About Us

Harris Garrard Academy is a school that disrupts the status quo in order to drive social mobility for our young people. Our academic results have placed us in the top 10% nationally for secondary and 5% for our primary phase; transforming students’ lives forever. We are located in the wider South Thamesmead area and are accessible by fantastic rail and bus transport links (we are on the Elizabeth Line, Bus Superloop bus route). The academys stunning working environment is within a purposebuilt school designed by Norman Foster and nominated for the Stirling Prize for architecture in 2004.

Our vision is clear: nothing is impossible and everything is possible, irrespective of personal characteristics or background. Every problem has a solution. We believe we are more robust, resilient and determined as a team than as a group of individuals. We support, challenge and hold each other to account at all levels within the academy to ensure that our students achieve their potential, are motivated, engaged and fully prepared for life beyond our academy.

As one of Harriss successful allthrough academies, staff at all levels belong to a strong, cohesive team working with Executive Principal Wayne Barnett and Head of Academy Kristen Gringeri and the wider SLT team. Staff can expect to grow with us as we continue to innovate and evolve as an academy. With ample opportunity to build on CPD, your potential is limitless with us.

Summary

We are looking for a Food Technician to provide technical support for the teaching of Food Technology at Harris Garrard Academy, enabling the smooth running of practical cookery classes and maintaining a safe and hygienic working environment.

The actual salary for this role will be 25,394.21-25,756.54 (39 weeks per year, 37.5 hours per week).

Main Areas of Responsibility

Your responsibilities will include:

Assisting and advising teaching staff on the preparation and layout in teaching areas for practical exercises, running trials, demonstrations and helping students with learning activities as appropriate
Ensuring equipment and materials prepared for lessons are to teachers’ specifications, including shopping/ordering and preparing ingredients
Advising students and staff on the safe and proper use of equipment and on the correct and safe way to carry out learning activities
Assisting in the safety, inspection, repair and general maintenance of all resources, equipment and tools, and advising on any maintenance or inspection beyond your competence
Understanding the subject syllabus and schemes of work in order to prepare for practical lessons adequately
Assisting with stock keeping, ensuring that appropriate levels of stock are maintained
Undertaking safety checks as required, including risk assessments, and complying with the requirements of Health and Safety, and other relevant legislation and school documentation
Ensuring that all equipment and materials are stored safely, securely and in good condition
Basic maintenance and cleaning of equipment and organising its construction, cleaning, servicing and repair
Safe disposal of waste, and ensuring that hygiene and health and safety standards are maintained
Keeping up to date with health and safety regulations and with developments in Food Technology
Working with other technical staff to assist in keeping areas neat, clean, tidy and in a safe condition in readiness for lessons

Qualifications & Experience

We would like to hear from you if you have:

Qualifications to A Level or equivalent
Basic knowledge of Health and Safety regulations
Experience working with a range of Food Technology equipment and resources
Experience or solid understanding of working as a technician in a school or educational establishment, undertaking a range of practical tasks

For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack.

Professional Development & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

Next Steps

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.

Safeguarding Notice

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

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Posted: July 5th, 2026