Technician (Science) (Full-time)

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale D: £22,374 to £22,729 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£25,583 - £25,989 full time/full year equivalent)

Full Time: 37 hours per week

Working Weeks: 39 weeks

Start Date: October 2026

This role will be based at Wayland Academy, Merton Rd, Watton, Thetford, IP25 6BA.

Wayland 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.

This vacancy is available on either a full-time or part-time basis. This advert is for applicants seeking the full-time role. A separate advert is available for candidates wishing to apply for the part-time position, and applications for the part-time role should be made via that advert only. Any applications submitted via this advert will be assumed to be for the full-time role.

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 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.

About Us

Wayland Academy is an oversubscribed, high-performing secondary school at the heart of Norfolk, known for its positive atmosphere and low staff turnover. In 2025, 64% of students achieved grades 9-5 in English and Mathematics, and the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.61 in 2024, positioning it among the highest-performing secondary schools in Norfolk and Suffolk.

At Wayland Academy, staff believe that every student is entitled to the highest-quality education, unlocking their potential for excellent grades and a future of their choice. Our curriculum vision reflects the Academy’s role in the community, promotes understanding and enrichment, and prioritises students’ reading, vocabulary, and fluency in both spoken and written language. We take both learning and pastoral care seriously, ensuring that our students leave confident, capable, and ready to thrive in the wider world.

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.

Next Steps

Closing date for applications: 12pm on Sunday 30th August 2026

Interview date: Tuesday 8th September 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.