Package Description
Location: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh
Contract Type: Permanent, 27 hours per week (worked Monday – Thursday), 44 weeks per year
Salary: £27,090- £30,231 (based on 36.25 hours and 52 weeks) which equates to £17,073 – £19,052 (for 27 hours and 44 weeks).
Benefits: Competitive salary, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club)
The Role
George Watson’s College wishes to appoint a Pupil Support Assistant in our Additional Support for Learning Department within our Senior School. To provide personalised and holistic 1-1 and/or small group assistance to pupils with a range of physical, emotional, social, behavioural or learning additional needs in order to enable them to have a rich and fulfilling educational experience at the School. To directly provide support to any assigned pupils in all school activities while simultaneously encouraging their independence and protecting their dignity.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please click the apply for this job button. Please include a letter of application of not more than 800 words giving us more information about you and why you would like the role, addressed to Mrs Louise Clarke, Head of Senior School.
Any specific questions relating to the advertised post can be emailed to [email protected]
If you require more information about the School, please visit our school website.
Closing date: 11:59pm on Sunday 21st June 2026
Interviews are scheduled to take place on Wednesday 24th June 2026
Main Responsibilities
To support young people in a secondary school setting to access learning, achieve their potential, and participate fully in school life. The postholder will work closely with teaching staff and support staff to provide classroom-based support, promote positive engagement in learning, and contribute to an inclusive learning environment.
In addition to classroom support, the postholder will play a key role within the school's nurture provision, supporting neurodivergent young people and other pupils who may experience periods of emotional dysregulation, anxiety, or overwhelm. The role involves helping pupils to regulate, reset, and develop strategies that enable a successful return to learning.
Key Responsibilities
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Classroom Support
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Provide support to pupils during lessons across a range of curriculum areas.
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Assist pupils to engage with learning activities and follow teacher instructions.
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Support the delivery of differentiated learning tasks to meet individual needs.
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Encourage independence, confidence, and resilience in learning.
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Reinforce positive behaviour and support the school's values and expectations.
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Work collaboratively with teachers to monitor pupil progress and engagement.
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Support pupils with additional support needs to access the curriculum effectively.
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Assist in the preparation and organisation of learning resources where required.
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Support pupils in the effective use of assistive technology and digital tools to enhance access to learning.
Nurture Provision Support
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Provide support within the school's nurture provision for pupils who require time away from class to regulate and reset.
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Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
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Support neurodivergent pupils and others experiencing emotional distress, anxiety, sensory overload, or overwhelm.
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Use a calm, nurturing, and trauma-informed approach to help pupils identify and manage their emotions.
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Facilitate restorative conversations and reflective planning with pupils.
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Support pupils to develop strategies that enable a successful return to class and learning.
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Facilitate and support small-group nurture activities designed to enhance pupils' emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, and social skills.
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Work with pastoral staff, support for learning staff, and families where appropriate to promote positive outcomes.
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Maintain appropriate records of pupil support and interventions as required.
Examination and Assessment Support
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Support the delivery of internal and external exams in accordance with school and Qualification Scotland regulations.
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Act as a reader and/or scribe for pupils who require this assessment arrangement.
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Support pupils who use assistive technology during exams and assessments.
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Prepare exam rooms and equipment for pupils requiring assessment arrangements.
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Set up, test, and troubleshoot laptops, tablets, specialist software, and other assistive technology used during exams.
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Promote pupils' confidence and independence when using exam support arrangements.
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General Responsibilities
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Promote inclusion, wellbeing, and positive relationships throughout the school.
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Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.
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Contribute to meetings, reviews, and professional learning opportunities as required.
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Work effectively as part of a team supporting young people.
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Follow school policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, and equality.
The Ideal Candidate
Essential Skills and Experience
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Experience of supporting young people with social, emotional, or behavioural needs.
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Ability to establish positive and supportive relationships with young people.
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Good communication and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
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Understanding of inclusive practice and supporting diverse learning needs.
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Ability to remain calm and responsive in challenging situations.
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Commitment to promoting the wellbeing and achievement of all learners.
Desirable Skills and Experience
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Experience of working in a secondary school setting.
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Knowledge and understanding of neurodiversity, including autism and ADHD.
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Experience of nurture, trauma-informed, restorative, or relationship-based approaches.
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Relevant qualifications in education, youth work, childcare, or support work.
Personal Qualities
The successful candidate will be:
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Patient, empathetic, and approachable.
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Positive and resilient.
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Flexible and adaptable in response to pupil needs.
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Committed to inclusion and equity.
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Skilled at building trusting relationships with young people.
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Able to balance nurture and support with high expectations for engagement and achievement.
About the school/organisation
George Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.
We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.
Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.
Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.
We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom.
Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.
Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.
When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days.
Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.
All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart. www.gwc.org.uk
