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We're Recruiting

Join the Thrive team as an SEN tutor or mentor

We're building a team of tutors and mentors who deliver one-to-one, face-to-face support to children and young people with SEN, SEND and SEMH needs — flexible work that makes a genuine difference.

Face-to-face opportunities across Kent, Hampshire, Norfolk and South Gloucestershire — plus online tutoring anywhere in the UK.

Where we're recruiting

One-to-one, self-employed work matched to your area. Applications take 3–5 minutes — no CV needed.

Kent

Qualified teachers

QTS required
  • Academic tutoring (EYFS–Post 16)
  • Core & wider curriculum subjects
  • Face-to-face and online opportunities

Hampshire

Tutors

QTS or teaching qualification
  • Early Years–Post 19
  • Core, specialist & vocational subjects
  • Qualified teachers & experienced tutors

Norfolk

Qualified teachers

QTS required
  • English, maths & science
  • KS1–KS5
  • Face-to-face and online opportunities

South Gloucestershire

Mentors

No QTS required
  • Education & community mentoring
  • Independence & employment support
  • Young people aged 16+ in transition

Rates are shown in the advert for each vacancy and confirmed before interview.

How we vet everyone who works with us

We work with children and young people who are often vulnerable, so our checks are thorough. Here's exactly what happens, and what we handle for you.

Checks we complete

An enhanced DBS check with children's barred list information, right to work verification, identity verification, and references. Every offer is conditional until these are complete.

An interview, every time

Nobody is placed with a young person without speaking to us first. The conversation is informal, but it happens before any placement is agreed.

Records kept properly

Every check is recorded and maintained on a single central record, so our local authority and school partners can see that safer recruitment standards are met.

You don't need a DBS certificate before you apply. If you don't hold a current one, we arrange it as part of onboarding.

Simple. Straightforward. Fast.

We keep recruitment simple so we can focus on what matters — getting the right people in front of the right young people.

1

Submit your application

Fill in the short form for your role — it takes 3-5 minutes, and no CV is required. Tell us about your background, experience and availability.

2

Initial conversation

An informal call to learn more about you and explain how we work. No formal interview panel — just a real conversation. We aim to review applications within 3 working days.

3

Checks and onboarding

We verify your right to work and complete the appropriate DBS process, followed by a short induction. We make this as smooth as possible.

4

Your first placement

We match you to a young person as soon as a suitable referral is available in your area, and brief you fully. Your named Thrive contact is available throughout.

What you get from working with us

We're building a team of specialists who are great at what they do and care about why they do it. Here's what you get when you join us.

Matched placements

We carefully match you to young people based on your skills and experience — thoughtful pairings that work for everyone.

A named contact

You'll have a named contact at Thrive throughout. We're not the kind of organisation that sends you out and hopes for the best.

Flexible working

Set your own availability and build sessions around your other commitments. All roles are self-employed, with rates confirmed for each role and area during the application process.

Hear from people already working with us

"I've worked with several tutoring agencies and Thrive is the only one that felt like they actually cared about the match — not just filling a session."

Priya, SEN Tutor — Kent

"The onboarding was quick and professional. Within two weeks I had my DBS back and was matched with a student. The support since has been really solid."

Marcus, Mentor — Hampshire

"As someone who specialises in SEMH, it was important that I worked somewhere that understood that complexity. Thrive genuinely gets it."

Danielle, SEN Specialist — Kent

Recruitment FAQs

The questions applicants ask us most. Anything else — get in touch and we'll happily talk it through.

Am I employed by Thrive, or self-employed? +

Our tutors and mentors work with us on a self-employed basis and invoice us for the sessions they deliver. That's what makes the flexibility possible — you set your own availability and build Thrive work around your other commitments. You'll be responsible for your own tax and National Insurance, as with any self-employed work.

What qualifications do I need? +

Tutor qualification requirements vary by role and location. Some placements require Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), while others may accept a relevant degree or suitable specialist qualification and experience. Mentor roles do not require QTS. The application form for your area sets out the exact requirements. For mentors, we're looking for relevant life or professional experience working with young people, and the patience and empathy to build trusted relationships.

Is the work face-to-face or online? +

All our tutoring and mentoring roles are face-to-face, unless online sessions are requested and agreed in advance.

How much work can I expect? +

It varies. Placements are commissioned by local authorities and schools, so hours depend on the referrals in your area and the availability you give us. Some of our team deliver a handful of sessions a week alongside other work; others build up a fuller diary over time. We'll always be honest with you about what's realistic in your area before you commit.

Do I need a DBS certificate before applying? +

No — apply first. All our team hold enhanced DBS certificates, but if you don't have a current one we arrange it for you as part of onboarding, along with right-to-work verification.

How long does the recruitment process take? +

The application form takes 3-5 minutes and we aim to review applications within 3 working days. After an informal conversation, timing depends on external checks — mainly the DBS — and on suitable referrals being available in your area. Once your checks are back, induction follows, and we match you to a placement as soon as the right referral comes in.

Ready to apply?

Choose your role and get started — each application takes 3-5 minutes, no CV required. We aim to review applications within 3 working days.

Prefer to talk first? 01227 852666