Job Introduction
Are you a passionate person who believes in the power of relationships, high expectations, and a calm, purposeful atmosphere? At Testbourne Community School, we don’t just teach – we shape futures. Our culture is built on a legacy of over 100 years of education, rooted in kindness, respect, honesty, integrity, ambition, and leadership.
This post provides an exciting career opportunity for an ambitious and inspirational candidate who would like to further develop their career. Main responsibilities will involve supporting teaching staff with a wide variety of practical tasks associated with science teaching and practical work. The successful candidate would ideally have some experience working in an educational environment; however, all applications will be carefully considered. Applicants must be committed to working directly with young people, as well as having a keen eye for maintaining the health and safety of students and staff.
The successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, and the ability to inspire our students and staff. We are dedicated to offering the right candidate professional development to enable them to achieve excellence. We provide a highly supportive environment with opportunities to develop. Training will be provided where required.
We are proud to be a school where:
- Learning is our top priority – when we make any decision we always ask, “How does this help our students to learn more effectively?”
- Students are supported to become independent, resilient and responsible young people prepared for their future.
- Recognition is meaningful: we celebrate effort, character and contribution, not with material rewards but with genuine appreciation to build intrinsic motivation.
- Staff are valued and supported with intelligent accountability, professional trust and a culture of openness, transparency and compassion.
Why work with us at Testbourne Community School?
- Comprehensive induction and CPD: from day one, you’ll receive a thorough induction and access to a rich programme of professional development with time provided for you to process, discuss and learn new ideas.
- Workload consideration: we actively manage workload and seek staff feedback to make meaningful adjustments. Your time is respected. We use published research to determine the most effective use of staff time.
- Family-friendly and flexible: we understand that life happens. Our leaders are compassionate and empathic, supporting staff through personal and professional challenges.
- Career development: opportunities to grow, lead, and innovate are built into our culture. Staff are encouraged to take on new roles and responsibilities.
- A supportive team: you’ll join a collaborative, friendly, and dedicated team. Staff describe Testbourne as a place where “everyone is in it together.”
- Strong Leadership: our senior leaders are visible, approachable, and lead by example – sharing duties and supporting staff every step of the way.
- A school that lives its values: we don’t just talk about culture – we live it. From trauma-informed practice to recognition, our ethos is embedded in everything we do.
- Beautiful Location: located in the charming town of Whitchurch, Hampshire, surrounded by countryside and landmarks like Watership Down, the River Test and the Whitchurch Silk Mill.
Key Responsibilities will include:
- preparing materials, equipment and resources for lessons, as requested by department staff;
- maintaining and servicing of equipment, including carrying out checks and maintenance tasks in line with Health & Safety standards and legislation;
- keeping materials and equipment safe and secure, and all Science rooms clean, tidy and free from hazards;
- organising stock rooms and maintaining stock levels;
- assisting in the completion of risk assessments and keeping relevant records up to date.
- providing in-lesson technical support for pupils and teaching staff, as appropriate.
- Designing and making new equipment
The successful candidate will:
- be organised and methodical
- have good communication skills
- be able to work independently and as part of a team
- have a good standard of education, preferably with a scientific background and sound literacy and numeracy skills;
- be smartly presented and have a professional attitude to employment;
- be punctual and reliable;
- flexible and hard-working;
- have an enthusiastic and positive personality;
- be willing to undertake training and develop their skills.
In return:
- We are a friendly, well-equipped science dept
- We have comfortable working conditions in a recently refurbished building
- we offer professional development and expertise to enable staff to achieve excellence;
- we provide a highly supportive environment with opportunities to develop;
- we provide a highly professional and collaborative working environment focused on developing a love of learning;
- we offer first rate personal career development to assist you in the fulfilment of your ambitions.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
