Minibus Driver

The Thetford Academy; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 13,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

LGPS pension

Health plan

Cycle-to-work scheme

Free parking

CPD and induction programme

Job summary

Thetford Academy is seeking a Minibus Driver to transport pupils and staff to and from various locations, ensuring safety at all times. A current, clean UK driving licence enabling minibus lite is essential.

You will perform safety checks, drive during school runs and trips, and maintain calm, professional interactions with students and staff throughout the day.

Qualifications

• Full, clean driver’s licence allowing minibus lite.
• Willingness to complete Minibus Driver Assessment and Occupational Health assessment.
• Experience driving a minibus/large vehicle with passengers.
• Experience of vehicle checks and basic maintenance.
• Experience following safety guidelines to keep people safe.
• Ability to stay calm and focused under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Pick up and drop off students from locations with limited transport links and during school trips.
• Carry out regular vehicle safety checks, fuelling and basic maintenance.
• Ensure minibus is clean and roadworthy before/after use.
• Assist pupils and staff safely entering and exiting the minibus.

Skills

Safe driving

Interpersonal skills

Reliability

Calm under pressure

Education

Full, clean UK driving licence

Job description

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)

Permanent

Part Time: 20 hours per week from Monday to Friday 6:30-8:30am and 3-5pm (4 hours a day)

Working Weeks: 38 weeks

Start Date: January 2027

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. For this role, you will hold a current, clean UK driving licence which enables you to drive a minibus lite.

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.

Essential:

• 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.

Desirable:

• 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.

*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.

If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Ilona Haye, PA to Principal ([e-mail]).

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.