At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the people strategy at a dynamic independent school.
- Company: Latymer Upper School, a prestigious institution with a rich history.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on educational innovation and cultural transformation.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience and a passion for inclusive workplaces.
- Other info: Join a vibrant team dedicated to academic excellence and social mobility.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Latymer Upper School is seeking an outstanding Director of People and Culture to lead and shape their people strategy at a pivotal point in the School's development. A full member of the Senior Leadership Team, this is a senior, strategic role offering the opportunity to have a significant impact within one of the UK's most successful academically ambitious and values-led independent schools.
Latymer's story spans more than 400 years. The Latymer Foundation was established in 1624 when Edward Latymer, a lawyer and philanthropist, endowed funds to provide clothing and education to "eight poore boyes" of Hammersmith. That ethos of social inclusivity and educational excellence remains central to who they are today. Latymer Upper School, based in Hammersmith since 1895, is now a leading co-educational independent day school educating around 1,400 pupils aged 11–18, supported by an exceptional prep school and a staff community of over 350 professionals. They are known for their intellectual rigour, inclusive ethos and strong commitment to social mobility, and through their Inspiring Minds bursary campaign, they have one of the most ambitious bursary programmes in the sector.
They are also at the forefront of educational innovation. From 2027, Latymer will replace traditional GCSEs with a bespoke Middle School curriculum designed to develop deep critical thinking, creativity, resilience and collaboration, preparing students for advanced study and life-long learning.
The Director of People and Culture will be a senior member of the leadership team, reporting directly to the Head and partnering with Governors and leaders across the School. They will provide strategic leadership of their people function, ensuring that the People Strategy aligns with Latymer's vision and values and supports their aspirations for organisational excellence and innovation.
Applications are welcomed from accomplished HR leaders who can bring clarity of purpose, strategic insight and operational credibility to their people agenda. While they value experience in education, the School is particularly interested in candidates with a track record of leading cultural transformation, shaping forward-looking people strategies, and fostering inclusive, high-performance workplaces.
This role presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to one of the UK's most dynamic school communities as they embed new pedagogical approaches and continue to strengthen their reputation for academic ambition, social impact and staff development that embraces being a lifelong learner.
The deadline for applications is 08:30 GMT on Friday 6th February.
The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, online check and two satisfactory references.
Director of People and Culture in London employer: Cipd Hr30
Contact Detail:
Cipd Hr30 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People and Culture in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Director of People and Culture role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Follow Latymer Upper School and similar organisations on LinkedIn. Engage with their posts and share your insights on people strategy and culture. This not only shows your interest but also helps you get noticed by the right people.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the school's values and recent initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of social inclusivity and educational excellence. Tailor your examples to show how you can lead cultural transformation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right folks. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Latymer Upper School.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People and Culture in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of People and Culture role. Highlight your experience in leading cultural transformation and shaping people strategies that align with the school's values.
Showcase Your Impact: Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made a difference in previous roles. Whether it's fostering an inclusive workplace or driving strategic initiatives, we want to see how you can bring that impact to Latymer.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to get a sense of who you are beyond your professional achievements. Share your passion for education and social mobility!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Latymer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cipd Hr30
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Latymer Upper School's ethos and values. They’re looking for someone who aligns with their commitment to social mobility and educational excellence, so be ready to discuss how your own values resonate with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Insight
As a Director of People and Culture, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to lead cultural transformation. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully implemented people strategies that fostered inclusivity and high performance.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
Expect questions about your leadership style and how you collaborate with senior teams. Think about how you can articulate your approach to strategic leadership and how you’ve partnered with others to achieve organisational goals in previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking insightful questions. Inquire about the future direction of the school’s people strategy or how they envision the role evolving. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.