School HR Officer

HR Officer - Secondary school - Lewisham - September 2026

Location: Lewisham, South East London

Salary: £18 - £20 per hour, paid weekly

Monday to Friday - 8.30am until 4.30pm

Are you a detail-oriented HR professional looking to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant educational setting?

We are seeking a proactive and approachable HR Officer to join our team in Lewisham. Reporting directly to the Head of HR, you will be the backbone of our school's HR function. This is a fast-paced role where you will deliver a first-class service to our entire school community, ensuring that our staff are supported from their first day to their last.

Key Responsibilities:

Your remit will be broad and rewarding, covering the full employee lifecycle:

• Recruitment Excellence: Manage the end-to-end recruitment process, from drafting compelling adverts and calculating salaries to coordinating interview panels and managing the onboarding/induction of new starters.


• Safeguarding & Compliance: Take full ownership of the Single Central Record (SCR). You will ensure all DfE Safer Recruitment procedures are met, including DBS checks, right-to-work, and medical clearances.


• HR Administration: Act as the first point of contact for HR queries. You will draft contracts, manage maternity/paternity documentation, and maintain secure, GDPR-compliant staff files.


• Payroll & Data: Coordinate payroll processing and assist with statutory returns, including the School Workforce Census.


• Operational Support: Support the Cover Coordinator to ensure daily school operations run smoothly and assist with general school marketing and health and safety management.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Experience: Previous experience in HR administration, must have direct school experience


• Expertise: A solid understanding of Safer Recruitment and the ability to maintain a meticulous Single Central Record.


• Proficiency in MIS systems and complex ICT packages.


• Communication: A professional, approachable manner with the ability to build constructive relationships with staff and external agencies.


• Organisation: The ability to juggle competing priorities, from payroll deadlines to urgent recruitment needs, while maintaining absolute confidentiality.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys variety and wants to work within a school that values diversity and professional development. Working 41 weeks per year offers a fantastic work-life balance, allowing you to enjoy a significant portion of the school holidays.

How to Apply:

If you are ready to use your HR expertise to support our school's mission and ethos, we would love to hear from you.

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for the successful candidate.

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