HR Officer

Abbeyfield; Far Cotton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbeyfield School in Northampton is seeking an HR Officer to support colleagues through the full employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to absence management and wellbeing. You will work with the academy leaders and the Regional HR Business Partner to ensure GDPR compliance, accurate records, and smooth HR processes across the school.

This permanent, full-time role offers 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year, with a starting salary of £29,540 to £32,597 (ABS grade H NJC), commencing

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent work experience.
• Experience in an HR environment including recruitment.
• Understanding GDPR, safeguarding and maintaining accurate employee records.
• Knowledge of HR policies, recruitment and absence management.
• Highly organised able to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Maintains confidentiality with professionalism.
• Own transport required.

Responsibilities

• Be first point of contact for HR matters across the employee lifecycle.
• Support recruitment and onboarding processes.
• Handle employee relations, absence management and wellbeing.
• Maintain accurate employee records and GDPR compliance.
• Collaborate with academy leaders and the Regional HR Business Partner.

Skills

Degree or experience

HR experience

GDPR & safeguarding

HR policies & absence

Organised & deadlines

Communication & interpersonal

Confidential handling

Own transport

Education

Degree or equivalent

Job description

People are at the heart of every great school - and we're looking for an HR professional who can help our people thrive. As HR Officer at Abbeyfield School, you'll be the first point of contact for HR matters, supporting colleagues throughout the employee lifecycle from recruitment and onboarding through to employee relations, absence management and wellbeing. Job Title: HR Officer Location: Abbeyfield School, Northampton Salary: ABS grade H NJC 14-20 £29,540 - £32,597 Start Date: September 2026 Contract Type: Permanent Working Pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year Application Closing Date: Sunday 27th September 2026 Interview Date: Wednesday 30th September 2026 at Abbeyfield School, Northampton

• Be educated to Degree Level or qualified by experience.
• Have experience working within an HR environment, including supporting recruitment processes.
• Have an understanding of GDPR, safeguarding requirements and the importance of maintaining accurate employee records.
• Have a good understanding of HR policies, recruitment and absence management processes.
• Be highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Have own transport.

About the HR Department: The Human Resources Team at Creative Education Trust is dedicated to providing professional, pragmatic and solutions-focused support to our schools on all people-related matters. Our team delivers the Trust's People Strategy, helping to make our academies great places to work and positioning Creative Education Trust as an employer of choice for both teaching and support staff. As HR Officer at Abbeyfield School, you will be the first point of contact for HR matters within the academy, supporting colleagues throughout the employee lifecycle. Working closely with academy leaders and the Regional HR Business Partner, you'll play a key role in recruitment, onboarding, absence management, compliance and employee relations, helping to create a positive experience for staff and ultimately supporting the best outcomes for our students.

About Abbeyfield School: Abbeyfield School is a values-led community where staff are supported, empowered, and inspired to make a real impact. Guided by our principles of Ambition, Respect, and Kindness, we foster a collaborative culture where every team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of our students. Staff wellbeing is a genuine priority, with clear systems, consistent processes, and a calendar that supports work-life balance. Professional development is central to our ethos. Whether you're starting out or stepping into leadership, you'll benefit from high-quality CPD, coaching, and opportunities to collaborate across Creative Education Trust schools. Our students are curious, courteous, and eager to learn, and our inclusive, restorative approach to behaviour helps every learner feel safe and supported. Abbeyfield is a school where staff are trusted to lead, reflect, and grow. With excellent facilities and a strong team ethos, it's a place where you can develop your career and be part of something meaningful. If you're looking for a school that values its people and puts students at the heart of everything, Abbeyfield is the place for you.

About Creative Education Trust: Creative Education Trust is a growing network of 17 schools, educating over 13,500 children and young people across England. Since 2010, we've worked in partnership with communities to deliver an education that inspires ambition, promotes equity, and unlocks opportunity for every learner. We believe every child has talent, every community has strength, and every school can be a place where excellence thrives. Our curriculum is rich, broad, and inclusive - designed to build knowledge, nurture creativity, and prepare students for the future. We are united by a shared purpose: to transform lives through education. Our schools are places where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to lead their own lives with confidence. Through collaboration, high expectations, and purposeful leadership, we ensure that success is both expected and achieved - together.

Essential Information: Creative Education Trust (CET) is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people by keeping them safe, we expect all our colleagues to share in this responsibility. All shortlisted candidates are subject to online checks prior to interview. The CET Recruitment Policy follows the guidance set out by Keeping Children Safe in Education, where all offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS Check, separate Barred List Check, References and where appropriate a Prohibition from teaching search. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. CET is committed to developing, maintaining, and supporting an inclusive culture and environment for the benefit of its employees and the communities it serves.