School Science Technician Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Before your School Science Technician interview, it helps to see the questions from the interviewer's side. We have picked eight from our set of 12 and added the reason each one gets asked.

Eight School Science Technician interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. What is CLEAPSS, and how do you use it to keep a school science department safe?

Why they ask: To confirm you know the main source of health and safety guidance for school science.

2. How should chemicals be stored, labelled and disposed of in a school science prep room?

Why they ask: To check you understand safe storage and waste handling.

3. A teacher asks you to prepare for 30 students to carry out a GCSE required practical, such as a titration or rates of reaction. Talk me through your preparation.

Why they ask: To see how you plan practical preparation in a systematic way.

4. What statutory testing and maintenance of equipment do you need to keep on top of in a science department?

Why they ask: To check you understand compliance duties as well as day-to-day prep.

5. What are the main safety issues when preparing and supporting microbiology and biological practicals, and dissections?

Why they ask: To check you know how to manage biological hazards.

6. A bottle of concentrated acid has smashed on the prep room floor and the fumes are strong. What do you do?

Why they ask: To test your emergency response to a chemical spill.

7. Tell me about a time you prepared for multiple practicals at once under time pressure. How did you organise yourself?

Why they ask: To see whether you can manage a heavy and variable workload accurately.

8. Why do you want to be a school science technician, and how do you see the role developing?

Why they ask: To check your motivation, understanding of the role and interest in development.

A sample answer to question 1

What is CLEAPSS, and how do you use it to keep a school science department safe?

CLEAPSS is the advisory service that most schools subscribe to for safety in science and technology. It provides Hazcards, student safety sheets, the Laboratory Handbook, model risk assessments, and a helpline staffed by advisers, so I use it as my starting point whenever a practical is planned. If a teacher asks for a new experiment, I'd check the relevant guide to see whether it's permitted at our school's level, what hazards are involved, what concentrations are suitable and which control measures are required. I'd read the model risk assessment and make sure that the teacher adds any school-specific details, as under COSHH the employer, in practice the school, must make sure the risk assessment is suitable. I'd also keep an eye on updated guidance by looking at the termly bulletin and the website, and remind the department of any changes. If I couldn't find the answer, I'd call the helpline instead of guessing.

Common mistake to avoid: Using old recipes from memory; Treating risk assessment as only the teacher's job

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 12 questions are on the School Science Technician interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.