Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale F: £20,292 to £22,012 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£28,598- £31,022 full time/full year equivalent)
Part Time: 29.25 hours per week (Working hours are between 8.30 and 16.30 on 3 days a week, with remaining hours to be completed between those times on another day of the week. Working days and hours across the days can be discussed at interview.)
Working Weeks: 40 weeks
Start Date: September 2026
Hethersett 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 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 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
Hethersett Academy is one of East Anglia’s top-performing schools, rated Outstanding by Ofsted in all areas. Inspectors have highlighted how much pupils value their education at the academy - "Pupils flourish at this school. They attend regularly, arrive on time and present themselves impeccably. Pupils respect each other and their surroundings. Bullying is rare. Pupils know that if bullying does happen, staff deal with it effectively and promptly. Pupils have very high expectations of their own and others’ behaviour. They value every minute of learning time."
A growing village school with a strong history in the local community, Hethersett Academy is conveniently located just off the A11, making it a popular choice for families in Wymondham, south Norwich, and the surrounding areas.
We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.
The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners.
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 Kristina Fisher, PA to Principal ([email protected]).
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 29th June 2026
Interview date: Week commencing 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.
