Key Learning Mentor

Company: Plumpton College
Closing Date: 15-02-2026
Location: Plumpton, Lewes BN7 3AE
Salary: £28,039 full time equivalent
Hours: 22.5 per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) term-time only
Contact Email: recruitment@plumpton.ac.uk

Description

Make a real difference to students’ lives.

We are looking for a committed and compassionate Key Learning Mentor to join our Inclusive Learning & Development team. This is a rewarding opportunity to support students with SEND, social, emotional and mental health needs, helping them to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.

At Plumpton College, our students are at the heart of everything we do. As a Key Learning Mentor, you will play a vital role in ensuring students feel supported, understood and empowered to succeed.

About the role

You will manage a caseload of students, providing holistic, specialist support that addresses personal, social, emotional and learning-related needs. Working closely with curriculum teams, Student Services and external agencies, you will help students to remain engaged, build resilience and develop the skills they need for education, employment and life beyond college.

This role requires someone who is proactive, empathetic and confident in building positive relationships with students and colleagues alike.

Key responsibilities

Provide tailored pastoral and learning support to students with SEND and health needs
Act as a key point of contact for students, families and internal teams
Support student retention, attendance, punctuality and achievement
Liaise with counselling services, welfare teams and external agencies
Work closely with teaching staff to identify concerns and support progression
Contribute to intervention programmes and personalised learning support
Support college events such as open evenings, taster days and parents’ evenings
Deliver and contribute to staff training where appropriate
Coordinate ALS student surveys and support data collection
Maintain accurate records and actively engage in CPD

About you

You will share our strong commitment to inclusion, equality of opportunity and student success. You will bring experience, warmth and professionalism to a role that requires both sensitivity and resilience.

Essential:

Experience of working with young people with SEND
Welfare, pastoral and/or safeguarding experience
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust
Excellent communication and IT skills
Minimum Level 2 literacy and numeracy

Desirable:

Specialist knowledge in a relevant SEND area
Experience supporting students with SpLD and/or health needs

Why join Plumpton College?

At Plumpton College, we live our values—Ambitious, Professional, Enterprising, Passionate, Passionate, and Supportive—in everything we do. We are committed to creating a workplace where you can thrive, develop, and feel valued.

We offer a competitive salary, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and benefit from a comprehensive programme of continuing professional development.

We pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. We have signed the Menopause Pledge, are a Disability Confident Committed employer, and offer a structured induction and supported six-month probationary period. Our coaching culture, supported by in-house Level 5 trained coaches, ensures ongoing personal and professional growth.

Staff enjoy a range of additional benefits, including a TOTUM card for high street discounts, eligibility to apply for a Blue Light Card, free onsite parking, discounted Plumpton wine and courses, free eye tests, a cycle-to-work scheme, and access to the onsite gym.

We actively promote wellbeing and inclusion through regular networking events focused on menopause, LGBTQ+, men’s health, and bereavement, as well as well-attended EDI and Sustainability committees driving positive change. Employees also have access to an Employee Assistance Programme and can take part in staff social events at Christmas and in the summer.

If you are ready to make a meaningful impact on students, staff and the future of equine education, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Ready to Make a Difference?

We reserve the right to call candidates to interview/withdraw this vacancy at any time if there is a good level of response. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application as soon as possible.

Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non-discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis.

Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.