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Senior Technician (Science)
The Thetford Academy
Source: UK Teaching Vacancies API · original listing ↗
Source date: 11/9/2026
About this role
Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale F: £25,949 to £28,149 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£29,542 - £32,046 full time/full year equivalent) Permanent Full Time: 37 hours per week from Monday to Friday Working Weeks: 39 weeks Start Date: January 2027 Thetford Academy is looking for an enthusiastic, organised, and reliable Senior Technician (Science) 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 Science Technicians 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 the school’s policies, practices and health and safety procedures, ensure the delivery of a safe, effective and efficient laboratory technical service to support teaching and learning across the science department. • Take full responsibility for the organisation, preparation and maintenance of laboratories, equipment and resources, ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations and best practice guidance. • Provide expert technical advice and support to teaching staff, contributing to the planning and delivery of practical activities that enhance pupil learning. Support classroom activities where appropriate, assisting staff and pupils to ensure practical work is carried out safely and effectively. • Manage stock control, budgeting, procurement and resource development to meet curriculum needs, maintaining high standards of organisation and readiness. • Continually review and improve laboratory systems and procedures, promoting innovation and maintaining a high-quality technical service that supports outstanding teaching and learning. 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: 12noon on Friday 20th November 2026 Interview date: Wednesday 2nd December 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.