About this role
Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale F: £25,949 to £28,149 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£29,542 - £32,046 full time/full year equivalent)
Permanent
Full Time: 37 hours per week from Monday to Friday between 8am and 4pm
Working Weeks: 39 weeks
Start Date: January 2027
Thetford Academy is seeking a passionate, organised and inspiring individual to join our team as a Librarian.
This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to lead and develop a vibrant school library at the heart of our learning community. The role involves shaping, promoting and evaluating an outstanding library and learning resource provision that supports high-quality teaching and learning across the school.
The successful candidate will play a key role in championing our school value that “we work towards independence every day”, helping students develop the skills, confidence and curiosity needed to thrive as lifelong learners.
As a central hub of school life, the library is integral to the delivery of our Trust Reading Strategy. The postholder will inspire a culture of reading for pleasure, support curriculum literacy and ensure that all students, including those who are disadvantaged, EAL or reluctant readers, can access high-quality resources that enable them to become confident, independent learners.
Working closely with teaching and pastoral teams, the Librarian will create an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes a love of reading, celebrates diversity and enriches students' educational experiences both within and beyond the classroom.
What You’ll Be Doing
To develop a dynamic and interesting school library that inspires young people to read.To help monitor, evaluate and support pupils' progress in reading and literacy.To deliver and support reading interventions.To lead extra-curricular activities and parental engagement/community activities with the library at the centre.The management, development, promotion and evaluation of an effective learning resource and information service which supports teaching and learning across the school.To help with the transition and mentoring of new pupils to the school, acting as an advocate for their needs.To Recruit, train, coordinate and monitor a team of Sixth Form Reading Mentors, ensuring the programme effectively supports younger students' reading development, promotes reading for pleasure and contributes to improved literacy outcomes across the school.
About You:
You will be someone with strong communication and organisational skills, and a passion for learning, combined with specific traits like being social, cautious, flexible, and detail oriented.
Essential:
Good numeracy and literacy skills/GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and EnglishExperience of working with or caring for children of relevant ageWorking in a library preferably in a school or college environmentExperience of utilising ICT and skills to access and retrieve informationKnowledge of contemporary children’s literatureKnowledge of the school curriculum as it affects the service the library providesAbility to work on own initiative
Desirable:
Ideally a fully qualified Chartered Librarian or equivalent experienceExperience of working with young people and meeting their particular needs and requirements
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 contributionsHealth 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 sitesPersonalised CPD and development programmesA 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 ([email protected]).
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: 12noon on Monday 2nd November 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 11th November 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.