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- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives, support employee relations, and manage HR projects.
- Company: Join Abingdon School, a prestigious independent school with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days paid leave, generous pension contributions, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a dynamic educational environment while advancing your HR career.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and CIPD qualification or working towards it required.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional development available.
The predicted salary is between 47511 - 49791 £ per year.
Abingdon School is seeking an inquisitive and motivated HR Manager to join the team.
Location: Park Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1DE
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £47,511 - £49,791 per annum
Closing Date: 29th January 2026 12:00pm
About Us:
The Foundation comprises two schools: Abingdon School and Abingdon Prep School, as well as Abingdon School Enterprises. Abingdon School is a leading independent day and boarding school with more than 1,000 pupils aged 11-18. Currently a boys’ school, it will become co-educational from September 2026. Abingdon Prep School is a vibrant and warm day preparatory school with around 200 pupils aged 4-13 which has been co-educational since last year. Both Schools are situated in beautiful and extensive grounds, with the senior school in the heart of Abingdon on Thames, just south of Oxford, and the Prep School located a few miles away in nearby Frilford.
HR Manager – The Role:
We are looking for an exceptional HR Manager to join the Human Resources Department. The HR Manager is responsible for supporting and deputising for the Director of HR in the overall management of the HR function. They have day to day responsibility for HR policies, providing HR advice and support for employee relations matters and casework, which may be complex and leading on specific HR projects and designated areas of work.
HR Manager – Responsibilities:
- To provide advice and guidance to individuals and their managers in relation to the Foundation’s absence policies and procedures
- To support the Director of HR with HR change projects and consultations including: Restructures, TUPEs, redundancies
- To ensure that all applicant and staff data is managed and processed in accordance with the Foundation’s data protection and data retention policies and data protection law
- To ensure that all HR practices are aligned with diversity and inclusion initiatives
- To lead the development and implementation of both annual and ad hoc employee surveys
- To be the first point of contact for staff and managers on employment and ER advice
- To work closely with the Health, Safety and Risk Manager and Deputy Head Educational Development
HR Manager – You:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent
- CIPD qualified (level 5 or above) or equivalent (or currently working towards a relevant qualification)
- Experience of working in a generalist HR environment
- Demonstrable knowledge and good understanding of employment law, keeping up to date with best practice and changes in legislation
- Experience of interpreting and advising on terms and conditions and HR policies and procedures
- Experience of working with and advising managers on absence, disciplinary, capability, flexible-working, probation and grievance matters
- Experience of managing an ER caseload
HR Manager – Benefits:
- 25 days off paid time off each year plus bank holidays
- Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution
- Abingdon Foundation Death in Service Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Private healthcare insurance
- Flexible working from home may be available
- Free use of leisure facilities with discounted exercise classes
- Free lunches during term time
- Cycle to work scheme
- Christmas closure days
- Discounted school fees (eligibility criteria apply)
- Regular staff social events and opportunities to join other staff
- Free on-site parking and bike storage for all staff
- A range of online and in-person courses to staff for free including first aid, mental health first aid and health and safety courses
We recognise the value of a diverse and inclusive workplace and are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. Early applications are encouraged. We may make an appointment prior to the advertised closing or interview dates.
Closing date: Thursday 29 January 2026 (Midday)
Interview date: Thursday 12 February 2026
Abingdon is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
HR Manager employer: Abingdon School
Contact Detail:
Abingdon School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Before you hit that 'Apply' button, make sure your CV is polished and tailored to the HR Manager role. Highlight your experience with employee relations and HR policies, as these are key areas for Abingdon School.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Abingdon School and its values! Understanding their commitment to diversity and inclusion will help you align your answers during interviews and show that you're a great fit for their culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about the HR department and the school’s work environment. This could give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to prepare for the interview! Think about how you can demonstrate your knowledge of employment law and your experience with complex HR cases. Practice common HR interview questions to boost your confidence.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Keep Your CV Fresh: Make sure your CV is up to date and highlights your relevant experience. We want to see how your skills align with the HR Manager role, so tailor it to showcase your best bits!
Read the Job Specs Carefully: Before hitting that apply button, take a moment to read through the job description thoroughly. Understanding what we’re looking for will help you craft a more targeted application.
Showcase Your HR Knowledge: Since this role involves complex HR matters, don’t shy away from demonstrating your knowledge of employment law and HR policies in your application. We love seeing candidates who are well-informed!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abingdon School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in HR policies and employment law. Brush up on the specifics mentioned in the job description, like absence policies and employee relations. This will show that you’re not just interested but also knowledgeable about what the role entails.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous HR experience, especially any complex casework or projects you've led. Use specific examples to illustrate how you’ve handled situations like restructures or TUPEs. This will help the interviewers see how you can bring value to their team.
✨Emphasise Diversity and Inclusion
Since the school values diversity and inclusion, be ready to talk about how you’ve implemented these initiatives in past roles. Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have for promoting a diverse workplace at Abingdon School.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the school's approach to employee engagement or how they handle HR challenges. It shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.
