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- Tasks: Lead and shape the people strategy at a prestigious independent school.
- Company: Latymer Upper School, a leading co-educational independent day school in Hammersmith.
- Benefits: Opportunity to impact educational excellence and social mobility in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a forward-thinking team committed to innovation and cultural transformation.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience with a focus on inclusive, high-performance workplaces.
- Other info: Be part of a 400-year legacy of academic ambition and social inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ 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 employer: Latymer Upper School
Contact Detail:
Latymer Upper School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People and Culture
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Latymer Upper School's values and recent initiatives. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of social inclusivity and educational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you've led cultural transformations in previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your strategic insight and operational credibility.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. 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
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand Latymer Upper School's ethos and values. Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with their commitment to social inclusivity and educational excellence.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see the real you! Share your passion for people and culture, and how you envision contributing to the school's dynamic community.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your track record in leading cultural transformation and shaping people strategies. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic insight and operational credibility in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Latymer Upper School
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand Latymer Upper School's ethos and values. They’re all about social inclusivity and educational excellence, so think about how your own values align with theirs. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of fostering a high-performance workplace.
✨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 shaped people strategies or led initiatives that resulted in positive change. This will show them you have the operational credibility they’re looking for.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about potential challenges the school might face in terms of people management and culture, and prepare thoughtful responses that highlight your approach to overcoming these issues.
✨Engage with the Leadership Team
Since this role is part of the Senior Leadership Team, be prepared to discuss how you would collaborate with other leaders. Show your enthusiasm for working alongside Governors and other stakeholders to align the People Strategy with the school's vision. This will demonstrate your commitment to teamwork and shared goals.
