School Counsellor

School counsellors provide support to pupils with regard to their educational, social, physical and emotional development and adjustment.

A school counsellor provides support and guidance to students in both academic and personal matters, helping them address challenges that may affect their school performance or well-being. They create a confidential environment for students to discuss personal issues and use various tools, such as aptitude and personality tests, to assess potential problems. School counsellors offer one-on-one emotional counselling to guide students in understanding and overcoming difficulties. They also provide crisis intervention when necessary and work with parents and teachers to support students. Additionally, school counsellors play a vital role in career guidance, ensuring that students have access to accurate information and resources for making informed career choices.

Tasks performed by school counsellors include:

Creating a confidential environment where students feel comfortable seeking advice.
Administering aptitude and personality tests to identify issues affecting students' academic or personal lives.
Providing emotional counselling to help students overcome personal, social, or behavioural problems.
Offering career guidance and keeping the school’s career library up-to-date.
Liaising with parents, teachers, and specialists regarding students’ learning or behavioural difficulties.
Maintaining accurate student records and preparing necessary reports for the administration.

Personal Requirements

interested in children
desire to help others, particularly young people
empathetic and caring
good communication and listening skills
maturity and good life-coping skills
able to inspire respect, trust and confidence

How to Enter

Schooling & School Subjects

National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course

Each institution has its own entry requirements.

What to Study

A Bachelor’s degree majoring in Psychology and at least one other school subject, along with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), is required. School counsellors must be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Alternatively, prospective school counsellors can complete a BEd and MEd in Educational Psychology and register as educational psychologists with the HPCSA. They must also obtain a PGCE, which is a one-year qualification enabling graduates with non-education degrees to become school teachers. The PGCE is required to register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE), and all school counsellors must be registered with SACE.

Employment

Department of Education
government schools
school clinics
rehabilitation centres
private schools

Further Information

Any of the above potential employers

Getting Started

volunteer as an aide or helper at your nearest community or church centre, which offers counselling in any form
make an appointment to speak to a school counsellor about this type of career

Programmes by Study Institutions

Helderberg College of Higher Education

South African College of Applied Psychology

University of Venda

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