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- Tasks: Support recruitment, compliance, and HR systems in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Join Sullivan Upper School, a respected grammar school in Holywood.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR administration and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31022 - 32597 £ per year.
Sullivan Upper School is a highly regarded co-educational and interdenominational grammar school in Holywood, Northern Ireland, providing both Secondary and Preparatory education. We are seeking an organised and proactive HR Administrator / School HR Administrator to join our support team. This is a key role supporting recruitment, safeguarding compliance, HR systems, payroll coordination, and staff administration across the full employee lifecycle.
Working closely with the Bursar, Principal and Senior Leadership Team, you will provide a professional and efficient HR service, ensuring all staffing processes are accurately managed and fully compliant. This role is ideal for candidates with experience as a School HR Administrator, HR Officer, HR Assistant, or Recruitment Administrator within an education or public sector environment.
Key Responsibilities- Manage end-to-end recruitment processes (advertising, shortlisting, interviews, offers)
- Prepare interview packs, documentation and scoring materials
- Carry out safeguarding checks including Access NI, references, right to work and qualifications
- Issue contracts and coordinate onboarding and induction processes
- Liaise with payroll on new starter information
- Maintain accurate recruitment records and HR filing systems
- Act as first point of contact for HR queries
- Maintain HR systems (SIMS or equivalent) and personnel records
- Update contracts, job descriptions and staff handbook
- Complete statutory HR returns and workforce reporting
- Administer staff benefits and ensure GDPR compliance
- Monitor staff attendance, absence and leave records
- Support return-to-work processes and absence management
- Administer maternity, paternity and other leave schemes
- Manage leavers, exits and system access removal
- Ensure payroll is updated with all contractual changes
- Support annual staff reviews and PRSD processes
- Maintain CPD and mandatory training records (Safeguarding, GDPR, Fire Safety)
- Assist with HR casework including absence, discipline, grievance and performance matters
- Assist with administration and development of school’s HR Policies
- Support safeguarding compliance and HR policy implementation across the school
- Experience in HR administration
- Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information professionally
- Knowledge of recruitment processes, HR systems and payroll coordination
- Understanding of safeguarding and GDPR compliance
- CIPD qualification (or working towards) desirable
- Work in a respected and high-performing grammar school
- Supportive leadership and collaborative working environment
- Opportunity to develop HR expertise in the education sector
- Continuous professional development opportunities
Closing Date: 13th May 2026, 12:00 pm
HR Administrator-School / Education Sector in Holywood employer: Sullivan Upper School
Contact Detail:
Sullivan Upper School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Administrator-School / Education Sector in Holywood
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work in HR. They might have insider info on job openings or even refer you directly, which can give you a leg up.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission. We want to see that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely care about contributing to their community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common HR interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Remember, we want to see your personality shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. And hey, apply through our website for a smoother process!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Administrator-School / Education Sector in Holywood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Administrator role. Highlight your experience in recruitment processes, HR systems, and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working in the education sector and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it professional but let your personality show!
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: As an HR Administrator, being organised is key. In your application, mention specific examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects efficiently. We love seeing candidates who can juggle responsibilities with ease!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Sullivan Upper School!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sullivan Upper School
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of the HR Administrator role. Brush up on recruitment processes, safeguarding compliance, and HR systems. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school’s HR policies, team dynamics, and professional development opportunities. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an HR Administrator, being organised is key. During the interview, share examples of how you’ve managed multiple tasks or projects efficiently. Use specific instances from your past experience to illustrate your ability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Demonstrate Confidentiality Awareness
Since you'll be dealing with sensitive information, it’s crucial to convey your understanding of confidentiality and GDPR compliance. Be ready to discuss how you’ve handled confidential matters in previous roles and why it’s important in an educational setting.