11 days remaining to apply

  • Start date details

    September 2026

  • Closing date

    6 July 2026 at 1am

  • Date listed

    25 June 2026

Job details

Job role

  • Learning support or cover supervisor

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Working pattern

Part time

Contract type

Permanent

Full-time equivalent salary

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale D: £10,884 to £11,057 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£25,583 - £25,989 full time/full year equivalent)

Technician (Science) job summary

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale D: £10,884 to £11,057 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£25,583 - £25,989 full time/full year equivalent)

Part Time: 18 hours per week over 4 days from Tuesday to Friday (4.5 hours on each day - Working times can be discussed at interview.)

Working Weeks: 39 weeks

Start Date: September 2026


Thetford Academy is looking for an enthusiastic, organised, and reliable science technician with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to join our department. If you are enthusiastic about science and enjoy inspiring others, this is a wonderful opportunity to use your skills and develop your experience within a friendly team.


It is desirable that the successful candidate has attended the CLEAPSS Health and Safety for Heads of Science course (or equivalent). The postholder will be required to undertake this training upon appointment if not already completed, and to renew this training every three years in line with best practice and regulatory guidance.


What You’ll Be Doing

  • In accordance with practices and procedures of the school, ensure that a safe, effective and efficient laboratory technical service is provided for the use of pupils and teaching staff.
  • To provide technical advice and assistance in the classroom to support pupils and assist teaching staff with learning activities.


About You:

The successful candidate will possess strong attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as good communication skills. You will be meticulous, organised, reliable, adaptable, and have a solid grasp of science fundamentals, alongside the practical ability to operate lab equipment and follow strict safety protocols.


Essential:

  • Good numeracy/literacy skills
  • Scientific background, previous experience as a lab technician
  • Ability to build good working relationships with stakeholders, working well with children and adults
  • Ability to work constructively and flexibly as part of a team
  • Good communication skills, both written and spoken


Why Join Inspiration Trust

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.


We offer:

  • Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions
  • Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
  • Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
  • Free parking at most sites
  • Personalised CPD and development programmes
  • A structured and specific induction programme.

*Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.


About Us

Thetford Academy is a remarkable place to work and sits at the academic and cultural heart of its community. Our pupils follow a curriculum designed to prepare them for future challenges while fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of the world. They are supported in developing strong values and habits that empower them to make meaningful contributions to their community and beyond.


Joining Thetford Academy means becoming part of a committed, supportive, and ambitious team. Staff benefit from excellent professional development opportunities, collaborative networks, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people. If you are passionate about education and inspiring students to achieve their full potential, this is the place to grow your career.


We are part of the Inspiration Trust, twice ranked as the country’s top family of comprehensive schools for pupil progress, and strongly believe in the importance of giving the widest educational opportunities to all young people, regardless of their background. We have strong networks across the Trust, with opportunities to work with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to offering excellent professional and learning opportunities for our staff, with a busy programme of continuing professional development courses delivered by some of the country’s best educational thinkers and practitioners.


The Inspiration Trust is a Multi Academy Trust, committed to delivering the very best educational experience for the young people of Norfolk and Suffolk, across 17 schools. We are ambitious for our schools and communities and want to create Britain’s highest performing federation of 3-19 schools and transform education in the East. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.


For information on what it is like to live and work in Thetford, click here. In its 2025 inspection, Ofsted confirmed that The Thetford Academy has continued to provide a high-quality education, with excellent behaviour, a well-sequenced curriculum and impressive personal development opportunities. Pupils are proud to attend the school, feel safe, and benefit from committed staff and strong leadership.


Next Steps

Before applying, please read the attached Recruitment Pack and Job Description, for more details about the role. We ask that you read this pack carefully, especially the “Planning your application” section from page 11. This will support your application ensuring you have the opportunity to tell us about your relevant skills, experience and qualifications that relate to the job description and person specification in addition to details of your references covering the last 5 years.


If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Ilona Haye, PA to Principal (ilonahaye@inspirationtrust.org).


To apply for this role please click the Apply button to complete the online application form.


When you start your application, you will receive several emails from our application provider, Vacancy Filler. Please be aware that some email providers may mistakenly mark these messages as spam. To avoid missing important updates, we recommend checking your spam or junk folders regularly throughout the application process and marking these emails as safe.


Closing date for applications: 12pm on Monday 6th July 2026

Interview date: Monday 13th July 2026


Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.


All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.
Visas cannot be sponsored.
If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and all staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS checks. You will be required to provide references and undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

View advert on external website (opens in new tab)

About The Thetford Academy

School type
Academy, ages 11 to 19
Education phase
Secondary school
School size
1361 pupils enrolled
Age range
11 to 19
Ofsted report
View Ofsted report

Thetford Academy is a community secondary school and sixth form, close to the Norfolk-Suffolk border. We help our students get the best possible GCSE results, and guide them through A Levels and vocational studies that prepare them for university and the world of work.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust, a close-knit family of schools in East Anglia, dedicated to providing high-quality education for all of our young people, combining academic attainment with rich cultural experiences.

School location

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