PREPARATORY SCHOOL COUNSELLOR Job

Last Updated: November 8, 2025
5 6 minutes read

Herschel Girls School, a prominent independent Anglican school for girls located in Claremont, Cape Town, is seeking to appoint a dedicated part-time Preparatory School Counsellor on a one-year fixed-period contract. This vital role is set to commence in January 2026, inviting applications from qualified professionals with a passion for supporting the emotional well-being of girls from Pre-Nursery to Grade 7. The school, founded in 1922, embraces diversity and is committed to transformation, seeking a candidate who aligns with its inclusive ethos and strategic objectives.

This is an excellent opportunity for an innovative and progressive counsellor to join a dynamic and excellent staff, contributing to a supportive and equitable school environment. Candidates with professional qualifications in Social Work and/or Psychology, clinical training, and a thorough understanding of child development are encouraged to apply.

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Detailed list of vacancy key details

  • School Name: Herschel Girls School
  • Position: Preparatory School Counsellor
  • Contract Type: Part-Time, one-year fixed period contract
  • Start Date: January 2026
  • Application Deadline: Tuesday, 18 November 2025
  • Location: Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa
  • School Ethos: Independent Anglican school, inclusive, diverse, committed to transformation and equity.
  • Age Group: Girls from Pre-Nursery to Grade 12 (Counsellor role focuses on Pre-Nursery to Grade 7)
  • Academic Qualification Framework: IEB NSC
  • Key Requirements:
    • Appropriate professional qualifications with clinical training and experience in Social Work and/or Psychology (Play Therapy advantageous).
    • In-depth knowledge of family and individual therapy.
    • Thorough knowledge of the Children’s Act and regulations.
    • Sound, practically based understanding of child development and emotional/relational needs.
    • Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
    • Comfortable interacting with girls in classrooms and presenting workshops to parents and staff.
    • School experience is advantageous.
    • Commitment to the school’s tagline: “leading the education of girls into a future of limitless possibilities”.
    • Commitment to transformation, equity, and belonging strategic objectives.
    • Supportive of the Christian Anglican ethos.
  • Application Documents Required: Letter of application, comprehensive CV, three contactable references, Police Clearance certificate, valid HPCSA registration or SACSSP registration.
  • Important Notes:
    • Herschel is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer; preference may be given to designated groups.
    • Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
    • The School reserves the right not to make an appointment.
    • Applications are subject to POPIA compliance.

Simple summary of the vacancy

Herschel Girls School is looking to appoint a part-time Preparatory School Counsellor for a one-year fixed contract, starting in January 2026. Based in Claremont, Cape Town, this role is crucial for supporting the emotional well-being and development of girls from Pre-Nursery through to Grade 7. The school, established in 1922, prides itself on being an inclusive Anglican institution that welcomes a diverse community of pupils and staff, aligning with its commitment to transformation and equity.

The ideal candidate will be a professionally qualified individual with clinical training and experience in Social Work or Psychology, with a strong grasp of family and individual therapy, as well as the Children’s Act. While school experience is a plus, a deep understanding of child development and the emotional needs of growing children is essential. The counsellor will be expected to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team, engage directly with students in classroom settings to address topical issues, and confidently lead workshops for both parents and staff.

Beyond professional skills, the school seeks someone who embodies its tagline of “leading the education of girls into a future of limitless possibilities” and is fully committed to fostering an equitable, safe, and belonging-focused school environment, in line with the school’s Christian Anglican ethos. This is an affirmative action employer, giving preference to candidates from designated groups where appropriate, in accordance with its Employment Equity Plan.

How to apply for this post

  • Prepare a detailed letter of application.
  • Compile a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Gather contact details for three professional references.
  • Obtain an up-to-date Police Clearance certificate.
  • Ensure you have valid registration with the HPCSA (Health Professions Council of South Africa) or SACSSP (South African Council for Social Service Professions).
  • Submit all required documents via the online application form by clicking this link: APPLY HERE.
  • Ensure your application is submitted by Tuesday, 18 November 2025.

Questions and answers for a potential candidate

  • Q: What qualifications are essential for this counsellor position?
    A: You must possess appropriate professional qualifications with clinical training and experience in Social Work and/or Psychology.
  • Q: Is school experience a mandatory requirement?
    A: While school experience would be advantageous, it is not explicitly listed as mandatory, but a sound understanding of child development in an educational context is crucial.
  • Q: What age group of children will the counsellor primarily work with?
    A: The role focuses on supporting girls from Pre-Nursery to Grade 7 within the Preparatory School.
  • Q: What is the duration of the contract?
    A: This is a part-time position offered on a one-year fixed period contract.
  • Q: What is the school’s stance on diversity and inclusion?
    A: Herschel Girls School is an inclusive institution committed to transformation, equity, and belonging, actively welcoming pupils and staff from diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Q: How important is knowledge of the Children’s Act?
    A: A thorough knowledge of the Children’s Act and its regulations is specifically listed as a key requirement for the role.
  • Q: Will the counsellor interact with parents and staff, or just students?
    A: You will be expected to interact with girls in classroom situations, and also be confident in presenting workshops to both parents and staff.
  • Q: What documents are absolutely necessary for the application?
    A: A letter of application, comprehensive CV, three contactable references, a Police Clearance certificate, and valid HPCSA or SACSSP registration are all essential.
  • Q: When is the final deadline to submit my application?
    A: All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, 18 November 2025.
  • Q: How does the school handle personal information provided in applications?
    A: Herschel Girls School is compliant with POPIA and will ensure the confidentiality of applicants, using personal information solely for the recruitment, selection, and reporting process.
  • Q: Are there any specific therapeutic approaches preferred or advantageous?
    A: Play Therapy experience would be advantageous, in addition to an in-depth knowledge of family and individual therapy.
  • Q: What qualities would make me a preferred candidate beyond the core qualifications?
    A: Candidates who demonstrate an innovative and progressive approach, align with the school’s commitment to transformation, equity, and belonging, and are supportive of its Christian Anglican ethos, will be highly valued.

Institution details

For more information or to see other vacancies, you can visit the original source of this posting here: Preparatory School Counsellor Vacancy.

Explore a variety of other career prospects by checking out more Teaching Jobs available.

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Last Updated: November 8, 2025
5 6 minutes read
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