HR Assistant

The Independent Schools Council; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

The Independent Schools Council is seeking a highly organised HR Assistant to join our small, friendly HR team in Newcastle. The role supports colleagues across the school networks with an efficient, responsive HR service and covers the full employee lifecycle.

Key duties include recruitment and onboarding, employee relations, attendance management, payroll administration, HR records, and safeguarding compliance.

Qualifications

• Excellent organisational, administrative and communication abilities.
• Experience in HR is advantageous but strong admin background is welcome.
• Ability to manage priorities with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Employee relations and queries.
• Attendance management and payroll administration.
• HR systems and records maintenance.
• Safeguarding compliance and related checks.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Tools

HRIS / HR systems

Job description

HR Assistant

Required from Mid - Late October 2026

We are looking for a highly organised and professional individual who is passionate about supporting people and delivering an excellent employee experience. Joining our friendly and collaborative HR team, you will play an important role in ensuring colleagues across the school receive an efficient, responsive and supportive HR service.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the work of one of the UK's leading independent schools, providing administrative support across the full employee lifecycle. The role encompasses recruitment and onboarding, employee relations, attendance management, payroll administration, HR systems and records, and ensuring compliance with employment and safeguarding requirements.

Working as part of a small, friendly and dynamic team, you will be a key point of contact for a wide range of HR enquiries, building positive relationships with employees and managers while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism and customer service. You will also play an important role in supporting safer recruitment and safeguarding processes, helping to ensure the school meets all statutory and regulatory requirements.

The successful candidate will possess excellent organisational, administrative and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work accurately and use their initiative in a fast-paced environment. Previous HR experience would be advantageous; however, we also welcome applications from candidates with strong administrative experience who are looking to begin or further develop a career in Human Resources.

If you are looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution within a supportive, values-driven school community, we would be delighted to hear from you!

Start Date: Mid- Late October 2026

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours/week, Monday to Friday, all year round.

Salary: 28k - 30k dependent on skills and experience.

Excellent benefits package available- see job information pack for full details

Closing Date: 9.00am Monday 5th October 2026

The RGS Newcastle Group of Schools is committed to the safeguarding of children and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and those working in school to share this commitment. The school applies the Government’s Keeping Children Safe in Education Safer Recruitment procedures to all candidates including appropriate pre-interview checks on shortlisted candidates and pre-employment checks pending any offer.