Please note the closing date for this position may be moved forward subject to volume and quality of applications.
About the College
Sunderland College has been delivering highly successful courses for more than 20 years and is one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the North East with approximately 14,300 students.
The College has two campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities, and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates. In October 2024, we were ranked as Ofsted outstanding, and we are proud of our diverse student and staff community that provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.
Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding
Our Journey & Values
As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.
Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives
If you’re making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.
In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government’s targeted retention incentive (formerly “levelling-up premium”) payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.
Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.
Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.
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Taking Teaching Further - Taking Teaching Further
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Targeted Retention Incentive - Targeted Retention Incentive
About the Candidate
Candidates should possess a Level 3 qualification (or above) and have excellent interpersonal skills to be able to work with adult students in a group and 1:1 setting. Experience of having worked within a pastoral, skill-development or academic role, within an educational setting, would be advantageous. Please refer to the person specification for additional detail.
About the Role
To support the ongoing pastoral care, personal development and academic excellence of adult learners in Sunderland Sixth Form, within the Access to HE team, we are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Wellbeing & Progression Coach, who is passionate about supporting students to develop the essential skills for progression to higher education and the workplace.
The post holder will be a key member of a collaborative team that focusses on providing an excellent learner experience. You will be committed to working closely with curriculum staff to support the development and wellbeing of students, helping them improve their learning skills and achieve their personal targets. The successful applicant will support a caseload of students, who study on a Level 2 or Level 3 Access to HE programme.
You will meet regularly with Access to HE students to encourage, motivate and support them to maximise their potential, achieve their learning and personal development goals, and progress to further/higher education, training or employment.
In addition to monitoring students’ attendance and punctuality, you will support students to develop strategies to maximise the product of their effective study skills, develop positive behaviours and attitudes.
Role Responsibilities
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To provide support to students in a pro-active and encouraging way to ensure successful progression to Higher Education, Apprenticeships or employment, ensuring high attendance, punctuality, retention and achievement measures. This will involve working with Adult Learners, curriculum colleagues, college support services and HE Institutes to ensure students can flourish in the college environment.
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Plan and create opportunities for students to practice and develop essential skills as set out within curriculum plans, allowing for positive and aspirational HE progression, ensuring all students are prepared for HE and possess the skills to match their career aspirations.
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Support, monitor and encourage students to maintain excellent attendance punctuality and achievement, offering appropriate guidance to overcome challenges and barriers while maintaining student well-being.
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Collaborate with stakeholders to plan and develop a range of workshop / skills related resources to support academic and skills based development related to the relevant level and intended destinations of each cohort of students.
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To support students with the UCAS process, including providing advice, guidance and support on the creation of personal statements.
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Proactively engage in use of ProMonitor to support the Student Journey, ensuring the maintenance of accurate records, including SMART targets, progression plans and student ILPs.
Qualifications
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Academic qualification at Level 3 or above
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Minimum Level qualifications in both Maths and English
Essential Skills & Experience
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Experience of working with young people / adults in group situations
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Experience of supporting and addressing a range of learners’ needs, including their wellbeing
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Experience of promoting Higher Education progression routes and opportunities
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Effective written and oral communication with staff and students, in developing positive working partnerships
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Ability to plan and prioritise effectively to meet deadlines and targets
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Apply an understanding and empathetic approach with students who display dissatisfaction or disengagement, and implement strategies/support to overcome
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Ability to lead and motivate others
- To take appropriate responsibility for PREVENT and the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare of children and/or vulnerable adults.
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To uphold British Values, the college values and responsibilities with regard to equality and diversity.
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Suitable to work with children and young people and adults
Desirable Skills & Experience
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A coaching or mentoring qualification, or willingness to complete
- Experience of working within the post-16/adult sector, within an educational setting
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Experience of making effective use of learner progress tracking systems
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An understanding of the issues and barriers that relate to both wellbeing and ineffective learning
What’s in it for you?
Join EPNE and you’ll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.
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Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
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Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
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LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
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Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
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We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
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Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
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Free parking on most campuses.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.
We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.
As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.
Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.
We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Please contact Adam Sams (Director of Sunderland Sixth Form) should you wish to have an informal chat about the role - [email protected]
