Tom is an academically exceptional graduate seeking a long-term role as an SEN Specialist Graduate Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or pastoral/therapeutic support member within a secondary or specialist SEN school. He brings a rare blend of scientific academic excellence, counselling training and direct SEND support experience, making him a genuinely impressive candidate for schools looking for someone thoughtful, emotionally intelligent and able to build trusted relationships with young people.
Having achieved a Distinction in MSc Genetics and Multiomics in Medicine at UCL and a First Class BSc in Medical Sciences from the University of Exeter, Tom has the academic credibility to support pupils with confidence, particularly in science-focused learning or academic mentoring. More importantly, he is now choosing to move away from doctoral research in Molecular Biology and Genetics because his longer-term ambition is to become a therapist and his strongest motivation is working directly with young people.
His experience as a Nature-Based Therapy Assistant supporting children with SEND gives him a strong foundation for school-based SEN work. Calm, reflective and personable, Tom would suit schools seeking a mature graduate who can combine academic strength with empathy, resilience and a sincere commitment to helping students feel understood, safe and able to succeed.
Education & Qualifications
- PhD, Molecular Biology and Genetics - first-year doctoral student: University of Lille
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (RQF): Moulton College
- MSc Genetics and Multiomics in Medicine, Distinction: University College London
- BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences, First Class: University of Exeter
- A Levels: Biology (A), Geography (A), Economics (B), EPQ (A*)
Experience Summary
Tom’s experience prepares him particularly well for schools where pupils need consistent adults who can combine academic confidence with emotional awareness. His SEND therapy work, counselling qualification, supervisory experience and background as a professional musician all point to someone who can communicate clearly, build rapport quickly and remain calm when supporting young people with different needs.
- Supported children with SEND during nature-based therapy sessions, helping them engage safely, build confidence and access activities in a calm environment.
- Developed positive relationships with children by responding to individual needs with patience, care and emotional sensitivity.
- Worked alongside a lead practitioner to maintain a supportive therapeutic setting centred on children’s wellbeing.
- Completed a Level 2 counselling skills qualification, strengthening his understanding of active listening, empathy and emotionally supportive communication.
- Brings outstanding academic credentials from UCL and Exeter, giving schools a highly credible graduate for academic mentoring, science support and learning intervention work.
- Built resilience and calm professional judgement as a Bar Supervisor, including training new staff and resolving customer concerns professionally.
- Draws on several years as a professional musician, supporting his confidence, presence and ability to connect naturally with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Key Strengths
- Outstanding academic background
- Strong science and medical sciences knowledge
- Direct SEND support experience
- Counselling skills qualification
- Strong emotional intelligence
- Calm and compassionate communication
- Builds positive relationships with young people
- Mature career focus on therapeutic support
- Confident communicator with strong rapport-building skills
- Resilient and calm under pressure
- Positive role model for secondary pupils
- Well suited to specialist SEN or pastoral support settings