Join a school where people truly matter. At Merchant Taylors’ School, we are a thriving and inclusive community committed to helping every individual fulfil their potential and grow with confidence, integrity and purpose. Rooted in a culture that celebrates excellence while cherishing kindness, collaboration and mutual respect, we take pride in knowing and supporting each member of our community as an individual. As we continue to develop and innovate, we are seeking an exceptional HR Partner to play a key role in shaping our people strategy and supporting the staff who make our school such a vibrant and inspiring place to work.

We are seeking an outstanding HR Partner to support the strategic and operational human resources function. Reporting to the Head of HR and working closely with the HR Team, the postholder will ensure that HR policies, employee relations and school partnerships fully support Merchant Taylors’ Schools. 

Main duties and responsibilities:

• The HR Partner will deliver advice across the full employee lifecycle, with particular focus on employee relations, organisational change, and projects.  In addition to undertake any other duties as may be reasonably required and requested by the Head of HR to meet the priorities and demands of Merchant Taylors’ Schools.
• To act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and managers across our academic and support functions
• To lead on the guidance and advice on employee relations issues and the interpretation and application of all HR policies and procedures.
• Provide advice and support to managers and investigating officers in relation to managing key processes e.g. disciplinaries, grievances, performance management, attendance management, probations and change management.
• Provide clear, pragmatic advice on employment law and best practice
• Support complex and sensitive cases, ensuring consistency, fairness, and risk mitigation
• To keep knowledge and understanding of UK employment law up to date and relevant to ensure all policies and procedures are legally compliant and aligned to best practices in the education sector.
• Support the Head of HR on policy and process development and improvements that foster a positive, inclusive and supportive workplace.
• Support and contribute to any HR related change management and/or initiatives as required.
• Development, production and analysis of key HR metrics addressing areas for improvement.
• Oversee the probation and performance appraisal process.
• Manage the Casual Worker assignment process.
• Support the Head of HR in the development and delivery of training materials.
• Support the wider HR team with tasks as required during surge activity stages.

 Employee Benefits

• 15% employer contribution to a defined contribution pension scheme (Contributory)
• Life cover 4 x annual salary and income protection
• Access to a cash flexible benefit in lieu of pension contribution
• Access to a number of lifestyle benefits including Cycle to Work, ULEV cars, and retail discount vouchers via our benefit provider
• Staff fee remission on school fees (subject to admissions criteria)

  (all of the above subject to eligibility criteria)

•  Use of School leisure facilities, including pool, gym and lake.
• Lunch provided free of charge when the School Catering Department is open
• Free parking on site, with access to electric vehicle charging (payable via app)
• Support for professional development and professional membership fees

The Process

Closing date for applications is Friday 15th May at Midday.
Interviews to be held week commencing 18th May 2026. 

Safeguarding responsibilities

It is the post holder’s responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact and to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding Policy Statement at all times.  If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School s/he must report any concerns to the Head Master.

Merchant Taylors’ School is an equal opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. As this role will bring you into contact with children you are expected to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

How we use your information

We will use the information which you  provided, and which we collect from other sources (such as from references and from the Disclosure and Barring Service) for the following purposes: to assess your suitability for the role for which you have applied, to assess your suitability to work with children and to enable us to comply with our legal obligations (including safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children ).

Further information on how the School uses personal data is set out in the School’s Staff Transparency Notice, which can be found on the Vacancy page of the School Website.