Learning Mentor

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

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.

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.

You bring empathy, patience, and strong listening skills. You build trust with learners from diverse language and cultural backgrounds. You stay calm under pressure and respond with respect. You value inclusion, fairness, and learner voice. Your approach aligns with company values around community impact, equity, and positive change through education.

This role supports learners within the ESOL team across classroom and pastoral settings. The position focuses on learner engagement, retention, and progress rather than delivery of formal teaching. The role offers close work with experienced ESOL tutors and support staff. You gain exposure to inclusive teaching practices, learner support strategies, and education support systems. Professional development includes training in safeguarding, learner support, and ESOL contexts.

Digital learning platforms and learner tracking systems form part of daily work.

• Support ESOL learners during lessons and independent study
• Provide one-to-one and small group learning support
• Monitor learner progress, attendance, and wellbeing
• Support behaviour, engagement, and classroom routines
• Liaise with tutors, support teams, and external services
• Maintain accurate learner records and notes

• Level 2 English or above
• Level 2 Maths or above
• Experience supporting adult learners or young people
• Experience working with learners who speak English as an additional language
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build positive learner relationships
• Awareness of safeguarding and learner welfare
• Experience with in an ESOL or community learning setting
• Experience supporting learners from migrant or refugee backgrounds
• Familiarity with digital learning platforms

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.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme, (dependent on role 15.7% - 28.68%)
• Access to my Lifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.

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.