At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure the academy is secure, maintained, and ready for use while supporting health and safety.
- Company: Join Thetford Academy, a vibrant community-focused school dedicated to student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, health plans, discounts, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Basic DIY skills, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge of health and safety procedures.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 25583 - 25989 £ per year.
Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale D: £25,583 - £25,989 per annum
Working Weeks: 52 weeks
Start Date: April 2026
Thetford Academy is looking for a reliable, flexible and effective caretaker who, in accordance with the practices and procedures of the academy, will ensure that the academy premises and contents are properly maintained, secured and ready to use. The role involves supporting all aspects of the site including maintaining the school grounds, locking the site and ensuring the site is compliant with health and safety regulations. The successful candidate will ensure that the academy premises and contents are properly maintained, secured and ready to use, in accordance with the practices and procedures of the academy. Within this, the hours of attendance for work will be determined by the needs of the academy and undertaken by agreement with the principal. Key holder responsibilities may extend beyond regular working hours from time to time. This position is on a 52-week contract with the flexibility of booking annual leave in school holidays.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Responsible for the security of the premises and its contents including the operation of fire and burglar alarms and undertaking key holder responsibilities, involving locking/unlocking entrances, checking and securing windows and internal doors, activating and switching off alarm systems, etc.
- Available to work outside of regular working hours with pre-planned lettings if and when required.
- To ensure that all utility related systems such as heating, lighting, plumbing and power are working properly.
- Fully aware of and comply with all departmental instructions and procedures relating to health and safety at work and to recognise the responsibilities required under the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974.
About You
- You will be someone with good problem-solving and communication skills, as well as a proactive and flexible attitude.
- You will be able to work independently and as part of a team.
- You should also have basic knowledge of health, safety and security procedures to maintain a safe school environment.
Essential
- DIY skills to undertake minor repairs and maintenance of the site
- Understanding of the principle of health and safety in an education environment
- Ability to perform the physical tasks required by the post, including lifting, carrying and pushing various equipment to undertake the duties of the post
- Ability to carry out a range of administrative/clerical tasks, including record keeping, ordering and stock taking
Desirable
- Category D1 driver’s licence will be desirable or complete minibus driver assessment
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. 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.
If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Ilona Haye, PA to Principal (ilonahaye@inspirationtrust.org).
Closing date for applications: 9am on Friday 27th March 2026
Interview date: Tuesday 7th April 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.
Caretaker (Thetford) employer: Inspiration Trust
Contact Detail:
Inspiration Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Caretaker (Thetford)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the academy! Research Thetford Academy and its values. When you walk in for your interview, show that you understand their mission and how you can contribute to it. This will make you stand out as a candidate who genuinely cares.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions with a friend or family member. Focus on how your skills, like DIY and problem-solving, align with what they’re looking for. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! As a caretaker, you want to look professional yet practical. Wear something that shows you take the role seriously but also allows you to move comfortably. You never know when you might need to demonstrate your hands-on skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Caretaker (Thetford)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Reliability: In your application, make sure to highlight your reliability and flexibility. We want to see that you can be counted on to keep the academy secure and well-maintained, so share any relevant experiences that showcase these traits.
Demonstrate Your DIY Skills: Since the role involves minor repairs and maintenance, don’t forget to mention any DIY skills you have. We love candidates who can tackle practical tasks, so give us examples of your handy work or any relevant projects you've completed.
Health and Safety Knowledge is Key: Make sure to touch on your understanding of health and safety procedures. We’re looking for someone who knows how to maintain a safe environment, so any experience in this area will definitely boost your application.
Apply Through Our Website: Finally, remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Thetford Academy. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiration Trust
✨Know the Academy Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Thetford Academy. Understand its values, mission, and the community it serves. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your DIY Skills
Since the role requires basic DIY skills for maintenance, be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have. Bring examples of past repairs or projects you've completed, and if possible, demonstrate your problem-solving approach to common maintenance issues.
✨Highlight Your Health and Safety Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations, especially those relevant to educational environments. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance and maintain a safe environment for students and staff alike.
✨Flexibility is Key
The job requires flexibility in working hours, so be prepared to discuss your availability. Share examples of how you've adapted to changing schedules in the past, and express your willingness to support the academy's needs, even outside regular hours.