Pastoral Support Officer – Secondary School – Bedford, Bedfordshire

Location: Bedford, Bedfordshire Start Date: As soon as possible Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

School Information

A welcoming secondary school in Bedford is looking to appoint a committed Pastoral Support Officer to strengthen its pastoral provision and support pupils throughout their secondary education. The school recognises the importance of positive relationships, consistent expectations and early intervention in helping young people achieve their potential.

The successful candidate will join a dedicated pastoral team that works closely with teaching staff, families and external professionals to promote pupil wellbeing, improve engagement and maintain a positive school culture.

The Role

The Pastoral Support Officer will provide day-to-day support to pupils experiencing academic, social, emotional or behavioural difficulties. Working alongside heads of year, pastoral leaders and the senior leadership team, the successful candidate will help identify concerns, coordinate appropriate interventions and ensure that pupils receive the support they need.

Responsibilities will include monitoring pupil behaviour, following up incidents, supporting attendance improvement strategies and maintaining accurate records of pastoral interventions. The postholder will communicate with parents and carers to discuss concerns, share relevant information and work collaboratively towards positive outcomes.

The role will also involve supporting pupils during unstructured periods, helping resolve conflicts and encouraging respectful behaviour throughout the school. Where necessary, the Pastoral Support Officer will escalate safeguarding concerns through the school's established procedures and liaise with relevant professionals.

The successful candidate will contribute to a consistent approach to behaviour management, helping pupils understand expectations, take responsibility for their actions and develop the confidence and resilience needed to succeed.

Requirements

Applicants should have experience working with children or young people in a school, youth work, pastoral care or similar support setting. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to build positive relationships with pupils while maintaining clear professional boundaries.

The ideal candidate will be calm, approachable, organised and confident managing sensitive situations. Knowledge of safeguarding, behaviour management and attendance procedures would be beneficial.

What the School Offers

The school provides the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to pupils' wellbeing and development. The successful candidate will work as part of a collaborative pastoral team and gain experience supporting young people across a range of academic and personal challenges.

Application

If you have experience in pastoral support, behaviour management or working with young people, please send across your CV for consideration.