Job description
Behaviour Support Assistant – Secondary School | Portsmouth
Full-Time | Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 3:30pm | Term Time Only
Permanent Opportunity Available for the Right Candidate
GSL Education are working in partnership with a welcoming and forward-thinking secondary school in Portsmouth to recruit a resilient and dedicated Behaviour Support Assistant to join their pastoral team.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people, particularly those who require additional behavioural and emotional support within a school setting.
About the School
The school is a well-established secondary setting that places a strong emphasis on inclusion, student wellbeing, and personal development. Staff work collaboratively to create a safe, structured and supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally.
With a proactive pastoral system and a strong leadership team, the school is committed to improving outcomes for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and those who present with challenging behaviour. Staff benefit from a supportive culture, regular professional development opportunities, and a genuine focus on staff wellbeing and retention.
The Role
As a Behaviour Support Assistant, you will be a key member of the pastoral team, working closely with students, teachers, and senior leaders to support positive behaviour and emotional regulation across the school.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting students with SEMH needs and challenging behaviour on a 1:1 and small group basis
- De-escalating incidents and implementing effective behaviour management strategies
- Working closely with the pastoral team to monitor behaviour patterns and interventions
- Supporting reintegration of students back into lessons following incidents
- Building strong, trusting relationships with vulnerable students to promote engagement and progress
- Assisting in the creation and implementation of behaviour and support plans
- Acting as a positive role model and promoting the school’s values at all times
- Liaising with teachers and safeguarding teams where appropriate
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- Resilient, calm, and confident when dealing with challenging behaviour
- Experienced working with young people (school-based experience is ideal, but transferable experience from youth work, sports coaching, residential care, or similar settings will be considered)
- Passionate about supporting students who face barriers to learning
- Strong in communication and relationship-building
- Able to remain professional and consistent in high-pressure situations
- Committed to safeguarding and student wellbeing
What’s on Offer
- Full-time, stable position (Monday to Friday, term time only)
- Opportunity for a permanent contract for the right candidate
- Clear progression routes within the school and wider trust
- Supportive and experienced pastoral team
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- The chance to make a genuine impact every day
Why Work with GSL Education?
At GSL Education, we pride ourselves on matching the right educators and support staff to the right schools, ensuring long-term success for both candidates and settings. Our consultants have extensive experience within education and provide hands-on support throughout the entire recruitment process.
From your initial application through to your first day in school and beyond, you’ll have a dedicated consultant guiding and supporting you every step of the way.
If you are a resilient, committed individual looking to take the next step in a rewarding pastoral role, we would love to hear from you.