Apply to be a Mentor

Every Spring we recruit enthusiastic and inspirational university undergraduates to become the next cohort of mentors. Mentors are crucial to the scheme and engage, stretch and inspire KAN students.

What does the role involve?

As a mentor you will be allocated two to four students to coach on the residential weeks, meet-up days and throughout the year via online mentoring (a secure platform and termly zoom sessions).

Mentors are expected to show initiative and innovation and be role-models for the KAN students.

It is both an academic and a pastoral role – you will be expected to use your academic ability to help stretch and inspire these young students in the work they are doing, but also to use your own experience of school and university to help raise their aspirations and ambitions.

Please ensure you have fully understood the mentor responsibilities as listed here.

What is the commitment?

Over the course of one-year a mentor should expect to attend both residential courses, which fall outside of university term time, and aim to participate in meet-up days where possible. Mentors are also expected to maintain communications with their students via a secure e-mentoring platform.

A two-year commitment to the programme is the minimum requirement. There is the option of extending your role for another two years as an experienced KAN mentor, which would allow you to complete the journey with your assigned students.

KAN is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

How much will I be paid?

KAN highly values our university mentors, who are the backbone of our four-year programme. The hourly rate of pay for a KAN Mentor is £11.32 inclusive of pro-rata holiday pay. Travel expenses will always be reimbursed.

How could this role benefit me?

In this role you have the chance to make a real difference to the lives of disadvantaged students.

As part of preparation for the residential weeks you will be expected to attend training each year and will also have the chance to pursue further professional development. KAN will be committed to your professional development as we believe our mentors who are both integral to KAN and future leaders within the education sector.

Those interested in becoming teachers will gain classroom experience with the opportunity for observation, a network with experienced teachers from both the state and independent sectors, and an opportunity to observe skilled classroom practitioners. Similarly, anyone interested in a career in the charity sector, in education or working with children in general would greatly benefit from the experience.

How do I apply?

To ask further questions about the role, please get in touch with Isla Phillips-Ewen (KAN Director) or email humanresources@sevenoaksschool.org. To apply, please complete the support staff speculative application form under the support staff vacancies section on our website.