Junior School DTE Technician

SIR ROGER CHOLMELEY'S SCHOOL AT HIGHGATE; Greater London; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary lunch

Cycle to Work Scheme

AVIVA workplace pension scheme

Job summary

Highgate Junior School is seeking an enthusiastic Design Technology and Engineering Technician to support KS2 DT and Engineering lessons for pupils aged 7–11.

The role involves preparing resources, assisting during practical activities, supervising machines, and supporting after-school clubs; either a qualified technician or a graduate in a relevant discipline is welcome.

Qualifications

• Educated to A-level or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 GCSEs including Maths and English.
• Experience of working with young people is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Prepare resources for lessons and classroom support.
• Assist pupils during practical activities and projects.
• Support after-school clubs and maintain workshop safety.

Skills

DTE Support

Engineering

Teamwork

Education

A-level or equivalent

5 GCSEs incl Maths & English

Tools

CAD/CAM

Job description

• Job title:Junior School DTE Technician
• Job Type:Permanent, Monday-Friday, term time only + 5 days, 8am-4:45pm (45 minutes unpaid lunch)
• Salary:£23,000 per annum (term time only + 5 days), £26,199.30 if full pension flex benefit is utilised, FTE- £28,080
• Department:Junior School
• Reporting to:Assistant Principal of Junior School (Curriculum)
• Location:Junior School
• Start Date:2nd November 2026
• Closing Date:5 October 2026 at 8:00 am

An enthusiastic, energetic and versatile Technician of Design Technology and Engineering is required for this successful and thriving Junior School from November 2026. If you are interested in supporting pupils aged 7 to 11 and becoming involved in the delivery of the KS2 Design Technology and Engineering curriculum within a well-resourced and forward-thinking department, we would love to hear from you.

The role would suit a qualified technician or a graduate in a relevant discipline who is considering a career as a teacher, teaching assistant or technician, and is keen to contribute to a creative and innovative learning environment.

Highgate Junior School is one of the largest Key Stage 2 Independent Junior Schools in the country with 445 pupils from Years 3 to 6 in five classes per year group.

We pride ourselves on providing an innovative curriculum which challenges our pupils to be curious, creative and brave in their learning. Our timetable is designed to incorporate both an intellectually rigorous approach to studies alongside skills-based learning. We aim for our pupils to develop a genuine love of learning whilst acquiring a knowledge of how they learn, how to take responsibility for their learning and how to apply their skills and knowledge in a variety of different contexts.

We have a team of staff dedicated to nurturing our pupils’ wellbeing. To develop a sense of community and belonging from day one at Highgate, our pupils all belong to a form group and one of our four houses. We want to nurture in our pupils how to be a reflective and proactive member of the community with a sense of social responsibility and a deep understanding and appreciation of the wide range of heritages, cultures and backgrounds in our diverse society.

The Junior School is located on Bishopswood Road, Highgate, in an outstanding purpose-built teaching environment. The deliberate playfulness of the architecture and the openness to our sports fields is the physical expression of our belief in nurturing childhood playfulness and curiosity.

Job Description

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The main focus of this role is to provide support to teachers (in the preparation of resources for lessons and in the classroom), to support students (in small groups or on a one to one basis during practical activities and with projects) and to support after school clubs. Adhering to all relevant H&S legislation and general maintenance of equipment and resources are integral to the role.

There is scope for the successful applicant to be involved in the wider life of the school through, for example, after-school clubs and educational visits. A person who would be able and willing to assist in cross-curricular projects would also be welcomed.

Daily Preparation in DTE

• • Check the safety of machinery and other equipment. Replace broken blades, check guards, speed of drills, etc.
  • Check for any plugs which may have been disturbed by the cleaners and become loose. Generally correct and report on any shortfall in the cleaning.

Lesson Preparation for DTE, and, occasionally other practical subjects

• • Refer to the timetable, scheme of work or teacher as appropriate. Check equipment/tool/material request sheets.
  • Remove appropriate resources (ie. trays of pupils’ work) from storage and put out ready for use.
  • Preparing rooms and materials for lessons, demonstrations, displays, exhibitions and examinations.
  • Designing and constructing models, teaching aids and apparatus.
  • Preparing and placing the relevant materials, tools and equipment (e.g. battery drills, hot glue guns, soldering irons, power supplies, test equipment etc.).
  • General administrative support including photocopying of resources.

During Lessons

During lessons (usually DTE but occasionally other practical lessons as and when required) the main requirement is to assist the teacher as appropriate with the general instruction, care, and supervision of the pupils in lessons. As such, the Technician’s prime role changes to that of teaching assistant. However, this should always be a supportive role as directed by the teacher. It is essential that project work remains entirely that of the children and adult intervention should be kept to a minimum.

It is essential that the DTE technician is supportive and sensitive toward the children. These are 7 to 11 year olds and require a thoughtful and measured approach at all times.

When machinery is in use in DTE, the technician’s prime role is to supervise the use of machinery and advise pupils on safe and effective techniques while the teacher is dealing with the actual teaching. Risk assessments must be used, and health and safety rules implemented in the workshop. Machines need adjustment and repair during use in lessons, and most require constant supervision.

When machines are not in use and the teacher does not need classroom assistance, there are some additional tasks required in DTE:

• • Maintain a record of resources in the classrooms, and advise the subject coordinator for reordering when stock is transferred from the stores
  • Batteries need charging, glue guns reloading, broken drill bits and saw blades need replacing.
  • Maintain and repair hand tools and make jigs, fixtures, moulds and blanks.
  • Make periodic checks on power breakers and cleaning of dust extraction equipment.
  • Paint pots, glue, brushes and spreaders and painting equipment require regular attention.
  • Prepare resources and components for practical lessons.
  • Assist with administration: photocopying, layout of classrooms, display of pupils’ work.

After School Clubs as required

Supporting teachers with after school DTE related clubs.

Budget, Ordering & Expenditure

This is carried out by the Technician in consultation with the DTE Coordinator: maintaining records of suppliers and expenditure and assisting in the preparation of estimates for the annual budget. He/she orders equipment and organises storage and dispensing materials to pupils.

Maintenance & Improvements

• • Ensuring regular cleaning, checks and maintenance is carried out for all machinery and tools.
  • Being responsible for liaison with the relevant departments regarding storage facilities, day to day repairs and the ordering of cleaning materials.
  • Assisting with proposals for the maintenance and development of the department, suggesting improved practices and procedures for the workshop.

Health & Safety

• • Ensuring a safe working environment for pupils and staff.
  • Keeping up to date with safety legislation and carrying out regular safety checks.
  • Exercising vigilance towards pupils especially in matters of Health and Safety.
  • Alerting the Head of STEM and the Deputy Principal to any issues of safety within the department.
  • The Technician must be familiar with and adhere to the safety rules of the workshop and the School as outlined in BS4163 and the risk assessments for the department and must be willing to attend safety training courses as deemed necessary by the Head of Department.
  • Responsible for maintenance of the First Aid Kit.

General

Occasionally supervise the children at lunchtime breaks and, if required, morning breaks. This will occasionally involve:

• • Accompanying the children to the dining room as and when required
  • Being on duty in the playground or inside as a member of a supervision duty team

Accompanying Children

• • Occasionally being an extra pair of hands on school trips and visits
  • Reporting any Safeguarding concerns to relevant teachers or pastoral leaders

Team Work

• • Provide reliable support for the class teachers at all times; keep them informed of all matters that affect the children; join in professional discussions and staff meetings which will be after school.
  • If required, undertake to help within the broader context of the school, carrying out other reasonable duties to support its smooth and efficient organisation.
  • Assist in the coordination of special events such as open days, exhibitions etc
  • In addition to the above mentioned duties the Technician must be prepared to take on other reasonable duties to support the smooth and efficient organisation of the School.

These duties and responsibilities are intended as a guide. They are not exhaustive: the Design Technology and Engineering Technician will be expected to undertake any reasonable task or responsibility as required by the Principal of the Junior School and Assistant Principal (Curriculum) in the Junior School.

Person Specification

• Criteria
• How will these be tested or verified?
• Qualifications /Professional Bodies
• Essential
  • Educated to A-level or equivalent.
  • Minimum 5 GCSE’s or equivalent including Maths and English.
• Desirable
  • Educated to Degree Level or equivalent in DTE or similar.
  • A Degree in any stream of engineering.
  • Other qualifications in Design Technology or Engineering.
• Experience
• Essential
  • Experience of working with young people
• Desirable
  • Previous experience working as a DT and Engineering Technician.
  • Demonstrable experience working in engineering or education.
  • Previous experience working in a school environment.
  • Demonstrable experience of working with a wide variety of machinery.
• Skills/knowledge
• Essential
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work well individually and as part of a team.
  • Ability to take responsibility as a team member and provide support and an active contribution to the team.
  • Strong organisational skills.
  • An excellent knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook and databases.
  • High level of attention to detail and accuracy in all work undertaken.
  • Ability to work calmly under pressure, multi-task and manage a diverse workload.
  • A good level of spoken and written English.
  • Ability to recognise the responsibility to develop oneself and proactively.
• Desirable
  • Ability to use CAD/CAM equipment, such as a laser cutter and 3D printing machine.
  • Ability to design and make electronics circuit using breadboard and PCB’s.
  • Knowledge of child protection and safeguarding policies.
• Personal Attributes
• Essential
  • Strong customer focus.
  • Energetic and approachable.
  • Ability to build and maintain strong relationships.
  • Practical and flexible with a ‘can-do’ approach. Able to work effectively and use initiative without constant supervision.
  • A proactive approach to work, and meeting targets.
  • Able to ensure the successful completion of every task or activity with a positive can-do attitude.
  • An ability to identify process improvement needs and suggest solutions.
  • The ability to maintain in strictest confidence any information received concerning School matters.
  • Ability to adapt to the culture of an independent school.
  • A sense of humour

Location |Highgate Village, adjacent to Hampstead Heath, with quaint shops and easy connections across London.

Pension | AVIVA workplace pension scheme offered – 26% employer contribution, with the ability to flex up to 16% of this as additional non-pensionable salary,employees contribute a minimum of 5%.

Personal development |Comprehensive induction support for new staff. Focus on continued professional development for all employees.

Leisure facilities |Free access, at stipulated times, to our sports facilities, including a fitness suite and swimming pool (recently refurbished).

Lunch |A complimentary lunch including hot meals, sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit and dessert.

Help with sustainable travel |Access to the Cycle to Work Scheme and a Season Ticket Loan scheme for public transport.

Family-friendly policies |Highgate appreciates that employees sometimes have family commitments so we try to be as supportive as possible, for example with enhanced maternity pay (8 weeks’ full pay, then 10 weeks’ half pay) and paid dependant leave.

Highgate is a caring, open-minded community, where we promote kindness, empathy and friendship. Everyone who works and studies with us deserves to feel they are part of a welcoming environment that enables them to be themselves and to thrive as individuals.

Our community extends beyond the school, through partnerships, charity work and our commitment to equality, inclusion and sustainability. All members of our school community are encouraged to look outwards and play an active role.

Following a visit from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in September 2024 to assess Highgate’s regulatory compliance and school standards, we are pleased to share the inspection findings, which reports compliance in all five areas and a ‘significant strength’ in our teaching expertise.

Highgate is committed to staff wellbeing, which we promote by encouraging a strong work-life balance; trying our best to support flexible working requests; providing a nutritious complimentary lunch in the dining hall; and offering access to sporting facilities including our recently renovated swimming pool.

The Staff Wellbeing Committee, with representatives across the School, meets regularly to drive forward initiatives, and a selection of staff have been trained as Mental-Health First Aiders.

We encourage an open culture throughout our school, with regular staff surveys, action committees and opportunities to feedback. We strive for continual learning and improvement, and staff training and development is paramount. There are opportunities to participate in the wider life of our school, such as taking part in trips or societies and getting involved in partnership projects.

More details about working at Highgate can be found here:

The Recruitment Team is happy to answer any questions about this post.

Early Application: Applications will be considered ‘as and when’ received and we may close the vacancy if we appoint before the closing date.

We know that more diverse teams are stronger teams, and that the more inclusive we are, the more our staff and pupils will feel a sense of belonging and will thrive.

We are aware that people from certain backgrounds are under-represented in independent education institutions and we’re working to doing what we can to redress this. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people from minoritised ethnic and racial backgrounds, people with a disability and/or neurodiverse applicants (including those with a ‘hidden’ disability, LGBTQ+ people, as we are working to make our staff body more representative of the UK and London population.

We are also aware that many highly capable prospective candidates nonetheless rule themselves out of applying for positions because they may underestimate their own ability to do the role. With this in mind, we strongly encourage applications from anyone who is prepared to learn and develop professionally on the job and would like to stress that past experience of working in education, or admissions is not required.

As this role will have regular unsupervised contact with children you must, if appointed, comply with Highgate’s Safeguarding Policy and Staff Code of Conduct. Ifin the course ofcarrying out the duties of the post the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety and welfare of our pupils, these concerns must be reported immediately in accordance with the Safeguarding Policy. If whilst in the post, Highgate becomes aware of any safeguarding concerns to staff, pupils or the community; these will need to be followed up in line with the safeguarding policy and code of conduct which is underpinned by KCSIE and other legislation. These concerns may need to be shared with other agencies. A copy of these policies will accompany all offers of employment. Training will also be provided to all staff to support Safeguarding practice – this is to be completed during onboarding and prior to appointment.

Highgate is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of childrenand applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to this post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and overseas police check if necessary. Candidates from overseas must provide information about their past conduct, for example, by providing documents issued by overseas teaching authorities. DBS Privacy Policy

Please note that this role is ‘exempt’ from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore, you are required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings that are not ‘protected’ (i.filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of all unspent convictions and those that would not befiltered,prior to the date of the interview. DBS Code of Practice

In accordance with the latest guidance from KCSIE, we shall be conducting online searches on any candidates who are shortlisted.

• Closing Date:5th October 2026
• In Person Interviews:w/c 12th October 2026