Job Description

• Sir Peter Hall School
• Address: Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP32 7PJ
• Salary: £21,542 - £22,230 per annum
• Hours: 37.85 hours per week, 38 weeks per year
• Contract: Permanent, required to start as soon as possible or 1 September 2026
• Reference: 8910

This is an exciting opportunity to join Sir Peter Hall School’s social emotional mental health (SEMH) school, part of the Unity Schools Partnership multi-academy trust. You will join our specialist team as a Learning Support Mentor having the privilege of shaping the lives of the young people you work with. Joining us as a Learning Support Mentor in our SEMH school is an excellent first step for anyone considering a future career in youth work, education, psychology, social care or wider SEN roles. You will gain hands on experience supporting young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, working alongside experienced practitioners who are passionate about positive outcomes. This role offers meaningful exposure to therapeutic approaches, behaviour support, safeguarding, and relationship-based practice, all highly valued pathways into further professional training and long-term career progression. We are deeply committed to investing in our staff.

You do not need previous experience, just the right mindset. We provide comprehensive training, ongoing mentoring, and access to recognised qualifications relevant to SEMH and SEN practice. We are looking for people who are patient, resilient, reflective, emotionally intelligent and able to build trusting relationships with pupils who may have had challenging experiences of education. If you are calm under pressure, willing to learn, and passionate about young people with SEMH needs having the very best life chances then we would love to hear from you.

Sir Peter Hall School is a growing school, educating young people between the ages of 9 - 16 who have a wide range of social, emotional and mental health needs all of whom have an Education Health and Care Plan. The school is part of a collaborative, forward thinking Academy Trust with a strong network of special schools who work together. You will be supported in your role by an experienced leadership team and strong SEND Directors from Unity Schools Partnership.

Significant training and development opportunities such as; apprenticeships and Level 5 and 6 qualifications are on offer. We actively encourage professional growth and are keen to support staff to further themselves in areas they are interested in and want to pursue further careers in.

For more information

Please read the (pdf) and the Unity Schools Partnership Candidate Pack (pdf)

To arrange a visit or an informal discussion about the role please contact the school office by emailing office@sphschool.org or by calling 01284 649006

How to apply

Please complete your application by visiting the Unity Schools Partnership recruitment website

Closing date: 9am, 1 June 2026

Interview date: Week commencing 8 June 2026

Please note: We may interview as applications are received and may appoint before the closing date. Applications must be submitted online via our careers website before the deadline, so we encourage early applications and advise checking the job details on our site.

In line with safer recruitment, we cannot accept CVs. Failure to complete an application form satisfactorily may result in not being shortlisted for the post.

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All successful candidates will be subject to rigorous pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS. We are also committed to equality, diversity and fair recruitment practices, and we oppose all forms of unlawful discrimination.

We value inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you wish to work part‑time or as a job‑share, we will accommodate this wherever possible. We particularly welcome applications from under‑represented groups.