Counsellor
BOLD BEGINNINGS START HERE
A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD
Thank you for your interest in LEH and in joining our team. At LEH, we combine ambition with joy to create something extraordinary. We want our pupils – and our staff – to reach for the highest goals in a happy and supportive environment.
With almost a thousand pupils from Year 3 to Year 13, our girls are some of the most academically able in the UK. We have a moral imperative to help them realise their potential and to provide an education that gives them the confidence to feel brave and undaunted about their future achievements and impact.
Our strategy, Facing the Future Undaunted, captures what we stand for: brave learning, imaginative thinking, and joyful discovery. We are one of the UK’s leading independent girls’ schools, and we are proud that our pupils consistently achieve some of the best results in the country – but what matters most is that they leave us feeling fulfilled, confident, compassionate, and ready to take on the world.
We are looking for colleagues who share our excitement, our high expectations, our ambition and our sense of fun. If that resonates with you, we would love to hear from you.
Best wishes
Rowena Cole Head
ABOUT LEH ABOUT LEH
LEH is one of the UK’s leading independent schools, providing highly capable girls with a distinctive education that prepares them to take their place at the table, in the room and in the world, in their chosen sphere.
As a selective independent school for girls aged 7 to 18, we believe that academic ambition and personal happiness are not mutually exclusive. In our classrooms, corridors, and across our 24 acres of playing fields, you’ll find a culture of relaxed excellence; a place where pupils are encouraged to think deeply, question boldly, and engage in spirited, respectful debate.
Here, challenge is not something to be feared but embraced – because it comes with the right support. Our teaching goes beyond the curriculum, nurturing curiosity, independence, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. We don’t just teach girls what to think, but how to think – equipping them with the critical thinking skills and intellectual confidence to thrive at school and far beyond.
LEH was founded more than 300 years ago. Today, we are proud to be a school like no other with a rich history and a forward-focused vision.
LEH provides girls with a distinctive education that prepares them to take their place at the table, in the room and in the world, in their chosen sphere.
LEH fosters a culture that supports every pupil to achieve excellence and success, both shared and individual, to be fulfilled, and to have significant impact in every way she chooses.
OUR VALUES
• We choose to succeed.
• We rise to challenges.
• We lift those around us.
• We inspire trust.
• We encourage personal agency.
• We embrace joy and laughter.
OUR STRATEGY
In an external environment as changeable and unpredictable as ours, knowing the strength, capability and character of our pupils, their ambitions for the future and the impact we know they will have in the years to come, is what fuels us with much-needed hope and optimism.
This is what sits at the core of LEH’s strategy: Facing the Future Undaunted. It’s a declaration of our aims and ambition for LEH and for every pupil, and it sets out our collective goals as a school community over the next few years. Shaped with the involvement of our pupils, parents, staff, alumnae and governors, our strategy embodies all that we stand for as a school for highly capable girls.
Our four core strategic objectives are what guide the work of everyone at LEH:
1. A Bold Voice for Girls’ Education
We will push forward the boundaries of educational knowledge, informed by research that focuses on delivering the best possible education for girls.
2. Academic Excellence in Every Area
We will deliver consistent academic excellence and provide an outstanding educational experience for bright girls, offering stretch and challenge in a context of kindness and care.
3. A Culture of Success for All
We will enable a culture of success for all, where everyone is expected to deliver their best for themselves and for each other.
4. A One-School Approach
We will harness the strength of being one school, delivering an outstanding joined-up education.
WHY WORK AT LEH?
Working at LEH means being part of something extraordinary.
• Exceptional Pupils: Our girls are highly capable, curious, spirited, and full of potential. They are a joy to teach and inspire us daily with their enthusiasm, kindness, and determination.
• Academic Excellence: LEH consistently ranks among the top schools in the UK, with pupils achieving outstanding results and progressing to leading universities around the world.
• Innovation and Ambition: We don’t stand still. Our teaching and learning is forwardlooking, creative, and research informed. You’ll have the freedom to innovate – and the support to make it a success.
• A Community that Celebrates Joy and Laughter: LEH is alive with energy. Whether it’s on the sports field, in the theatre, the music studio, or in the lab, our pupils throw themselves into school life with passion and fun and we’re proud that they perform at the highest levels.
• Professional Growth: We invest in our people. From leadership opportunities to excellent professional development, we want you to thrive here just as much as our pupils do.
• Exceptional Facilities: From state-of-theart science labs to a professional theatre and outstanding sports complex, you’ll have the tools and spaces to bring learning to life, all set in 24 acres of green fields. We also have parking and bike racks on site for all staff.
• Reward and Recognition: Competitive salary and benefits, complimentary tickets to outstanding drama and music productions, free lunch, and access to our superb facilities are just the start.
LEH is a place where careers are enriched, where talent is celebrated, and where joy is part of every day.
ABOUT LEH SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT
All staff working at LEH will have some contact with children and will therefore be in regulated activity. Staff with teaching duties will be responsible for the pupils that they teach and may also have additional specific pastoral or other responsibilities for other pupils they do not teach. In addition, all staff will regularly interact with pupils who may seek assistance or otherwise interact with them whilst moving around LEH.
In all cases, the post holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the pupils is to adhere to and ensure compliance with LEH’s safeguarding policies and procedures at all times. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and LEH is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are “spent” unless they are “protected” under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.
LEH is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
At LEH, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and the importance of diversity to enrich these transformations. We are committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment for all that celebrates the unique identities, abilities, and aspirations of each member of our school community.
ABOUT LEH ABOUT THE SENIOR SCHOOL
At LEH, we believe that academic ambition and personal happiness go hand in hand. Our selective Senior School welcomes highly academic pupils from Year 7 to Year 13, achieving some of the highest public examination results in the country. But our focus extends beyond academics, with a strong emphasis on balance, joy and personal fulfilment.
In our classrooms, corridors, and across the playing fields, you’ll find a culture of relaxed excellence – a place where students and staff are encouraged to think deeply, question boldly, and engage in spirited, respectful debate. Challenge is embraced, supported by a community that values curiosity, creativity, and care.
Our teaching goes beyond the curriculum, nurturing a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. We equip pupils with the intellectual confidence and critical thinking skills to thrive at school and beyond.
Life at LEH is enriched by an outstanding co-curricular programme, where girls flourish in the creative arts, on stage, in music, on the sports fields, and through countless opportunities to pursue their passions and develop new talents. Whether performing in our theatre, creating in our studios, or leading clubs and societies, pupils – and the staff who inspire them – are encouraged to explore their full potential.
Joining LEH means becoming part of a vibrant, forward-looking community that values excellence, wellbeing, and the joy of lifelong learning.
Responsible To
Counsellor Job Description
Head of Counselling
Main Purpose of Job
Provide a professional and confidential counselling service primarily to students (and as needed to staff) at the LEH Senior School through individual sessions, working as a team member in the LEH Counselling Service.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
• Offering one to one counselling sessions to students and some staff, typically 5-6 sessions per school day.
• Maintaining client confidentiality except in those circumstances, in line with BACP or UKCP ethical frameworks and school policies, where this may be breached.
• Ensuring up to date professional body registration and membership of BACP or UKCP or equivalent and continued compliance with ethical frameworks.
• Attending regular clinical supervision each month during term time in line with ethical guidelines for the counselling profession with an appropriate, school approved clinical supervisor.
• Reporting to and supporting the Head of Counselling, working as part of the counselling team:
o Supporting the strategic direction and professional standards of the school counselling service.
o Keeping appropriate, accurate and up to date client records using agreed LEH Counselling Service online systems as directed by the Head of Counselling and with due regard to professional, ethical, legal and GDPR guidelines including confidentiality.
o Maintaining Counselling Team confidentiality - meeting weekly and working reflectively with the Head of Counselling, participating in peer supervision/support within the counselling team and support including case review.
o Helping to develop and deliver Life Advice (PSHE) classes to students as needed and contributing to wider LEH Wellbeing Programmes, workshops, networking and other events as requested by the Head of Counselling.
o Providing input for and helping to create psychoeducational/wellbeing materials.
• Play an active role in safeguarding the welfare of young people and young persons by:
o Maintaining up to date awareness, knowledge and training in Safeguarding and Child Protection and other key legal, ethical and other responsibilities relating to young people.
o Upholding the School’s policies relating to safeguarding & child protection, behaviour, Health & Safety and all other relevant policies.
o Liaising where appropriate with the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Heads of Section, Heads of Year, School Nurses and other staff to ensure the effective operation of the service and to support young people with due regard to counselling boundaries including client confidentiality.
o Providing relevant information or liaising with professionals where appropriate, and with client consent, to support external referrals to specialist services or other agencies such as CAMHS.
o Providing assistance for staff whose role it is to support pupils or parents in distress and to assist with signposting to suitable services as appropriate.
• Offer school staff, where capacity allows, individual, confidential counselling and support and/or to signpost to other services where necessary.
• Attend and provide input as necessary for Pastoral Committee, Staff, Parents’ Welcome Meetings, Wellbeing Day, PSHE/Life Advice lessons for students.
• Be responsible for supporting own professional development proactively, updating knowledge and awareness through continuing professional development activities including reading, research and CPD training.
General
• Take part in such staff training as may be agreed.
• Undertake other duties which may be reasonably required.
Safeguarding
• Adhere to school policy on safeguarding and updating training as required.
• Ensure the safeguarding and well-being of children and young people at the school in accordance with school policies.
Counsellor Person Specification
At least two years’ experience, post qualification of supervised individual counselling with young people, especially in the age range of 11-18
Experience of working with personal initiative and autonomy as well as the experience of working as part of team
Membership of counselling professional body – BACP, UKCP or equivalent
Good theoretical awareness of models of child development and their impact on the framework used for counselling
An understanding of the challenges and issues for young people in education and learning
Recognised counselling qualifications to at least Diploma level 5 (a minimum of two years duration)
Hold, or working towards, professional accreditation
Ability to initiate and sustain a counselling relationship with a range of pupils
Excellent interpersonal skills and strong organisational skills
Ability to prioritise workload demands in the face of competing pressures
Experience of working within a school environment or other educational settings
Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary setting
Experience working with adults would be advantageous as the counsellor may also be working with staff.
Experience and understanding of how young people function within groups
Educated to degree level
Good ICT skills – working knowledge of Excel and word
Teaching, community, youth, health and social work qualification
Desirable Assessment via application form/ interview/lesson observation/written task
Willingness to work closely with school procedures and processes
Willingness to work effectively with a wide range of support services
A commitment to improving the lives and learning opportunities of our pupils
A flexible approach; willingness to change work patterns to fit with the needs of the school
A willingness to participate in in-service training and a commitment to Continuing Professional Development
Willingness to evaluate the effectiveness of working practice
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Main terms of appointment
This is a permanent, part-time post, term time only (34 weeks). The working hours are 21 hours per week, from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday – Tuesday and 8:30 am to 3:00 pm on Wednesday with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. As it is often not practical for the Counsellor to eat lunch at the school’s timetabled lunchtime (a key time of day to see pupils), a packed lunch can be provided.
During the 6-month probationary period, the period of notice will be two weeks on either party. After a successful completion of the probationary period, the notice will be one full school term’s notice.
The salary for this role is £17,102 - £18,295 pro rata (0.41 FTE), based on a full-time equivalent salary of £41,712 – £44,621 per annum (dependent on experience).
You will be entitled to 28 days paid holiday (20 days leave, plus the 8 days’ bank/public holidays per annum). Your salary is calculated to cover your weeks of work and your holiday entitlement. As this is a term-time only post, you are not entitled to take any annual leave during term time.
Non-teaching staff may join The Lady Eleanor Holles School’s Stakeholder Pension Scheme. This is a defined contribution pension scheme; provided the employee contributes 6% of gross salary, the employer will contribute a further 10%.
ABOUT LEH OUR STAFF BENEFITS
Healthcare cash plan
A healthcare cash plan is provided to help with the cost of everyday health expenses such as dental, optical, and physiotherapy treatments.
Cycle to work scheme
Take advantage of the Cycle to Work Scheme, enabling savings on bicycles and accessories while encouraging a healthier commute.
Teachers’ Pension Scheme / LEH Group Pension Scheme
Access to the generous Teachers’ Pension Scheme, ensuring long-term financial security in retirement.
Non-teaching staff are eligible to join the LEH Group Pension Scheme, a defined contribution scheme (with life assurance) designed to support long-term financial wellbeing.
Relocation assistance package
Financial support is available to assist with the costs of relocating, making your move to the area as smooth as possible.
School fee reduction
Significant reductions in school fees are available for staff members with children enrolled at the school. LEH also has an arrangement for fee reduction for staff with children attending Hampton School.
Employee Assistance Policy
A confidential Employee Assistance Programme offers free support, advice, and counselling for both personal and work-related matters.
Free lunches, tea and coffee
Complimentary lunches are provided daily, along with unlimited tea and coffee throughout the day.
24-acre campus with superb facilities
Enjoy working in a beautiful 24-acre campus featuring modern teaching spaces, sports grounds, and tranquil outdoor areas.
Free parking on site
Free and secure on-site parking is available for all staff.
On-site library access
Staff have full access to the wellstocked on-site library for personal and professional development.
Use of swimming pool
Enjoy use of the school’s swimming pool at designated times, supporting health and wellbeing.
Annual flu jab
An annual flu vaccination is offered to staff on-site to help maintain health during flu season.