At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive students safely to school and on trips while ensuring vehicle maintenance.
- Company: Join Thetford Academy, part of the innovative Inspiration Trust.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and health support.
- Other info: Great professional development opportunities and a chance to grow your career.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a clean driving licence and experience with children.
The predicted salary is between 11843 - 12029 £ per year.
Category: Education Support (School Based)
Start Date: January 2027
Job Weeks: 38 Weeks
Hours: 20 hours per week
Type: Permanent, Part Time
Job Reference: NOV20264106
Location: Thetford Academy, Croxton Road, Thetford, IP24 1LH
Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale C: £11,843 to £12,029 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£25,614 - £26,016 full time/full year equivalent)
Thetford Academy is seeking a Minibus Driver to transport pupils and staff to and from a variety of locations, ensuring the safety of passengers and other road users at all times.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- To pick up and drop off students who live a further distance from the Academy with fewer transport links but will also involve school trips and any other transportation required.
- To carry out regular vehicle safety checks, fuelling and basic maintenance and cleaning duties accordingly.
- To ensure the minibus is clean and roadworthy before and after use.
- To ensure pupils and staff safely enter and exit the minibus.
About You:
- The successful candidate will have safe driving skills with strong interpersonal qualities, reliability, and a deep commitment to child welfare.
- You will have strict adherence to schedules to ensure pupils arrive at school and return home on time every single day.
- You will also have the ability to stay calm under pressure, handle heavy traffic, or manage noisy and energetic student passengers without losing composure.
- Full, clean driver’s licence which allows driving of minibus lites.
- Willingness and ability to complete successfully the Norfolk County Council Minibus Driver Assessment and a Driver’s Occupational Health assessment prior to driving any school vehicle.
- Please note: Any offer of employment is subject to successfully obtaining this qualification and this assessment will be arranged prior to any commencement of driving duty.
- Experience of driving a minibus/large vehicle including passengers.
- Experience of carrying out vehicle checks and basic maintenance.
- Experience of following stringent guidelines to keep oneself and others safe.
- Ability to maintain calm and focus when working under pressure.
- First Aid Qualification.
- Experience working with children.
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.
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.
Closing date for applications: 9am on Wednesday 25th November 2026
Interview date: Friday 4th 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.
For further information about this vacancy please contact us using Ref: NOV20264106.
Minibus Driver employer: Inspiration Trust Ltd
East Point Academy is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment, encouraging teachers to inspire and engage students in the arts. Located in Lowestoft, the academy offers competitive pay scales, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to staff wellbeing, making it an ideal place for educators passionate about shaping young minds through drama and performing arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Minibus Driver
✨Get Local and Get Networking
The transportation and logistics sector thrives on local connections, so don’t hesitate to hit up local job fairs or industry meetups. Chat with people in the field—it could lead to a part-time gig that isn’t even advertised yet!
✨Join Community Groups
Look for community groups or forums related to transportation and logistics. Places like Facebook groups or LinkedIn communities can be great for finding opportunities and making contacts. You never know when someone might need a helping hand with logistics!
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
Part-time positions in transportation often come with varying hours, so keep your schedule flexible. Show potential employers, like Inspiration Trust Ltd, that you’re adaptable—this will make you a much more attractive candidate!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Consider creating a mini portfolio or a simple LinkedIn profile highlighting relevant experience like driving, delivery, or supply chain management. When you apply directly on our website, make sure to include this info—it’ll help you stand out in a busy field!
We think you need these skills to ace Minibus Driver
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a part-time role in transportation and logistics, make sure to highlight any previous experience you've got in the field. Emphasise skills like route planning, inventory management, or your familiarity with relevant software. If you've worked at a warehouse or have experience driving, sprinkle that in there!
Certifications Matter!:If you've got any certifications related to transportation or logistics—like a forklift licence or safety training—mention those! They could give you an edge over other candidates. Throw in any coursework or training relevant to the industry, as this shows you're not just looking for a job; you're dedicated to the field.
Balance Your Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a part-time role, make it clear in your application when you’re available to work. Companies like Inspiration Trust Ltd appreciate candidates who are flexible and willing to adapt to varying schedules, so highlight any days or shifts that you can easily cover!
Connect Your Cover Letter with Passion for Logistics:In your cover letter, let your excitement for the transportation and logistics industry shine through! Talk about why you want to work at Inspiration Trust Ltd, and show us how your skills and interests align with their mission. A bit of passion goes a long way in making your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiration Trust Ltd
✨Master the Logistics Lingo
When you're prepping for the interview with Inspiration Trust Ltd for a part-time role in transportation and logistics, make sure you're up to speed with the key jargon. Terms like 'supply chain optimization' and 'freight management' are going to pop up, so showing you understand them will impress the interviewers!
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
This role will likely test your ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines. You might get asked how you would handle unexpected delays or shifts in schedules. Be ready with examples from past experiences where you’ve demonstrated strong organisational skills, which is crucial in this field.
✨Flexibility is Key!
Part-time roles in logistics often demand flexibility, so share your willingness to adapt to changing schedules or workloads. Talk about any past experiences that showcase how you managed your time effectively while juggling various responsibilities – that'll definitely resonate with the hiring team!
✨Research Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with popular logistics software and tools that are commonly used in the industry. If you know of any specific systems Inspiration Trust Ltd uses, even better! Mentioning your familiarity with inventory management systems or route optimization tools can really bolster your case.
