All About the Role: Educational Psychologist

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• What life as an Educational Psychologist really looks like.
• The difference you can make in supporting children and schools across the county.
• The skills, experience, and qualifications that help you succeed.
• How Connect2Kent can support your journey into educational psychology.

Becoming an Educational Psychologist is more than just a career; it’s a chance to make a genuine impact on the lives of children and young people. Every day brings new opportunities to support learning, promote wellbeing, and help schools create positive, inclusive environments where students can thrive.

In Kent, where educational diversity is vast and community support is strong, Educational Psychologists play a key role in shaping brighter futures and ensuring every child receives the guidance they need to reach their full potential.

What life as an Educational Psychologist really looks like

One day you might be visiting a school to assess a pupil’s learning needs, and the next, you could be leading a meeting with teachers and parents to develop support strategies. The role blends psychology, education, and relationship-building, all focused on helping children overcome barriers to learning and reach their full potential. Working within Kent’s diverse education system means engaging with a wide range of schools, from bustling urban academies to smaller rural settings, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Conducting psychological assessments and observations in schools.
• Working with teachers and families to create individual learning plans.
• Supporting schools with behaviour management and emotional well-being strategies.
• Providing training sessions for school staff on inclusive practices.
• Collaborating with local authorities and other professionals to support children with additional needs.

Educational Psychologists in Kent often work closely with multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring every child receives the right mix of emotional and academic support. The satisfaction comes from seeing your work directly improve children’s confidence, relationships, and educational outcomes across the county.

What kind of children or settings will I work with?

Educational Psychologists in Kent have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of children and young people, each with their own unique strengths, challenges, and circumstances. You might find yourself supporting a child in an early years setting one day and consulting with staff in a secondary school the next. The role spans across all stages of education, focusing on helping children with additional learning needs, emotional or behavioural difficulties, and those who may be struggling to engage with their learning environment.

Kent’s wide mix of urban and rural communities means no two days are ever quite the same. Educational Psychologists often work across different types of schools, from small village primaries to larger academies, as well as with special schools and alternative provision settings. Collaboration is a huge part of the role, whether that’s working alongside teachers, SENCOs, social workers, or parents. This variety not only keeps the work engaging but also allows you to have a meaningful impact on a wide range of children’s educational journeys throughout the county.

The difference you can make in supporting children and schools across the county.

Being an Educational Psychologist is one of those rare careers where your work has a visible, lasting impact. Every insight, conversation, and plan you create contributes to a child’s ability to learn, grow, and feel confident in themselves. Your input can change the trajectory of someone's educational journey for the better, this could be by helping students to find new ways to manage anxiety, supporting teachers to adapt their approaches or advising families who are navigating challenges.

Across Kent, Educational Psychologists are key to strengthening connections between schools, families, and local services. Their work helps build more inclusive learning environments and ensures that children with additional needs get the right support at the right time. The ripple effect goes far beyond the classroom; it touches families, teachers, and entire communities, making this role not only vital but deeply rewarding for anyone passionate about making a difference.

The skills, experience, and qualifications that help you succeed.

Educational psychology is as much about understanding people as it is about understanding theory. To succeed, you’ll need the right balance of academic grounding and interpersonal confidence. Typically, Educational Psychologists hold a psychology degree followed by a Doctorate in Educational Psychology, but what truly sets great professionals apart is their ability to connect with children, families, and teachers on a personal level. The role calls for strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to make informed decisions that support every child’s unique needs.

In Kent, Educational Psychologists play a vital role within the council’s commitment to supporting children and young people across the county. The work is varied and community-focused, with opportunities to collaborate closely with schools, early help services, and family support teams. Because Kent covers such a wide and diverse area, from rural villages to larger towns, adaptability and cultural awareness are key qualities. The council values professionals who can bring creativity to complex situations, offering practical solutions that work for both schools and families. By combining professional expertise with compassion and local insight, Educational Psychologists in Kent help ensure that every child has access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

How Connect2Kent can support your journey into educational psychology.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career as an Educational Psychologist, Connect2Kent can help you find opportunities that truly match your skills and ambitions. Working in partnership with Kent County Council, Connect2Kent offers exclusive access to roles within the local authority, from temporary placements to long-term positions that make a real impact in schools and communities.

The team understands the unique demands of educational psychology and is here to support you at every stage, from finding the right role to guiding you through the application process. Whether you’re an experienced psychologist looking to take on a new challenge or just beginning your journey within local authority work, Connect2Kent can help you find a rewarding role that allows you to make a lasting difference in children’s lives across Kent.

Meet our dedicated consultants:

• Lauren Pike, Senior Talent Partner
  📞 07542 321785
  📧 lauren.pike@connect2kent.co.uk
• Amy Glover, Senior Talent Partner
  📞 0808 175 0213
  📧 amy.glover@connect2kent.co.uk

They'll guide you through the application process, provide insights into current opportunities, and offer ongoing support to help you succeed in your new role.

👉 Explore current Educational Psychologist opportunities with Connect2Kent HERE

or

👉 Register HERE to stay updated on the latest roles and connect with our consultants.