Leeds City Council - Trainee Educational Psychologists

Leeds Educational Psychology Team (EPT) is a large, creative and dynamic service supporting children, families and communities across a vibrant and diverse city. We are recruiting Trainee Educational Psychologists entering their second year of doctoral training in September 2026. We welcome applicants committed to living and working in or around Leeds and passionate about improving the lives of children and young people.

We are looking for trainees who are:

• Reflective practitioners
• Committed to a child‑centred approach aligned with Child Friendly Leeds values
• Creative, flexible and thoughtful in applying psychology
• Skilled in consultation and communication
• Able to build strong relationships with schools, families and partners

In line with AEP guidance, you will have secure employment with Leeds Local Authority, including access to pensions, sick leave and mileage reimbursement.

What Leeds Offers

• A strong support network with high‑quality individual and peer supervision
• Positive partnerships with universities to ensure meaningful trainee experiences
• Established support programmes for both Trainee EPs and Newly Qualified EPs
• A capped EHCA allocation, offering a balance of statutory work, early intervention, school‑based work and project activity
• Opportunities to develop autonomy in planning, school links and shaping your work
• A flexible hybrid working model supporting team connection, collaborative practice, virtual work and homeworking
• Regular team meetings and whole‑service CPD days

As a Trainee EP in Leeds, you will:

• Develop a range of skills and experiences to demonstrate doctoral competencies
• Attend university teaching in line with BPS guidance
• Fulfil all placement expectations for EP training
• Complete a research project contributing to district priorities and meeting doctoral requirements
• Become a valued and fully included member of the EP team

Requirements
Applicants must be in the first year of a recognised EP professional doctorate and eligible for HCPC registration upon completion.

To discuss the role, contact Lucy Taylor, Acting Principal Educational Psychologist, or a Senior EP on 0113 378 5163.

Additional information
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the relevant Children’s or Adults’ barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates. Please read our recruitment of ex-offenders policy.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care‑experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before employment—either as a UK/Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement Scheme, or via another valid visa.

If you do not currently have the right to work in the UK, please consider your eligibility for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship before applying. Sponsorship usually requires a salary of at least £41,700 per year or meeting alternative eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

NB: We also have a rolling advert for Qualified Educational Psychologists – please get in touch should you wish to discuss further.