Student Welfare Officer – Secondary School – Wandsworth, London

Location: Wandsworth, South West London

Start Date: January 2027

Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

School Information

A supportive Secondary School in Wandsworth is looking to recruit a compassionate and proactive Student Welfare Officer to strengthen its pastoral and student support provision. The school is committed to ensuring that every student feels safe, supported and able to engage positively with their education.

The school recognises that students' emotional wellbeing, personal circumstances and relationships can have a significant impact on their attendance, behaviour and academic progress. Its pastoral team works closely with teachers, families and external professionals to identify concerns early and provide appropriate support.

The successful candidate will join a team dedicated to promoting positive relationships, encouraging regular attendance and ensuring that students have access to appropriate guidance when difficulties arise.

The Role

The Student Welfare Officer will provide day-to-day support to students experiencing personal, social, emotional or welfare-related difficulties. The role will involve acting as a trusted point of contact for students, helping them access appropriate support and working with colleagues to address concerns that may affect their education.

Responsibilities will include responding to student welfare concerns, maintaining accurate records, monitoring patterns of absence and punctuality, and liaising with parents and carers where appropriate. The successful candidate will work alongside pastoral leaders, Heads of Year, the safeguarding team and external agencies to coordinate support for individual students.

The role will also involve identifying emerging concerns, contributing to student support plans and helping promote a positive school environment. Where safeguarding concerns arise, the successful applicant will follow the school's procedures and promptly report concerns to the designated safeguarding staff.

A calm, empathetic and professional approach will be essential, particularly when supporting students who may be experiencing challenging circumstances.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have experience working with children or young people in a school, pastoral, welfare, youth work or similar setting. A sound understanding of safeguarding principles and student wellbeing is highly desirable.

Applicants should possess excellent communication and listening skills, demonstrate empathy and maintain appropriate professional boundaries. The ability to handle confidential information, keep accurate records and work collaboratively with families and professionals is essential.

The successful candidate should be proactive, resilient and confident responding to sensitive situations. Relevant safeguarding training or experience supporting vulnerable young people would be advantageous.

What the School Offers

The school offers a collaborative pastoral environment, opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a positive difference to students' daily experiences. The successful applicant will work alongside colleagues who are committed to student wellbeing, inclusion and safeguarding.

Application

If you are interested in this Student Welfare Officer opportunity in Wandsworth, please send across your CV to be considered.