Teacher (Science) (Maternity Cover)

The Thetford Academy; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

TPS pension

Health plan

Cycle-to-work scheme

Free parking

CPD programme

Induction programme

Job summary

Thetford Academy is seeking an outstanding Science Teacher for a maternity cover starting in November 2026. This part-time role (0.6 FTE, 19.5 hours over Mon–Wed) is based at Croxton Road, IP24 1LH, within the Inspiration Trust network.

You will deliver a broad, knowledge-rich science curriculum and drive high standards in pupil progress and attainment. You will collaborate with the science team, support SEND/EAL needs, and contribute to enrichment activities.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is essential.
• Experience teaching science at secondary level (11-16).
• Ability to plan, assess and provide interventions.
• Strong communication and collaboration with colleagues and parents.

Responsibilities

• Maintain professional conduct and engage in performance appraisals and CPD.
• Collaborate with colleagues and the Senior Leadership Team.
• Attend meetings, QA processes and school events outside hours.
• Uphold ethos, policies, procedures, and Health & Safety standards.
• Ensure safeguarding, welfare, attendance and behaviour are monitored.
• Serve as form tutor, delivering pastoral programmes.
• Teach the curriculum, prepare for exams and provide revision support.
• Plan collaboratively, set homework and adapt for SEND/EAL students.
• Assess pupil progress and provide reports to support development.
• Contribute to school life and departmental discussions on teaching methods.

Skills

Communication

Classroom management

Team collaboration

SEND/EAL awareness

Education

QTS

Degree in Science

Job description

Salary: Qualified Teachers Pay Scales: Main Pay Scale (MPS) to Upper Pay Scale (UPS)

Fixed Term: until 30th September 2027

Part Time - 19.5 hours per week over 3 days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) (0.6 FTE)

Start Date: November 2026

This role will be based at Thetford Academy, Croxton Road, Thetford, IP24 1LH.

Thetford Academy is seeking to appoint an outstanding Teacher (Science)(Maternity Cover).

We are looking for an exceptional classroom practitioner who will demonstrate the drive and commitment to go above and beyond for our pupils to ensure they succeed.

This key role will give you the opportunity to collaborate with the subject team on curriculum approaches, embedding effective pedagogical approaches and driving standards in Science. Through collaboration with the wider Inspiration Trust Science team, you will ensure the delivery of our exceptional knowledge rich curriculum.

You will be part of a team that delivers a broad, balanced, and inclusive curriculum for pupils. You will monitor and support pupil progress and development and contribute to raising standards and attainment, whilst motivating and challenging pupils to achieve their very best.

This post is suitable for both an experienced or early years career teacher.

What You’ll Be Doing

• 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

The successful candidate must have a commitment to changing lives and outcomes for young people. You must have strong communication skills, empathy, patience, and creativity in teaching. You must also be adaptable and passionate about your pupils' success. You will act as a positive role model, foster a supportive learning environment, and be committed to your own continuous learning and professional development.

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).
• 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.
• Knowledge and understanding of the subject to at least undergraduate degree level and different teaching approaches.
• Experience of teaching the subject in a secondary school across the 11-16 age range.
• Experience of the wider role of a teacher in the personal development of pupils, including the main responsibilities of a form tutor.

Desirable:

• Postgraduate qualification in the subject or in the teaching of the subject.
• Experience teaching the subject in a Sixth Form or Further Education setting.
• Experience as a form tutor, supporting the wider personal development of pupils.
• Experience examining the subject for an appropriate exam board.
• Ability to offer extra-curricular or enrichment activities and use digital platforms to create and share teaching and assessment resources.

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.

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 ([e-mail]).

Closing date for applications: 12noon on Monday 28th September 2026

Interview date: Wednesday 7th October 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.