St Dunstan’s Education Group is one of the fastest-growing not-for-profit independent school groups in the UK, comprising a dynamic family of schools across south-east London with 500 employees. Educating close to 2,000 pupils from early years to sixth form, the Group is united by a shared ethos, a commitment to Excellence. Differently, and a bold ambition to be recognised as a modern, socially purposeful and commercially sustainable model for independent education.
This is a significant and exciting opportunity for an accomplished HR professional to shape and deliver a modern, ambitious and values-led people strategy across a high-performing educational group. Reporting to the COO, with a dotted line to the CEO, and sitting on the Professional Services Leadership Team, the Director of People will lead on all aspects of HR, including recruitment, retention, reward, employee relations, professional development, wellbeing and inclusion. They will lead a team of eight and, working closely with the Heads of each school, they will deliver a high-impact business partnering service that drives school improvement, strengthens staff engagement and supports a positive, inclusive, high-trust working environment fully compliant with regulations.
Candidates will bring a strong track record of HR or people leadership in complex organisations, with experience of shaping culture, managing change, and building effective teams and systems. They will combine a clear understanding of employment law and safeguarding compliance with the ability to think strategically, work collaboratively across multiple sites and influence at a senior level. The role requires deep HR sector expertise, high-quality service delivery and strong interpersonal skills across the full breadth of people management.
Contact Information
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion:
- Hannah Freestone-Smith: hannahfreestone-smith@rsacademics.com
- Nina Lambert: ninalambert@rsacademics.com
Further Information and Application
Further information and details of how to apply can be found on the RSAcademics website at www.rsacademics.com
Closing date: 10.00am (UK time) on Monday, 10 August 2026.
Legal & Safeguarding Statements
St Dunstan’s Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.
RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity and inclusion in schools.
