Cluster HR Assistant

Cluster HR Assistant

Full-Time 24169 - 25674 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Paddington Academy

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support HR services across schools, from recruitment to payroll administration.
  • Company: Join a top-performing academy with a focus on high standards and student success.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team, and opportunities for flexible working.
  • Other info: Exciting career growth in a dynamic educational environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your HR skills.
  • Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a passion for supporting others.

The predicted salary is between 24169 - 25674 £ per year.

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  • Salary United Learning Support Staff Pay Scale - Band 2, £30,239

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the top schools for progress in the country.

We are a high performing school and have a relentless focus on high standards in all that we do.

We work together to dismantle any barriers to learning and achievement and have a total belief that every student can be successful regardless of their starting point.

We ensure that our classrooms are disruption‑free so our teachers can focus on the main thing – teaching and learning.

We have a strict discipline policy, and the senior team run daily centralised detentions so that consequences are immediate and teacher time is protected.

Paddington Academy is a mixed Academy for 1,200 students aged 11-18.

The Academy was judged to be outstanding by OFSTED in 2011 and was described by the Education Minister as a ‘jewel in the crown of state education’.

Our thriving and oversubscribed academy also has a large Sixth Form with over 300 students, and we have consistently been in the top 10 schools for student progress for the last six years.

Paddington Academy is part of United Learning, a large, and growing, group of schools aiming to offer a life‑changing education to children and young people across England.

United Learning is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check.

We always appoint on merit, and we are open to discussing flexible working options.

  • Job details
  • Salary United Learning Support Staff Pay Scale - Band 2, £30,239
  • We are seeking an enthusiastic

Cluster HR Assistant to join our friendly and supportive HR team.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the delivery of professional HR services across Marylebone Academy and other schools within the West London Cluster.

Working closely with the Senior Cluster HR Manager, you will provide high‑quality administrative support across all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, safeguarding compliance, payroll administration and maintaining accurate staff records.

What you'll be doing

As our Cluster HR Assistant, you will

  • Support recruitment by coordinating interviews, preparing documentation and onboarding new staff.
  • Assist with safeguarding compliance, including DBS and pre‑employment checks and maintaining the Single Central Record.
  • Support payroll administration, including new starters, leavers, contract changes, timesheets and staff absence records.
  • Maintain accurate electronic personnel files and HR systems.
  • Prepare HR correspondence and documentation while maintaining strict confidentiality.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across the West London Cluster to provide an excellent HR service.

About You

We are looking for someone who

  • Is highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
  • Has strong administrative experience and excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
  • Can manage a varied workload and prioritise effectively.
  • Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Understands the importance of confidentiality and professionalism.
  • Works well independently and as part of a team.
  • Ideally has experience in HR administration, payroll or working within a school environment, although this is not essential.
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Cluster HR Assistant employer: Paddington Academy

Paddington Academy offers a vibrant and supportive work environment where collaboration and professional growth are at the forefront. As part of our HR team, you will benefit from ongoing training opportunities and a culture that values teamwork and innovation, all while making a meaningful impact in the education sector in London.

Paddington Academy

Contact Details:

Paddington Academy Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Cluster HR Assistant

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 Paddington Academy!

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 Paddington Academy.

We think you need these skills to ace Cluster HR Assistant

HR Administration
Recruitment Coordination
Safeguarding Compliance
Payroll Administration
Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
IT Skills

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 Paddington Academy. 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 Paddington Academy 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 Paddington Academy. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Paddington Academy'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 Paddington Academy

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 Paddington Academy.

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 Paddington Academy 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 Paddington Academy and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.