Stephenson (MK) Trust is a values-led, forward-thinking organisation dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Our two Academies; one SEMH Academy and one All-through Alternative Provision, based across three geographically dispersed sites, provide high-quality, inclusive education tailored to five distinct areas of need, supporting both male and female students across a diverse community.

We are seeking an exceptional Head of HR to lead and evolve our people strategy — ensuring our workforce, culture, and systems are aligned to deliver our educational mission. This is a pivotal leadership role within the Trust, reporting directly to the CEO and working collaboratively with school leaders, trustees, and our multi-disciplinary teams.

About the role

 As Head of HR, you will:

• Lead the strategic development and delivery of the Trust’s HR function, ensuring best practice and compliance across all academies.
• Shape and implement a people strategy that promotes excellence, wellbeing, and engagement.
• Drive recruitment, retention, and professional development initiatives that attract and grow exceptional staff.
• Foster a positive, inclusive culture that aligns with the Trust’s vision and values.
• Partner with senior leaders to ensure workforce planning, performance management, and employee relations support operational and strategic goals.

Stephenson MK Trust is seeking to appoint an experienced HR leader who combines strategic vision with operational excellence. This is an exciting opportunity to join our small trust as we continue to develop and strengthen our HR function. The role will include the full portfolio of professional HR services including policy development, compliance, contract management, recruitment, employee relations, absence management, retention, payroll and professional development within the Trust. Ideally, you will have significant experience of leading, managing and driving a proactive and consistent HR service, preferably in the education field although this is not essential, and successfully developing and implementing HR strategies and practices. The successful candidate will work closely with executive leaders, principals and staff who are responsible for delivering HR services across the trust and will have line management responsibility for the HR Assistant.

This role will require the role holder to be able to work autonomously using their own initiative with a professional, approachable, manner. Our aim is to create a positive and supportive work environment, to be an employer of choice whilst adopting a proactive strategic approach to wellbeing, talent, development, retention, and employee relations.

Your application will need to demonstrate that you are/have:

·         Significant experience in HR leadership (minimum 5 years), ideally within education or a complex multi-site organisation, with a proven track record of leading, managing and driving a proactive and consistent HR service.

·         Strategic HR expertise – experience of developing and implementing HR strategies, policies and quality assurance systems that deliver measurable impact and ensure strong performance.

·         Strong knowledge of employment law and safeguarding – comprehensive understanding of HR-related legislation and best practice, with the ability to provide professional and pragmatic advice on all aspects of people management.

·         Change leadership and cultural influence – proven ability to lead change, shape organisational culture, and work collaboratively at senior leadership and governance level.

·         Commitment to people development – an enthusiastic leader with a people-first approach, dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for all pupils, staff and stakeholders, with a strong commitment to personal and professional development for yourself and others.

Why choose our Trust?

At The Stephenson (MK) Trust, people are at the heart of everything we do. You’ll join a committed and supportive leadership team working to make a real difference in the lives of children, families, and staff. We offer a culture of trust, flexibility, and professional growth - where innovation and integrity are valued as highly as outcomes.

If you’re passionate about shaping the future of education through exceptional people leadership, we’d love to hear from you.

We can offer you:

• A welcoming and positive working environment where the well-being of both students and staff is a top priority.

• High quality professional development and support including bespoke CPD.
• Progression opportunities across the Trust.
• Free Lunches.
• Local Government Pension Scheme.
• 28 days annual leave rising to 32 after 5 years of service.

For an informal and confidential discussion about this role, please contact our recruitment team on 01908 889400 or hr@stephensonacademy.org.uk  We welcome visits to our academies by arrangement.

To apply, please head over to My New Term using the link below and submit your completed application:

Stephenson (MK) Trust, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire | Teaching Jobs & Education Jobs | MyNewTerm

Closing date for all applications: Friday 5 December 2025

Shortlisting of applications: Monday 8 December 2025

Interview Date: Wednesday 17 December 2025

We reserve the right to interview and appoint before the closing date, so early application is encouraged.

Stephenson (MK) Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.  This commitment to robust Recruitment, Selection and Induction procedures extends to organisations and services linked to the Trust on its behalf.  This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, online searches, and other pre-employment checks as outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education.