We’re seeking an enthusiastic HR Assistant to join our friendly and supportive team. In this role, you’ll support the full employee lifecycle — from recruitment and onboarding to induction, compliance and leaver processes — ensuring all activities meet ISI standards.
You’ll bring strong IT skills, confidence with Google Workspace, and an interest in how AI can streamline HR processes. This is a great opportunity to contribute ideas, grow your skills and be part of a forward-thinking department.
We’re looking for someone adaptable, proactive, and collaborative, with a good sense of humour, attention to detail and the ability to handle sensitive information discreetly. Building strong relationships across the school is key to success in this role.
If you’re looking for a role where you can make a real impact and develop your HR career, we’d love to hear from you.
The HR Assistant role is a full time, all-year round permanent position.
The HR Assistant plays a key role in supporting the HR Department and providing general HR advice and assistance to staff and managers. Working closely with the HR Director and HR Manager, the HR Assistant will offer guidance on best practice and general employment law, presenting practical solutions and options to meet the School’s needs.
Terms of Appointment
Type of Contract: Full time, all-year round, permanent, starting January 2026
Benefits
Pension: Contributory membership of the School’s Support Staff Pension Scheme with a School contribution of up to 9.95 per cent upon successful completion of six months’ service.
Fee remission: In accordance with the School’s policy, which may be subject to change, up to 50 per cent fee remission for pupils attending Headington Rye Oxford and up to 20 per cent fee remission for boys attending Magdalen College School (under a reciprocal agreement) and subject to the terms of their policy. Fee remission is calculated on the number of weeks and hours worked and is pro rata for part-time staff who work at least 50 per cent of a normal working week.
Salary: circa £27k
Additional Benefits: All staff have access to a broad programme of wellbeing activities. The programme currently includes access to the School’s gym and swimming pool, weekly Step and Tone and Zumba classes and regular staff social activities such as Book Club and Staff Choir. Staff also benefit from free access to the Employee Assistance Programme, a free, confidential helpline that offers advice on a range of issues. Free restricted parking is available for all staff on site.
Appointment Process and How To Apply
Applicants should submit an application form and a covering letter detailing their skills and experience to recruitment@headingtonschool.com
• Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the application form in full. CVs will not be accepted in substitution for completed application forms. However, they may be sent in addition to the application form.
• We will seek references on shortlisted candidates and will approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications, before the interview. References will ask about your suitability to work with children.
• If you are invited to interview you will receive notification outlining the interview process and guidance regarding the documentation you are required to provide.
Closing Date: 19th January 2026
Interviews: week commencing 26th January 2026
Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts early depending on the volume of applications we receive. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment as once we have closed a vacancy you will be unable to submit your application form.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of all employment checks, ie references, Disclosure and Barring Service, medical questionnaire, Right to Work in the UK. Headington School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and DBS and barred lists checks. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.