Case Study: Omar – Behaviour Mentor at London South East Academies Trust
When Omar joined London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT) as a Behaviour Mentor, he
brought resilience, and an ability to connect with young people on their level.
“I went through the same sorts of challenges as many of the students I now work with,” Omar
explains. “That means I understand where they’re coming from, and I can build relationships
based on trust and respect. For me, it’s about showing them there are other ways to use their
energy, not through anger or disruption, but through sport, fitness and positive choices.”
What does a Behaviour Mentor do?
Omar’s day starts with a staff briefing, checking in on students who may need extra support. He
greets students as they arrive, ensuring a safe start to the day, before moving between
classrooms and supporting wherever needed.
A big part of the role is being there when things get tough: “If there’s a radio call, I’ll step in to de-
escalate a situation and help the student reset so they can re-engage with learning. It’s not
about pulling rank or demanding respect, it’s about building relationships and helping students
develop resilience.”
Alongside this, Omar delivers P.E. sessions, giving students a productive outlet for their energy
and building confidence through sport. “Some students need to talk, some need space, and
some need a physical release, whether that’s kicking a ball, hitting the boxing pads, or doing a
quick workout. What matters is giving them safe strategies they can carry into their future.”
Why does it matter?
Behaviour Mentors play a vital role in helping students succeed, often becoming the consistent,
safe adult in their lives. “It’s not about being the biggest person in the room,” Omar says. “It’s
about being the one they feel safest around. Students need boundaries, but they also need to
know someone genuinely believes in them.”
Head of Pastoral Care, Dan, agrees:
“A Behaviour Mentor is a role model. Some students need a
strong male influence, others need a nurturing female role model, we need both. The job is not
about enforcing authority; it’s about trust, respect, and being approachable. That’s why our
mentors wear tracksuits rather than suits, it breaks down barriers straight away.”
Zoe, another member of the team, adds:
“I’d love to encourage more women to consider this
career. I’ve been in the role for five years and love it, no two days are the same, and the impact
you can have is incredible.”
The impact
For Omar, the reward comes when he sees the difference in students over time. “I’ve worked
with young people who struggled to engage in lessons at all, but with the right support, they’ve
gone on to sit their GCSEs and stay with us until the end of Year 11. That’s what makes the
challenges worth it, knowing you’ve helped someone believe in themselves again.”
Thinking of becoming a Behaviour Mentor?
If you’re calm under pressure, patient, energetic, and passionate about helping young people
succeed, this could be the role for you. We’re currently recruiting Behaviour Mentors at our
Newhaven school in East Sussex.
