About the School - Downsend Sixth:
We are incredibly proud to be opening Downsend Sixth and see this next chapter for Downsend School as an exciting and enticing prospect for both staff and students alike. The buildings, environment and experience will give our students an excellent foundation on which to build their own futures.
Downsend Sixth will have a different feel to other more traditional sixth form experiences, housed in its own newly renovated space near the centre of Leatherhead, there will remain a connection with the rest of the Downsend community, but students will have a much greater chance to cultivate independence, maturity and a real opportunity for personal growth. The building will have state of the art technology and facilities that will allow all students to develop and flourish.
Our curriculum is broad enough to give real depth to each individual and students will be supported by expert teachers who will deliver outstanding lessons. We will provide expert guidance on future pathways, whether that be going to university, into the world of work or starting an apprenticeship course.
At Downsend we are very conscious that the world our students will step into when they leave us is rapidly evolving and changing, and we have a critical role to play in preparing the global citizens and workforces of the future. Our Head of Futures, along with other staff will be on hand to help support and guide our students as they think about next steps.
In an increasingly interconnected world, future workers will be expected to collaborate with peers residing in various parts of the globe, understand cultural nuances and, in many cases, use digital tools to enable these new types of interactions. Our Future Skills programme will allow our students to connect with this wider world and being part of Cognita, a global educational group who have 108 schools located in 21 different countries, will facilitate so many more opportunities for these experiences to present themselves. "
The school now has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Science Technician to join our fantastic team.
About Cognita:
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".
About the Role:
We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Science Technician to assist in promoting the education and welfare of pupils at Downsend School. The successful candidate will work under the direction of teaching or senior staff to support access to learning for all pupils and provide general assistance in the preparation room and other areas of the school as required.
Key responsibilities include assisting teachers with demonstrations and practicals, developing and maintaining laboratory systems, conducting routine lab checks and maintenance, managing chemical and equipment stores safely, preparing lesson materials, and supporting new experiments and resources. The role also involves performing administrative duties, setting up ICT and data-logging equipment, organising displays for events, and ensuring compliance with Health & Safety procedures. This is an excellent opportunity for a confident, organised, and motivated individual to contribute to a vibrant learning environment while ensuring the smooth running of science facilities.
This is a full-time position starting September 2026, working Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm with a 30 minute unpaid break, during term-time only. This equates to 34.8 weeks per year.
To view the full Role Profile, please .
Who We Are Looking For:
You are passionate about science and education, with strong organisational skills and attention to detail. You thrive in a busy environment, remain calm under pressure, and communicate effectively with staff and students. Ideally, you have Science A-levels or equivalent and an understanding of health and safety in a laboratory setting. You are proactive, self-motivated, and eager to contribute to a collaborative team. If you enjoy problem-solving, have a keen eye for safety, and want to make a difference in pupils' learning experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
Benefits at Cognita:
*Free lunch provided during Term Time
*Free parking on site (subject to availability)
*Exclusive third-party discounts
*Ongoing professional development
How to Apply:
Complete this application before the closing date: Sunday 8th March 2026.
Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.
We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant