Job Title: Progress Mentor

Location: Walsall

We are an Alternative Provision Free School located in Walsall occupying a brand new fabulous building.  We are becoming the “go to place” for Alternative Provision in the borough.

At The Ladder School we recognise that the mainstream school system does not suit all young people and we are here to offer a second chance.  We believe that every student has potential and the staff work incredibly hard to ensure our students make the most of the opportunities available to them whilst they are with us.  Unlike other alternative provisions, we offer a range of GCSE and vocational courses to ensure students receive a well-rounded education and have the best chances in their future.  We have a strong careers program designed to support students reach positive destinations after they leave The Ladder School.

We have an environment where praise and encouragement are used to help our students see things differently. Our set of aspirational values underpins everything we do. Our purpose-built school has specialist facilities for our students to thrive and grow into successful, contributing members of their community.

School Ethos:

High standards – students are pushed to achieve beyond their potential, and staff work to ensure everything that we do is better than people expect. 

Daring to Dream – students at The Ladder School may have been in an educational setting where they lack aspirations to be successful. At The Ladder School, we challenge students to reach their potential and go on to further education and employment.

Traditional Values – some things often get forgotten in education; at The Ladder School, we pride ourselves on mutual respect, good manners, making a positive contribution, supporting one another and an orderly, litter free environment. 

Success – can come in many virtues; at The Ladder School, we celebrate the small steps every day and tell students when they are doing well. We ensure that students can have a successful future.

Personalised Support – all students at The Ladder School have a Learning Coach who guides them, sets them bespoke targets and supports them in making social and academic progress.

Find more information here: The Ladder School

Want to make a difference to young people?

Are you ready to embark on a rewarding journey within an educational community that values increasing opportunities, improving outcomes for our students. We are looking for a Progress Mentor to join our team. You will undertake:  

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

Provide in‑class support to ensure students can access learning and make progress

Work proactively alongside teaching staff to help plan, prepare and adapt learning activities so that students can access the curriculum, develop confidence and make meaningful progress

Build trusting, consistent relationships with students who may have experienced trauma or rejection and negative attitudes to education

Pay range: Scale Grade 5 (9-17)| Actual £22175-£25352 | FTE £27254 - 31022

Qualifications and Skills: 

A relevant qualification in teaching and learning

Experience working with vulnerable young people, ideally in AP, PRU, SEMH or SEND settings

Understanding of trauma‑informed practice and how adverse experiences affect behaviour and learning

For full details of the post please see attached Job Description and Person Specification

The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, and all appointments are subject to enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks and satisfactory references.

The Mercian Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please take time to read our policies attached to this advert.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment