At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic HR team to manage recruitment, onboarding, and compliance in a thriving school.
- Company: Outstanding secondary school in Oxford, known for academic excellence and staff development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative culture while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: HR experience preferred; strong communication and attention to detail are essential.
- Other info: Exciting growth phase with opportunities for further qualifications like CIPD.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you want to work in a thriving, high-performing school with an exceptional HR team? An Outstanding secondary school in Oxford is seeking a highly organised and motivated HR Officer to join the team from January 2026. This is a full-time, permanent position, ideal for someone with solid HR administrative experience who wants to develop within a supportive school environment.
The school welcomes applications from candidates with school-based HR experience as well as HR professionals from other sectors who bring strong transferrable skills.
School Information
This mixed 11–18 academy, rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, educates over 1,600 students and is widely recognised across Oxfordshire for its academic excellence, vibrant pastoral culture, and innovative staff development model. Located close to major bus routes and rail links, the school is easily accessible for staff commuting from across Oxford and surrounding areas.
The HR department plays a pivotal role in driving the school’s success. The team is professional, highly supportive, and committed to maintaining the highest standards in safer recruitment, staff well-being, and employee relations. The school benefits from modern facilities, a dedicated HR office, and streamlined digital systems for recruitment, payroll, and staff records (Bromcom, SCR, and HRIS tools). The culture is positive and collaborative, with excellent relationships across departments. Staff value the school’s investment in CPD, including opportunities to undertake qualifications such as CIPD Level 3 or Level 5. The HR Officer will be joining at an exciting time as the school continues to grow and further strengthen its people strategy.
Experience and Qualifications
- Experience working in HR (school environment preferred but not essential)
- Strong understanding of HR processes including recruitment, onboarding, and compliance
- Knowledge of safeguarding and safer recruitment guidelines
- Excellent communication skills and attention to detail
- HR qualification (CIPD Level 3/5) beneficial but not required
Salary
The salary for this HR Officer role will be paid to scale on a direct school contract, dependent on experience.
Application – HR Officer (Oxford)
Please submit your application for this HR Officer position as soon as possible.
HR Officer – Outstanding Secondary School – Oxford – January 2026 employer: Marchant Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Marchant Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Officer – Outstanding Secondary School – Oxford – January 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of the school on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the culture and what they really value in an HR Officer.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the school's values and recent achievements. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their outstanding reputation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common HR scenarios and questions. We should be ready to discuss our experience with recruitment and compliance, as well as how we handle tricky situations. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining this fantastic team.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Officer – Outstanding Secondary School – Oxford – January 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand our school’s values and culture. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit into our vibrant community.
Be Clear and Concise: When describing your experience, stick to the point! Use clear language and bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your skills and achievements at a glance.
Show Your Passion for HR: Let your enthusiasm for HR shine through! Share specific examples of how you've contributed to HR processes in the past, especially in recruitment and onboarding, to demonstrate your commitment to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the school's values and mission. Familiarise yourself with their HR processes, especially around recruitment and compliance. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand what it takes to support their outstanding team.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your HR skills, particularly in recruitment and onboarding. If you've worked in a school environment before, share those experiences; if not, focus on transferable skills that demonstrate your ability to adapt and thrive in a new setting.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with thoughtful questions about the school's HR strategies and how they support staff well-being. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school’s culture aligns with your values and career goals.
✨Be Yourself
While professionalism is key, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The HR team values collaboration and positivity, so being authentic can help you connect better with the interviewers and demonstrate that you’d fit right into their supportive environment.