School Counsellor

Job title: School Counsellor

Salary: NCJ 24 £ 35,412 - 27 £ 38,220 + wellbeing cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

School: Lift New Forest, Long Lane, Holbury, Hampshire, SO45 2PA

Hours: Full time

Contract type: Permanent

Start date: September 2026

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the top MATs in the country. We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated, compassionate, and skilled School Counsellor with the ability to provide high-quality emotional and wellbeing support for our pupils as soon as possible.

Lift New Forest is a successful and friendly school in the Waterside area of Hampshire. Our vision is simple - to provide an excellent education for every child, in every classroom, every day. At Lift New Forest, children belong to a community of students who are proud of their school. Students are respectful to each other and behave very well in and out of lessons.

They embody the habits of the New Forest Way;
Be Kind, Show Determination, Make Good Choices. The children at our school are a pleasure to work with, both inside and outside the classroom. As a small school we are fortunate to be able to really get to know each student very well, and our children are part of a school with a real community feel. Strong relationships and first class support across the community ensure that young people are safe, happy and successful.

The role of the School Counsellor is pivotal in providing student advice and guidance to support welfare of all students across the academy. They provide an independent and confidential counselling service to students, through individual sessions and group sessions, responding to their personal, social, emotional or educational concerns. The role is also responsible for maintaining appropriate records and liaising regularly with the Principal, SLT, SENDCO and other professionals as necessary in relation to students’ safeguarding and welfare.

You will have a L4 Diploma in School-Based Child Counselling or equivalent alongside experience or further qualifications in working with children, young people and families. As a person we need you to have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to form strong relationships with staff, students, parents and external agencies. You will remain calm and actively listen and understand students, ensuring effective and empathetic interactions and anticipate issues and act on them in a proactive manner.

Lift Schools is made up of 59 primary, secondary and special schools, educating more than 33,000 pupils across the country. We believe education can transform lives – and we want every child in our schools to achieve their full potential.

• Comprehensive training:
  Access to some of the best developmental training to boost your career.
• Generous benefits:
  From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we've got you covered.
• Lifestyle perks:
  Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and much more.

If you would like a confidential discussion before applying and/or a tour of the school please contact Jessica Billows, Recruitment Manager on jbillows

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.