Second in Technology

Academy: Thetford Academy

Category: Teaching

Start Date: April 2026

Closing Date: Mon, Dec 8, 2025

Job Weeks: All Year Round

Hours: 32.5 hours per week

Type: Permanent, Full Time

Job Reference: DEC

Salary: Qualified Teachers Pay Scales: Main Pay Scale (MPS) to Upper Pay Scale (UPS) and TLR2 of £5,000 per annum

Start Date: April 2026

Thetford Academy is seeking an inspiring, innovative and dedicated Second in Technology (Food and Nutrition) to join our team; a leader who shares our belief that all pupils have the right to succeed and have access to the very best education.

This key role will give you the opportunity to work with senior leaders and the subject team on curriculum development and play an important part in creating a department that aims to set the standard nationally. You will have a willingness to work with the wider Inspiration Trust team to deliver an exceptional knowledge rich curriculum.

What You'll Be Doing

To assist the Head of Department with the development of new ways of thinking about the curriculum and teaching and learning to develop student expertise in the subject

To ensure that our high standards are applied consistently across the Academy Team in terms of the smooth day-to-day running of the Academy

Maintain professional conduct and actively engage in performance management and professional development activities.

Collaborate effectively with colleagues, external agencies, and the Senior Leadership Team.

Participate in meetings, quality assurance processes, and school events outside normal hours.

Promote and uphold the Trust and Academy's ethos, policies, procedures, and Health & Safety standards.

Ensure pupil safeguarding, welfare, attendance, punctuality, and behaviour are monitored and supported.

Serve as a form tutor, delivering pastoral programmes and supervising pupils as required.

Teach the curriculum, prepare pupils for examinations, and provide additional support such as interventions and revision lessons.

Plan collaboratively, set homework, adapt teaching for SEND/EAL students, and maintain high standards of pupil work

Assess pupil progress, evaluate teaching approaches, and provide reports and references to support pupil development.

Actively contribute to school life, including enrichment activities and departmental discussions on teaching methods.

About You

You will be someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to motivate staff and students. You will also be collaborative, empathetic, and have a deep passion for the subject matter.

Essential:

An appropriate degree and other qualifications required for the award of QTS.

Qualified Teacher Status (trainees should be on track to achieve QTS before taking up the post).

Successful subject experience as a teacher and manager in education in a secondary school

Successful involvement in performance management, self-evaluation process and data analysis as an aid in personal and team improvement, development and change

Proven practice in leading, motivating and supporting staff to achieve high standards

Knowledge of the statutory requirements concerning Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, SEND and Child Protection

Ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues, and the wider community.

Desirable:

Evidence of effective design and implementation of initiatives for raising student attainment and improving the quality of teaching and learning strategies

Successful experience in leading and managing pedagogic changes at department level

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 Teachers' Pension Schemes (TPS) 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 ).

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: 12pm on Monday 8th December 2025

Interview date: Thursday 18th December 2025

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.