The letter, part by part
Lucia Bradley (Youth Counsellor, Community Listening Service) is applying to be a School Counsellor (Secondary) at Kingsfield High School. Here is what each paragraph does.
- The hook
- The proof
- The fit
- The close
Dear Mr Duncan,
Young people rarely ask for help in the way adults expect, so I was encouraged to see that Kingsfield High School offers drop-in sessions alongside booked appointments. That flexible, pupil-led approach matches how I already work, and I would be delighted to join your pupil support team as School Counsellor.
For the past three years I have worked as a counsellor with Lothian Youth Listening Service, a small charity supporting 12 to 18-year-olds. I hold a caseload of around 22 young people each week, and 78% of those completing six or more sessions show improved YP-CORE scores. I also designed a six-week exam stress group, delivered in two local secondaries, which reached 85 pupils last year.
I am a registered member of the BACP and a PVG Scheme member for regulated work with children. My training is person-centred, with additional CBT skills for anxiety, and I am confident applying GIRFEC principles and child protection procedures. I value close, respectful working with guidance teachers, school nurses and CAMHS, always keeping the young person’s voice at the centre of every referral and plan.
I would welcome the chance to discuss how I could support the wellbeing of Kingsfield’s pupils. I am happy to attend an interview at a time that suits you and can provide clinical supervision references on request. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Lucia Bradley
Skills to mention
Employers hiring a school counselor often look for these. Name the ones you really have, with an example.
Phrases you can borrow
Change the details to your own, then copy them into your letter.
I create a safe, confidential space where young people can talk at their own pace.
I work closely with pupil support staff so that wellbeing plans are consistent across the school day.
I use outcome measures thoughtfully to review progress together with each young person.
I respond calmly to disclosures and follow child protection procedures carefully and promptly.
Tips for a school counselor cover letter
- State your professional body membership and PVG status clearly.
- Use anonymised outcome measures, such as YP-CORE, to show impact without breaching confidentiality.
- Show how you work with guidance staff, nurses and external services.
- Mention your therapeutic approach and any group work you have delivered.
- Demonstrate safeguarding knowledge, including child protection and GIRFEC.
Mistakes to avoid
- Sharing identifiable details about young people in examples.
- Forgetting to mention professional registration, supervision or PVG membership.
- Focusing on theory without showing how you work within a school setting.