Worker to work alongside young people with SEMH, anxiety and communication needs – supporting them to re-engage with education, build confidence, and take meaningful steps into college life.
This is not a “sit at the back of the classroom” role.It’s about relationships, trust, consistency – and belief.
About the role
You’ll play a vital part in helping students attend, settle and succeed at Highbury College. From supporting travel training and transition visits, to calmly guiding learning in the classroom, you’ll help create the structure and reassurance that allows young people to thrive.
You’ll work closely with teachers, families and external professionals to support students who may have experienced barriers to mainstream education – helping them feel safe, included and capable again.
What you’ll be doing
• Supporting students with SEMH, anxiety and social communication needs to engage positively with learning
• Helping students transition into college life through tailored support, visual aids and 1:1 guidance
• Building trusting, respectful relationships that promote independence, self-esteem and positive behaviour
• Supporting learning activities, assessments and progress tracking under teacher guidance
• Encouraging attendance, participation and confident use of ICT
• Managing challenging or distressed behaviour calmly, consistently and compassionately
• Working collaboratively with parents, carers and multi-agency professionals
• Contributing to a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student is valued
Commitment to safeguarding
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) check is required for this post prior to commencement. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.