Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic community committed to innovation and lifelong learning.
- Qualifications: Proven HR leadership experience with a focus on cultural transformation.
- Other info: Be part of a 400-year legacy of inclusivity and academic ambition.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ 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: 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 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 role like Director of People and Culture. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Latymer Upper School's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you understand their commitment to social mobility and educational innovation, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! We want to hear about your past successes in leading cultural transformation and shaping people strategies. Use specific examples that highlight your impact and how you foster inclusive workplaces.
✨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 us that 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 🫡
Know the School's Values: Before you start writing, take a moment to really understand Latymer Upper School's ethos and values. We want to see how your experience aligns with their commitment to social inclusivity and educational excellence.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application is tailored specifically for this role. Highlight your experience in leading cultural transformation and shaping people strategies that resonate with the school's mission. We love it when candidates show they've done their homework!
Be Clear and Concise: When you're putting together your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining the team at Latymer Upper School.
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 candidate for the Director of People and Culture, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strategic thinking. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led cultural transformations or developed innovative people strategies. This will show them that you can bring clarity and purpose to their people agenda.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
Expect questions that assess your leadership style and ability to work within a senior team. Think about how you’ve collaborated with other leaders in the past and be ready to share specific instances where your leadership made a significant impact. This role is about partnership, so highlight your collaborative approach.
✨Emphasise Lifelong Learning
Latymer is keen on lifelong learning, so make sure to express your commitment to personal and professional development. Share any relevant training or courses you’ve undertaken, and discuss how you plan to continue growing in this role. This will resonate well with their focus on innovation and staff development.
