The Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) will play a vital role in promoting the emotional wellbeing, resilience and personal development of identified students within this high-achieving and nurturing independent selective girls' school. Working closely with the Learning Support and Pastoral teams, the successful candidate will provide targeted emotional literacy and wellbeing support to pupils, particularly those with Autism Spectrum Condition and associated social, emotional and mental health needs, including those with Education, Health & Care Plans. The postholder will contribute to the school's commitment to ensuring that all pupils are known, supported and able to flourish academically, socially and emotionally.
This is a 3 or 4 day role on a fixed-term contract initially.
Why Sydenham & Dulwich Girls
Established in 1887, SDG is an independent day school for girls aged 4-18 with over 700 pupils. The school is part of the Girls' Day School Trust, the leading and largest group of independent girls' schools in the UK. The GDST is at the forefront of education for girls and has a strong voice in promoting opportunities for young women.
Sydenham & Dulwich Girls is a selective school with a mission to ensure that every girl reaches her full academic potential. Our rich and diverse curriculum, with a full range of subjects as well as excellent enrichment provision outside of lessons, enables our students to develop the skills and personal attributes to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing society. We are ambitious and forward thinking, looking to ensure our school continues to offer an outstanding education to our young people as well as the very best in pastoral care. Tolerance and mutual respect are a cornerstone of our ethos alongside an education which delivers a contemporary, innovative understanding of what it means to educate the ‘whole child’.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package and a strong professional development programme. These benefits include:
- Competitive salaries and pay progression
- Access to extensive professional development opportunities
- Training grants for qualifications
- Generous pension schemes
- Free school lunches
- Financial guidance and support
- Retail and lifestyle discounts
- A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
Applications should be received by 9am on Friday 26 June 2026. We reserve the right to interview at any point during the recruitment process so early applications are encouraged.
References for candidates invited to interview will be taken before the interview.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. To be eligible for employment, candidates must provide proof of their right to work in the UK.
The GDST is committed to diversity, inclusion and real change: a family where every individual is valued, respected and included
GDST are committed to the safeguarding of and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection checks appropriate to the post, including online searches, and checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.