School Counsellor

Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School is looking to appoint a caring and supportive Counsellor to join our collaborative and friendly Student Support department and work in partnership with our Learning Support team.

The purpose of the role is to:

• Provide a high-quality counselling service to students experiencing a wide range of emotional problems, including one-on-one support to individuals with autism.
• Provide support, guidance and advice to parents, carers and the school to ensure consistent support and track progress.
• Observe confidentiality and to support the school’s aim to provide excellent teaching and learning for all students.
• Contribute to the safeguarding and promotion of the welfare and personal care of children and young people

The role is for up to 21 hours per week - term time only plus Inset days (39 weeks per year) with 5.6 weeks paid annual leave (holidays to be taken during school holidays).

Hours:

8:10 - 3.40pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Interviews: interviews may take place before the closing date so early applications are encouraged.

The School’s latest Ofsted inspection in November 2023 rated Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School as ‘Outstanding’.

The School’s recent Catholic Schools Inspectorate Section 48 Inspection in March 2023 rated Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School as ‘Outstanding’.

Nicholas Breakspear is a vibrant, nurturing and ambitious school. Situated on the outskirts of St Albans the school benefits from large spacious grounds and close links to London. This role provides an excellent opportunity for someone to join a school which values inclusivity and kindness and which allows children to flourish and grow in confidence. The 2025 GCSE results place the school in the top 7% of schools nationally.

Nicholas Breakspear is a member of the Diocese of Westminster Academy Trust (DOWAT). We work together with the other schools in the trust to share best practice and to promote the development of staff and students. DOWAT is recognised as being in the top 3% of academy trusts in the country. DOWAT and Nicholas Breakspear are fully committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, workers, job applicants and pupils, and to eliminating unlawful and unfair discrimination.

It aims to create a culture that encourages and values diversity, and that appoints, rewards and promotes staff based on merit.

Nicholas Breakspear is a Catholic school and we place great emphasis on the gospel values of Truth, Justice, Peace and Love. ‘Pupils at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School receive an exemplary education. They are cared for deeply by all school staff. Pupils also show a high level of mutual care and respect for one another’. All pupils are unwaveringly polite, kind, confident and thoughtful.

Staff’s expectations of pupils are very high, both academically and in their everyday school life. Pupils meet these expectations, not because they have to, but because they value the teaching and support they receive. Ofsted November 2023.

Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School is committed to safeguarding, actively promoting British values and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are committed to the development of community cohesion and the prevention of extremism and radicalisation. All staff will be required to have an enhanced DBS Check and social media checks will be carried out on all shortlisted applicants.

All staff are required to have the ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of young children.

We welcome visits from prospective staff. If you would like an informal conversation about the post before applying, please contact Mrs Melanie Green at