Science Teacher & Learning Mentor

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Your Role

Red Balloon Aylesbury is a supportive and inclusive specialist school, dedicated to providing tailored education for students who need a nurturing and understanding environment. Our young people have had difficulty attending traditional schools, so we focus on helping them rebuild confidence and achieve their full academic potential.

Our cohort is generally of average, or above average academic ability, studying a range of GCSEs in small groups of 4-6

Position Overview:

We are seeking a passionate Teacher & Learning Mentor to join our brand-new educational provision in its second year!

The post holder will teach Biology and/or Chemistry at GCSE level, as well as project-based science lessons at Key Stage 3 . The ability to teach Maths across KS3 or 4 would be advantageous.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our learners by delivering engaging lessons and providing one-to-one mentoring support.

The post holder will work alongside other staff in our small, nurturing team to establish and maintain a positive working relationship with our learners, their families, and other professionals supporting them. This role would suit an experienced, qualified secondary school teacher.

An understanding of SEND and mental health needs amongst academically able young people is helpful.

Key Responsibilities:

- Plan and deliver effective Science lessons aligned with the Key Stage 3/4 curriculum.

- Support learners' academic progress while fostering personal development through mentoring.

- Create a positive learning environment that encourages curiosity, respect, and resilience.

- Work collaboratively with colleagues to meet individual learners' needs.

- Monitor learner progress and contribute to reports on academic achievement and wellbeing.

Skills and Qualifications:

- Ability to teach Chemistry and/or Biology.

- Ability to communicate clearly with young people from diverse backgrounds.

- Patience, empathy, and excellent interpersonal skills suited for mentoring roles.

- Willingness to learn new teaching methods and adapt approaches based on learner needs.

- Relevant degree or equivalent qualification essential.

Values and Attitudes:

At Red Balloon Aylesbury we value kindness, respect, integrity, inclusivity, and dedication. We seek individuals who demonstrate genuine care for young people's welfare alongside enthusiasm for education. The ideal candidate will be committed to creating an empowering atmosphere where every learner feels valued and supported throughout their learning journey.

If you are motivated by making a positive impact within an innovative educational setting please apply now to join our team!

This role could be a part time position or full time position depending on which subjects can be offered.

We are open to discussions regarding hours and subject combinations, and we can be flexible for the right candidate.

Interview Date is Monday 11th May 2026

Safeguarding Statement

Red Balloon Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be conditional of the satisfactory completion of safeguarding training and pre-employment checks including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check and barred list check. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (and its amendments), and applicants must declare all convictions, cautions, or reprimands, including those considered 'spent'.

Please see the 'Safeguarding Information' section of this advert for further information.

How to Apply

In line with safer recruitment practices, we are only able to accept applications via our application forms, which can be accessed by following the application link on our recruitment portal available here: Vacancies - SAMpeople Recruit. You can save your application at any point and come back to it at a later stage.
• All applicants will be contacted to advise if they have been shortlisted for an interview

Equal Opportunities

Red Balloon Educational Trust is an equal opportunities employer, committed to creating a diverse workforce.

We'll consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, age, disability, marriage or civil partnership.

Eligibility for Employment

Thank you for your interest in Red Balloon.Please note at this time, we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa, therefore, all potential employees must be eligible for employment in the United Kingdom.

Details regarding the right to work can be found here: Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview - GOV.UK

Qualifications

5 GCSEs including Maths and English (grade 4-9) or equivalent
essential

Degree in a relevant subject
essential

Skills

Experience

Experience of working with SEND and SEMH young people

Personal Attributes

Ability to work collaboratively and independently
essential

Discretion and confidentiality
essential

Empathetic, patient and compassionate
essential

Ability to relate well to children and adults
essential

Safeguarding Information

Every learner has the right to flourish and be safe from harm and abuse. As a professional within Red Balloon Educational Trust; we all have a duty to keep our students safe and healthy.

Safeguarding is the action taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. It means:

• protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
• preventing harm to children's health or development
• ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
• taking action to enable all children and young people have the best outcomes

Red Balloon Educational Trust has policies and procedures to ensure that every single learner, regardless of their age, disability, gender, race, religion, or belief, sex or sexual orientation, has a right to equal protection from harm. It's so important that everyone at Red Balloon Educational Trust knows what to look out for and how to report any concerns.

Safeguarding policies may be available at Trust level or be held by each Centre individually. All Safeguarding related policies and procedures are available on our website. Every Centre will ensure all staff complete training to ensure we all understand good practice and how to safeguard our learners and ourselves.

Due to the role involving engaging in regulated activity with young people, it is an offence to apply for the role if the you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Safeguarding is Red Balloon Educational Trust's priority. No member of staff will have access to work with learners until all required training has been completed.