Director of People and Culture

UPPINGHAM SCHOOL; England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A distinguished independent school in England is seeking a Director of People and Culture to lead its HR strategy. The ideal candidate will have significant strategic HR experience and a track record in cultural development. The role focuses on shaping the school's vision for attracting and retaining talent and ensuring an inclusive organizational culture. This is a full-time position with competitive benefits in a supportive environment committed to continuous improvement and safeguarding children.

Benefits

50% contribution to health scheme premiums

Free Westfield Healthcare

Free sports centre membership

Free staff lunches

School fee discounts for children

Various retail and gym discounts

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Occupational Health Services

Free annual flu jabs

Recognised as a 'Disability Confident' employer

Recognised as a 'Mindful' employer

Favourable nursery rates

Complimentary tickets to school performances

Coffee shop discount for staff

Qualifications

• Substantial strategic HR experience in a complex or multi-site organisation.
• Track record of delivering meaningful cultural or organisational development.
• Up-to-date understanding of employment law and people best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the people and culture strategy at Uppingham School.
• Provide trusted, strategic advice on organisational culture and leadership.
• Ensure a consistent, modern approach to people management across the school.

Skills

Strategic HR experience

Intellectual confidence

Collaborative skills

Emotional intelligence

Education

CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent

Job description

Hours

Full time, 35 hours per week. While this is a full‑time role, we are open to discuss alternative working arrangements for exceptional candidates.

Overview

Lead the next chapter of people and culture at one of the UK’s most distinguished independent schools. Uppingham is seeking an accomplished HR leader to take forward an ambitious, strategic people agenda that builds capability, inclusivity and engagement across our community. As Director of People and Culture, you will shape the long‑term vision for how we attract, develop and retain exceptional colleagues, ensuring that people and culture sit at the heart of the school’s success.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and joining the Leadership Team, you will provide trusted, strategic advice on all aspects of organisational culture, leadership and change. With day‑to‑day operations running smoothly, your focus will shift to direction, strategy and influence, ensuring a consistent, modern, values‑led approach to people management across the school.

About you

The ideal candidate will bring substantial strategic HR experience, gained in a complex or multi‑site organisation, and a track record of delivering meaningful cultural or organisational development. You will be intellectually confident, collaborative and emotionally intelligent, with the ability to guide and influence senior colleagues while empowering those around you to perform at their best. A CIPD Level 7 qualification or equivalent professional experience is expected, together with an up‑to‑date understanding of employment law and people best practice.

Working at Uppingham School

Uppingham offers a rare balance of professional challenge and personal wellbeing. The role is based on a 35‑hour week, in a collaborative environment defined by integrity, excellence and care. You will join a leadership team committed to continuous improvement and the belief that great education depends on great people.

We welcome applications from candidates who are both experienced and new to working within the independent education sector.

Benefits

• 50% contribution to premiums for the School’s private health scheme
• Free Westfield Healthcare
• Free membership of dual‑use Sports Centre (£25 annual joining fee)
• Free staff lunches in term‑time
• School fee discount for children of Uppingham staff
• Retail, gym, supermarket, cinema and restaurant discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Occupational Health Services
• Free annual flu jabs
• Recognised as a “Disability Confident” employer
• Recognised as a “Mindful” employer
• Favourable rates and terms with local nursery
• Complimentary staff ticket to selected School performances
• Discount at local coffee shop for Uppingham staff

Application details

The closing date for applications is 15 January 2026.

Interviews:

• Longlist: week commencing 26 January 2026
• Shortlist: week commencing 2 February 2026

For further details and to apply please click the apply button.

Safeguarding

Uppingham School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful candidates must be willing to undergo full screening in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCs­i­E), including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Issues relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils will be explored at interview.