At a Glance
- Tasks: Support HR processes in a leading secondary school, ensuring smooth recruitment and employee relations.
- Company: Join a top secondary school in Reading with a focus on professional support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, ongoing development, and staff wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Full-time role starting October 2026 with excellent transport links.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on staff experience in a vibrant educational environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR, preferably within education, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Great schools rely on people, and great people need strong HR support. A leading secondary school in Reading is seeking an experienced HR Officer to join its professional support team on a full-time basis, starting October Half Term 2026.
You'll provide a responsive HR service across the school, working alongside senior leaders and line managers to ensure recruitment, employee relations and staff administration are handled efficiently and professionally. This would suit an experienced HR Officer or HR Advisor who enjoys a varied role and is looking to develop their career within education.
What You'll Be Doing
- Managing recruitment and onboarding administration
- Coordinating safer recruitment and pre-employment checks
- Maintaining accurate employee records and the Single Central Record
- Advising managers on day-to-day HR policies and procedures
- Supporting absence, performance and employee relations processes
- Liaising with payroll on starters, leavers and contractual changes
- Preparing HR reports and workforce information
- Supporting staff wellbeing and engagement initiatives
- Reviewing and maintaining HR documentation and policies
The Person
You'll be an organised and confident HR professional with a good understanding of UK employment practices and excellent communication skills. Previous experience within education would be beneficial, particularly knowledge of safer recruitment and school HR processes. However, candidates from other sectors with strong transferable HR experience are encouraged to apply. Discretion, sound judgement and the ability to handle sensitive situations professionally are essential.
Package
- £30,000 – £35,000 per annum
- Full-time position
- October Half Term 2026 start
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Ongoing professional development
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Staff wellbeing initiatives
- Excellent transport links
If you're an HR professional looking for a role where you can make a genuine contribution to the staff experience within a successful school, we'd be keen to hear from you. Submit your CV today for consideration.
HR Officer | Leading Secondary School | Reading employer: Marchant Recruitment
Marchant Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its staff. As a Nursery Teacher in Hillingdon, you will benefit from a collaborative team environment, opportunities for continuous development, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on young learners' lives in an Outstanding primary school setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Officer | Leading Secondary School | Reading
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Marchant Recruitment!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Marchant Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Officer | Leading Secondary School | Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Marchant Recruitment. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Marchant Recruitment and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Marchant Recruitment. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Marchant Recruitment's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Marchant Recruitment.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Marchant Recruitment will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Marchant Recruitment and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
