Mentoring in Schools

In secondary schools, mentoring can be seen as an additional program or role layered onto an already heavy workload. In reality, mentoring is not about doing more but a purposeful relational approach that can be integrated into your existing programs.
A mentor is a trusted adult who builds a consistent, supportive relationship with a student to guide, encourage and challenge their thinking. Unlike teaching, which focuses on curriculum and assessment, mentoring focuses on the whole student — their confidence, motivation, choices and sense of belonging. Teaching addresses what students learn; mentoring supports who they are becoming. This distinction matters in adolescence.

The Australian data shows that student engagement declines across the secondary years, with only 62% of students attending school 90% or more of the time nationally, well below pre‑COVID levels. Research consistently shows that relationships with trusted adults are one of the strongest protective factors against disengagement during this period.
Australian and international studies demonstrate clear outcomes from effective school‑based mentoring including:

• Improved attendance and engagement, particularly for students at risk of disengagement.
• Stronger sense of belonging and connection to school.
• Increased resilience and emotional wellbeing.
• Higher aspirations and post‑school pathways, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  

Many secondary teachers already mentor through conversations, feedback and guidance moments. So mentoring does not have to be an extra, but a proven way to strengthen engagement, resilience, one relationship at a time.  A coaching‑informed mentoring approach can strengthen the impact further. Evidence shows mentoring that includes goal‑setting, reflection and skill development has greater effects on academic outcomes than relationship‑only models, while still relying on trust and connection.

If you’d like to strengthen your coaching and mentoring skills, we’d love to support your team on that journey. Reach out to discuss staff training, talks and resources that can help.

Happy Coaching from 

Robyn Chellew