Fay McCormick
Summary
BACP Registered School Counsellor with extensive experience delivering therapeutic support in secondary, sixth form, boarding and international education settings. Skilled in supporting students from diverse backgrounds with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, emotional regulation and transition challenges. Experienced in safeguarding, risk assessment and collaborative working with families and multidisciplinary teams. Committed to fostering inclusive, culturally responsive wellbeing provision that supports student resilience, belonging and success.
Overview
1
1
Certification
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Safeguarding and Pastoral Deputy
Rochester Independent College
, Kent
09.2024 - Current
- Support safeguarding and pastoral care across the college community as Deputy Safeguarding Lead.
- Conduct risk assessments and manage student welfare and safeguarding concerns.
- Liaise with families and external agencies including CAMHS, social care, and local authorities.
College Counsellor (MBACP)
Rochester Independent College
, Kent
01.2023 - Current
- Provided individual and group counselling interventions for students facing anxiety, EBSA, depression, self-harm, grief, and loss, fostering a supportive environment for recovery.
- Delivered trauma-informed, integrative counselling support to 11–21 year old students, enhancing their emotional wellbeing and resilience.
- Designed and delivered wellbeing and psychoeducational workshops, promoting emotional resilience and increasing mental health awareness among students.
Residential Houseparent
Rochester Independent College
, Kent
01.2023 - 08.2024
- Supported the wellbeing and safety of 180 boarding students in a pastoral setting as Assistant Safeguarding Lead.
- Responded to welfare and safeguarding concerns, promoting a safe and supportive boarding environment
Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Haggerston School
London
04.2021 - 01.2023
- Led safeguarding and child protection processes.
- Line managed Assistant Heads of Year, providing guidance on pastoral care, safeguarding, and early intervention.
- Collaborated with external agencies, maintaining accurate safeguarding records, and advising staff on best practice.
Assistant Head of Year
Haggerston School
London
02.2020 - 04.2021
- Supported student wellbeing, behaviour, and pastoral development across the year group.
- Worked with families and staff to address barriers to learning and attendance.
- Provided early intervention support for vulnerable students.
Welfare Manager
Bellerbys College
London
09.2015 - 01.2020
- Supported the safety and wellbeing of international boarding students aged 14–25 as Deputy Safeguarding Lead
- Managed a welfare team supporting 300 students, ensuring effective pastoral and safeguarding provision
- Maintained safeguarding records, case files, and student databases in line with compliance and best practice
Education
Trauma Informed Practice
Herne Bay Counsellor Training
KentTherapeutic Counselling
Lewisham College
LondonBachelor of Arts - History
Nottingham Trent University
NottinghamSkills
- Trauma-informed counselling
- Suicide risk management (ASIST)
- Self-harm assessment and intervention
- Emotional regulation
- Anxiety and depression
- Grief and bereavement
- Neurodiversity support
- School avoidance (EBSA)
- International student adjustment
- Therapeutic group work
- Psychoeducation
- Identity and self-esteem
MBACP
- Registered Member, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
Accreditation application submitted; decision pending
International Student Wellbeing
Nine years experience supporting international students:
- Homesickness and separation issues
- International boarding provision
- Student wellbeing and resilience
- Family liaison across different cultures
- Safeguarding within international contexts
- Support for EAL learners
- TEFL Teacher – Hong Kong (2013–14)
- TEFL Teacher – Thailand (2010–11)
Additional Professional Experience
- Practicum Experience - Team Assistant: Beckley Retreats (11/2026)
- Trainee Counsellor - Choose Therapy (07/2022 - 01/2023)
- Trainee Counsellor - Wells & Co. Therapy (04/2021 - 03/2022)
Earlier Experience
- Young Persons Support Worker - 08/2014 - 08/2015
St Basils - Coventry
- TEFL Teacher, 10/2013 - 06/2014
English Excel - Hong Kong
- Young Persons Floating Support Worker, 02/2011 - 10/2013
Coventry Cyrenians - Coventry
- TEFL Teacher, 10/2010 - 02/2011
Kantabut School - Bangkok
- Cover Supervisor, 09/2009 - 08/2010
Cardinal Wiseman School - Coventry
Certification
- TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism (RQF), 2026
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 3), 2025
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), 2018
- TESOL Certificate (120 Hours), 2010
Timeline
Safeguarding and Pastoral Deputy
Rochester Independent College
09.2024 - Current
College Counsellor (MBACP)
Rochester Independent College
01.2023 - Current
Residential Houseparent
Rochester Independent College
01.2023 - 08.2024
Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Haggerston School
04.2021 - 01.2023
Assistant Head of Year
Haggerston School
02.2020 - 04.2021
Welfare Manager
Bellerbys College
09.2015 - 01.2020
Trauma Informed Practice
Herne Bay Counsellor Training
Therapeutic Counselling
Lewisham College
Bachelor of Arts - History
Nottingham Trent University