We are seeking an experienced Head of Human Resources to provide operational leadership of HR across the School, ensuring the development of a high-performing, values-led workforce.

Description

We are seeking an experienced Head of Human Resources to provide operational leadership of HR across the School, ensuring the development of a high-performing, values-led workforce.

The role supports the School’s educational mission by delivering effective people management, robust safeguarding practice, and compliance with employment legislation and regulatory requirements.

This is a key leadership position and sits onthe Senior Leadership and Management Team (SLMT).

Key responsibilities:

• to implement the HR strategy, aligned with the School’s vision, values, and development plan
• to oversee all aspects of recruitment and selection, including safer recruitment practices and compliance with safeguarding requirements
• to provide expert advice and guidance to senior leaders and line managers on employment law, employee relations, and best HR practice
• to oversee staff induction, probation, and performance management processes across teaching and support staff
• to manage employee relations matters, including discipline, grievance, absence management, and wellbeing support
• to ensure compliance with UK employment legislation, Independent School Standards, ISI requirements, and data protection regulations
• to lead workforce planning, pay review processes, and benefits administration in collaboration with senior leadership
• to promote staff development, training, and professional learning
• to maintain accurate HR records and systems, always ensuring confidentiality and data integrity
• to act as a visible and trusted presence within the School community

The successful candidate will be expected:

• to have HR leadership experience, ideally within education or a similarly regulated environment
• to hold a CIPD qualification (Level 5 or Level 7) or equivalent professional experience
• to have strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice
• to have proven experience of safer recruitment and safeguarding responsibilities
• to be able to operate both strategically and operationally in a busy School environment
• to have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to advise senior leaders
• to have a high level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism
• to have strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• to have a commitment to the values and ethos of an independent boarding school
• to be a practising Catholic
• to have knowledge of the education sector or independent schools

What New Hall offers:

• Excellent benefits & CPD
• Lunch without charge in term time
• Discounted annual membership for New Hall Sport Club

New Hall School offers an exceptional working environment. The main campus occupies the stunning Grade I listed former Tudor palace of Beaulieu. The School’s conference and events venue is at the Grade I listed Boreham House, one mile away. New Hall is a warm, welcoming, and supportive community, with a staff of around 300.

Beaulieu Park railway station is at the entrance to New Hall’s Avenue: 30 minutes to Stratford and 38 minutes to London Liverpool Street. The Elizabeth Line at Shenfield (13 minutes by train) terminates at Heathrow airport. There are nearby airports: London Stansted, London Southend and London City.

Early applications are encouraged. We reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date of this advertisement.

Application closing date: midday, Friday 27 February 2026

All adults employed by the New Hall School have a responsibility for data protection and have a duty to observe and follow the principles of the GDPR Regulations. All applicants must be able to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. As part of our need to comply with UK immigration rules, you will be required to provide Home Office stipulated documentation prior to interview.

As well as verification of identity, we ask all successful candidates to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, we may also conduct an online search about any shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence to identify any matters that might relate directly to our legal duty to meet safeguarding duties, in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). New Hall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

SAFEGUARDING AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Due to the nature of this role, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. In making your application, it is essential you disclose whether you have any pending charges, convictions, bind-overs or cautions and, if so, for which offences. This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the Act, and, in the event of the employment being taken up; any failure to disclose such convictions will result in dismissal or disciplinary action. The fact that a pending charge, conviction, bind-over or caution has been recorded against you will not necessarily debar you from consideration for this appointment.