Chris is a truly Outstanding Cambridde and Durham University Graduate with a Desire to make a Difference | Available for SEN / LSA or Pastoral Roles
Chris is a compassionate and intellectually driven graduate who is now seeking to channel his academic expertise and frontline mental health experience into a school-based role as a SEN Teaching Assistant, Pastoral Assistant or Learning Support Assistant. With a First-Class degree from Durham and a Master’s from Cambridge specialising in Global Mental Health, he combines academic rigour with genuine warmth and emotional intelligence.
Chris is particularly motivated to support pupils with SEMH, Autism, and additional needs, and is ready to make a meaningful difference in either primary or secondary settings by being the calm, consistent adult that vulnerable young people can rely on .
Education & Qualifications
- MPhil Development Studies, specialising in Global Mental Health: University of Cambridge
- BA (Hons) Philosophy, Politics and Economics: Durham University - First Class
- A Levels: Economics (A*), Politics (A*), History (A), Mathematics (A)
- GCSEs: 10 grades A*–A, including English, Maths and Further Maths
Experience Summary
Chris brings a powerful combination of academic insight, pastoral care experience and direct engagement with vulnerable young people. While his professional background includes policy and research at national and international level, he has consistently chosen roles that keep him close to children and young people facing disadvantage, emotional distress, or barriers to learning.
- Volunteered with Crisis Text Line, supporting individuals in acute mental health crises, including young people experiencing suicidal thoughts, demonstrating calm judgement, empathy and emotional resilience.
- Mentored a 14-year-old boy from a disadvantaged background through IntoUniversity, building trust, raising aspirations and providing consistent academic and personal guidance.
- Tutored students from disadvantaged backgrounds through TutorFair Foundation, adapting explanations and approaches to suit individual learning needs.
- Developed specialist knowledge in the relationship between disability, stigma and mental health through postgraduate research, including work connected to the World Health Organisation’s Technical Advisory Group on Child Leprosy.
- Produced briefings as Mental Health co-lead during the Civil Service Fast Stream, demonstrating maturity, discretion and a strong understanding of safeguarding-sensitive contexts.
- Volunteered with Care4Calais, supporting refugees through practical assistance and compassionate engagement, reinforcing his commitment to inclusion and dignity for all.
Chris is now eager to step fully into a school environment, where he can apply his knowledge of SEMH, Autism and additional needs in a hands-on, relational role that supports pupils both academically and emotionally.
Key Strengths
- Deep understanding of SEMH, mental health and the impact of disadvantage on learning
- Calm, reflective and emotionally intelligent approach to behaviour and pastoral care
- Skilled at building trust with vulnerable or disengaged young people
- Strong academic background with the ability to support across subjects
- Patient, resilient and consistent – able to remain steady in challenging situations
- Passionate about inclusion, safeguarding and helping every child feel valued
Chris is an exceptional candidate for schools seeking a charismatic yet grounded SEN or pastoral professional who will go above and beyond to ensure that every child feels understood, supported and capable of success .