A learning mentor works with children and young people in schools, colleges, and sometimes in community settings to help them overcome barriers to learning. This could include helping with social, emotional, or behavioural challenges, supporting students with additional needs, and working one-to-one or in small groups. Learning mentors collaborate closely with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop strategies that help students achieve their full potential. The role requires excellent communication and listening skills, patience, and a genuine interest in helping young people succeed.
Learning mentors in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £26,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are usually around 2,000 to 3,000 learning mentor positions advertised annually across the UK.
Learning mentors usually work around 37 hours per week, mostly during term time.
Works closely with individual pupils or small groups in a primary school to support their learning and help them overcome barriers to progress.
Provides tailored guidance and strategies to help students manage their behaviour and stay engaged with their education, often working with those who have additional needs.
Specialises in supporting pupils who are struggling with reading and writing, delivering targeted sessions to help improve their literacy skills.
Achieve good GCSE results, particularly in English and Maths.
Most employers expect Learning Mentors to have at least GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4 or above. Some schools may also value additional subjects related to education or child development.
Study for A Levels or a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare, Education or Health and Social Care.
While not always essential, having A Levels or a vocational qualification can increase your chances of securing a Learning Mentor role, especially in competitive areas. These courses provide a strong foundation in understanding child development and educational practices.
Seek opportunities to support children in educational or youth settings.
Experience can be gained through volunteering at local schools, youth clubs, after-school programmes or charities. Many employers look for candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to helping young people succeed.
Build strong communication, empathy and organisational skills through hands-on experience.
Learning Mentors need to be good listeners, patient and able to motivate and support students from diverse backgrounds. Real-world experience helps develop these essential skills and can be highlighted in your applications.
Look for Learning Mentor positions in schools, colleges or local authorities.
Vacancies can be found on local authority websites, school job boards, and national job sites such as TES or Indeed. Research the specific requirements for each role, as some may ask for additional qualifications or experience.
Demonstrate your experience, skills and passion for supporting young people during interviews.
Prepare examples of how you have helped children or young people overcome challenges. Interviewers may also ask about safeguarding, confidentiality, and how you would handle difficult situations.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Learning Mentor. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
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Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
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A Learning Mentor and a Teaching Assistant both work closely with students to support their educational development and wellbeing. They typically assist teachers in classroom settings, providing guidance and encouragement to help students achieve their learning objectives.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a college course to gain some of the skills and knowledge you need to do this job.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could apply to do a Teaching Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.
This takes up to 2 years to complete and is a mix of on-the-job training and learning with a training provider.
You'll usually need:
Volunteering is an excellent way to get experience of working with children and young people. This can also help when looking for jobs.
You can get experience by volunteering in a local school or with a community organisation.
You can apply directly for jobs through schools, local authorities and academy trusts. Each school sets its own entry requirements, though you'll usually need GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths.
You'll also need to show that you can work well with children, teachers and parents. Volunteering, or a qualification in nursery work, childcare, playwork or youth work, may give you an advantage when applying for jobs.
Teaching assistants may specialise in the kind of extra support they give, for example with:
Teaching assistants are employed term-time only. A working week can vary from a few hours up to full time.
Advertised pay rates are often listed as full-time equivalent (FTE). Actual pay will depend on the number of hours worked.
You can find more on working as a teaching assistant from Skills for Schools.
You can also search for jobs using the Teaching Vacancies service.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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