All About the Role: Educational Psychology

In this blog, we will cover:

• What an Educational Psychologist does day to day in Surrey
• The types of schools, children, and settings you might work with
• The key skills and qualities that help an Educational Psychologist succeed
• How you can start your journey with Connect2Surrey

Educational Psychologists play a vital role in helping children and young people reach their full potential. They use their expertise in learning, behaviour, and development to support schools, families, and communities, ensuring every child has the tools they need to thrive.

Working in Surrey offers the chance to collaborate with a wide range of schools and education settings, providing advice, assessments, and interventions that can make a lasting difference. It’s a career that combines analytical thinking with empathy, offering both challenge and reward every day.

A day in the life of an Educational Psychologist

A typical day for an Educational Psychologist in Surrey is varied and dynamic, often combining assessments, consultations, and collaborative work with schools and families. You might start the morning by visiting a school to observe a child in the classroom, then spend the afternoon analysing assessment data or writing reports with recommendations for teachers and parents. No two days are exactly alike, and the role requires flexibility, problem-solving, and the ability to balance multiple tasks while keeping the needs of children front and centre.

Some of the daily responsibilities can include:

• Conducting assessments of children’s learning, behaviour and social-emotional development.
• Consulting with teachers, parents and carers to provide guidance and strategies
• Designing and evaluating interventions tailored to individual or group needs.
• Delivering training or workshops to support staff development in schools

Working in Surrey gives Educational Psychologists the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across a range of educational settings, from mainstream schools to specialist provisions. The role is not only about addressing challenges but also about supporting growth, development, and well-being for children and young people throughout the county.

The types of schools, children and settings you might work with

As an Educational Psychologist in Surrey, you’ll work with a diverse range of children and educational settings. This includes mainstream primary and secondary schools, specialist schools for children with additional needs, and early years settings. You may also support children in alternative provision or those who are home-educated, ensuring every child has access to the support they need to thrive.

The children you work with can vary widely in age, ability, and background. Some may need support with learning difficulties, behavioural challenges, or social and emotional development, while others may require guidance for higher-level educational planning.

In addition to individual work, Educational Psychologists often collaborate with teachers, parents, and multi-agency teams to develop strategies and interventions that benefit groups, classes, or whole schools. Working across these different environments provides variety and the chance to make a meaningful impact on both individual children and the wider educational community in Surrey.

Is experience required before applying?

While some trainee Educational Psychologist roles in Surrey accept recent graduates, having practical experience in educational, social care, or youth settings can significantly strengthen your application. Working directly with children, schools, or community programs helps you understand the challenges young people face and gives you insight into how interventions and support strategies are implemented. This hands-on experience also demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and educators, a key skill for the role.

Connect2Surrey often advises candidates to seek volunteering, internships, or short-term placements in schools or local authority services across Surrey. Not only does this experience improve your application, but it also gives you a realistic view of what a career in educational psychology entails and helps you build professional networks within the county.

Skills and qualities that make an Educational Psychologist successful

Success as an Educational Psychologist relies on a combination of professional expertise and personal qualities. Analytical thinking and problem-solving are essential for assessing complex situations and designing effective interventions. Strong interpersonal skills help build trust and rapport with children, families, and school staff, while resilience and adaptability are key for managing the variety and unpredictability of the role.

Some of the core skills and qualities include:

• Critical thinking- Interpreting assessments and evidence to make informed recommendations.
• Effective communication- Clearly explaining findings and strategies to diverse audiences.
• Collaboration- Working closely with teachers, parents and multi-agency teams.
• Organisation- Managing caseloads, reports and schedules efficiently.
• Empathy and patience- Understanding each child’s unique situation and responding appropriately.

Together, these skills allow Educational Psychologists in Surrey to provide high-quality support and guidance that truly benefits children and the wider educational community.

Start your journey with Connect2Surrey

To become an Educational Psychologist, you’ll usually need a psychology degree and a postgraduate qualification in educational psychology. Gaining experience in schools or youth services helps build the practical skills needed for the role.

Connect2Surrey can help you find trainee or placement opportunities across Surrey, giving you hands-on experience while supporting children and schools in the county. It’s a rewarding way to start your career and make a real difference in local communities.

Meet our consultant:

• Steve Bushell, Talent Partner
• 📞 07709 720 859
• 📧 steve.bushell@connect2surrey.co.uk

He’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 Connect2Surrey HERE

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