Tom is a Phenomenal Graduate with a Real Passion for Supporting Children with SEND, Available September for TA and LSA roles
Tom is a compassionate, engaging and academically accomplished graduate who is looking to build a career supporting young people with SEND. Having chosen to move away from doctoral study in Molecular Biology, he is now seeking a purposeful role within a secondary or specialist SEND setting where he can make a direct difference to pupils’ wellbeing, confidence and development.
With hands-on experience supporting children through nature-based therapy alongside a qualification in counselling skills, Tom brings maturity, empathy and a genuine ability to connect with young people. His longer-term ambition is to become a therapist, making a SEND role a particularly strong fit for both his skills and future direction.
Education & Qualifications
- MSc Genetics and Multiomics in Medicine - Distinction: University College London
- BSc (Hons) Medical Sciences - First Class: University of Exeter
- Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills (RQF): Moulton College
- A Levels: Biology (A), Geography (A), Economics (B), EPQ (A*)
- GCSEs: 11 subjects including English, Maths and Science
Experience Summary
Tom offers a particularly strong combination of SEND experience, therapeutic understanding and interpersonal skills. His work with children in nature-based therapy has given him direct experience of creating calm, supportive environments and responding sensitively to individual needs. Alongside this, his counselling training, academic background and leadership experience have equipped him with the patience, resilience and communication skills to become a valuable member of a school SEND team.
- Supported children with SEND during nature-based therapy sessions, helping them engage safely, build confidence and participate positively in therapeutic activities.
- Built trusting relationships with children and responded to individual needs with patience, empathy and care, helping to maintain an environment centred on wellbeing.
- Worked closely with a lead therapy practitioner to provide consistent support and create a calm, safe and reassuring setting for young people.
- Developed a strong foundation in active listening, empathy and emotional support through his Level 2 Counselling Skills qualification—highly transferable to pastoral and SEND provision.
- Brings an exceptional academic background, including First Class and Distinction-level university study, demonstrating intellectual curiosity, commitment and the ability to engage confidently with complex subject matter.
- Developed leadership and resilience as a Bar Supervisor, including training colleagues, managing busy environments and resolving concerns calmly and professionally.
- Has several years of experience as a professional musician, contributing confidence, creativity and an ability to build rapport with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Key Strengths
- Direct experience supporting children with SEND in a therapeutic environment
- Warm, patient and empathetic approach to building relationships with young people
- Strong understanding of active listening and emotional support through counselling training
- Calm and resilient when working in busy or challenging situations
- Highly academically able, with a First Class BSc and Distinction at MSc level
- Confident communicator who can build rapport with a wide range of individuals
- Creative and personable, with professional music experience alongside his academic background
- Genuine long-term commitment to supporting young people’s wellbeing and development
- Particularly well suited to SEND, pastoral and specialist school environments