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Schools Youth Learning Mentor

ACT Schools, Cardiff 37 hours Perm £25,878 rising to £27,558 17/07/26
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If you would like to work for an organisation that demonstrates outstanding commitment to staff engagement, has gained a place on the Times Best 100 Companies to work for in the UK for the last eight consecutive years and that holds Investors in People Platinum accreditation we would love to hear from you!

Our School

ACT Schools is a registered independent school supporting young people aged 11–16 who are no longer able to access mainstream education. We provide a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment where learners can rebuild confidence, re-engage with education, and develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for successful futures.

We are passionate about helping every learner reach their potential by delivering high-quality education and pastoral support that places the individual at the heart of everything we do.

About the Role

At ACT, our Behaviour Framework shapes everything we do. We are looking for a Youth Learning Mentor who demonstrates genuine respect for every learner, communicates with openness and honesty, and brings creativity to engage young people who may have faced barriers to education. You will be motivated to inspire and empower learners to progress while maintaining clarity in your planning, decision-making and communication. If you are resilient, adaptable and committed to making a meaningful difference through high-quality, inclusive delivery, we would love to hear from you.

The Schools Youth Learning Mentor will support the delivery of high-quality education and pastoral care within ACT Schools, helping to create a safe, inclusive and engaging learning environment where young people can thrive.

The role requires working with Respect and Openness & Honesty, building strong, professional relationships with learners, colleagues and external professionals while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and ensuring compliance with Welsh Government Independent School Regulations, Estyn requirements, safeguarding responsibilities and ACT policies.

You will take a learner-centred and empowering approach, supporting classroom delivery, promoting positive behaviour, mentoring learners who require additional support, monitoring attendance and learner progress, maintaining accurate records, and contributing to the smooth day-to-day running of the school.

This is a site-based role within ACT Schools, reporting to the Head Teacher. The post holder will be expected to demonstrate Innovation & Creativity, communicate with Clarity, think proactively to resolve challenges, and consistently model ACT's Behaviour Framework in all aspects of their work.

What you'll do

  • Create a safe, inclusive learning environment that encourages active learner participation.

  • Report safeguarding concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Person in line with ACT policy.

  • Manage classroom behaviour constructively, maintaining discipline in line with ACT standards and school policies.

  • Implement behaviour management strategies and support teaching staff.

  • Respond to challenging behaviour using appropriate de-escalation techniques, including physical intervention where necessary (full training will be provided).

  • Support learners' progress through individual and group interventions.

  • Follow the graduated response model to support inclusive learning.

Please see the full Job Description for a comprehensive list of responsibilities.

ACT is committed to promoting the Welsh language for both staff and learners. Whilst not an essential requirement, the ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this role.

Why work for ACT?

At ACT, people are at the heart of everything we do. As Wales's largest training provider, we're passionate about making a real difference through high-quality learning — and we're just as committed to supporting our staff to grow, develop and succeed.

We're proud to be an Investors in People Platinum organisation, accredited for over 25 years, and recognised in the Best Companies 2025 awards as one of the UK's top employers — ranked 26th Best Large Company to Work For and 5th Best Company to Work For in Wales.

What next?

The Advert will close on the 17th July 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application via email (please check your junk or spam folders).

The selection process will consist of:

A face-to-face interview at our Head Office.

A work-based task (for example, a micro-teach, presentation or scenario-based exercise). Full details will be provided in advance of the interview.

We're committed to ensuring our recruitment process enables every candidate to perform at their best. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please let us know.

If you have any questions about the vacancy, please contact recruitment@acttraining.org.uk.

 

Our Values

At ACT, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of respect, fairness and dignity for all. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and empowered to thrive.

FREDIE has been central to promoting and recognising exceptional commitment to equality and diversity. FREDIE stands for Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement, and these values are at the heart of ACT's philosophy, shaping our approach to both staff and learners.

Diversity Statement

ACT is dedicated to fair and safe recruitment practices, ensuring equality for all applicants and employees. We do not discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age.

The information requested during the recruitment process is used solely to support our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and will not be used in any recruitment decision.

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may require during the recruitment process. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Safeguarding

ACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners and staff. We expect all employees to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.

If you would like to work for an organisation recognised for its commitment to staff engagement, ranked among the UK's Best Companies to Work For, and holding Investors in People Platinum accreditation, we'd love to hear from you.

What you get in return:

  • Excellent professional development opportunities
  • Generous holiday package (up to 45 days per year)
  • E-learning platform available to all staff.
  • Annual salary increases
  • Staff counselling sessions
  • Mental Health First Aider
  • Wellbeing initiatives
  • Bi-annual performance reviews
  • Staff Council
  • Flexible and hybrid working (where applicable)
  • Team building days
  • Volunteering days
  • Staff celebration days
  • Length of service, birthday and yearly appreciation rewards
  • Staff Recognition Awards
  • Healthcare cash plan
  • Contributory pension scheme
  • Life assurance

Our Values:

At ACT, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of respect, fairness, and dignity for all. We believe in creating an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and empowered to thrive.

FREDIE stands for Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement – values that lie at the heart of everything we do at ACT. From our interactions with staff to our engagement with learners, these principles guide our approach, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Downloads
  • Job Advert JD & PS Schools YLM June 2026
Person Specification

What we are looking for

Experience
Experience of working with challenging or disengaged young people.
Qualifications & Knowledge
A minimum of three GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above), or equivalent qualifications.
A Youth Work, Teaching Assistant or equivalent qualification.
Personal Qualities
The ability to build positive, professional relationships with learners, colleagues and external professionals.
Other
A commitment to demonstrating ACT's Behaviour Framework.