Head of Human Resources

Acorn Education Trust, Warminster, BA12 9DR

14 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  9 March 2026

• Closing date

  12 April 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  9 March 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Administration, HR, data and finance
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: Leadership Scale L4–L10 (£55,745 – £64,687 DoE)

Head of Human Resources job summary

Acorn Education Trust is a growing Multi Academy Trust established in 2014, serving 23 settings (17 primary schools, 4 secondary schools and 2 nurseries). Our vision is to transform lives through education, supported by strong, ethical leadership and high quality central services that allow schools to focus on teaching and learning.

We are seeking an experienced and forward thinking Head of Human Resources to lead and develop a high quality, trust wide HR function. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for strategy, compliance, workforce planning, employee relations, systems and operational effectiveness across all schools and central services.

Contract: Permanent, full time (37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year) - term time or flexible working may be considered. Location: Trust wide role across Acorn Education Trust schools (Wiltshire). Start date: As soon as possible.

The successful candidate will combine strategic HR leadership with a strong understanding of operational HR delivery, including systems, data, safer recruitment, and process improvement. You will work closely with the CEO, CFO and senior leaders to ensure HR systems and processes are consistent, efficient, legally compliant and scalable as the Trust continues to develop.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has led an HR function at senior level, ideally within education or a regulated environment
• Is confident leading complex employee relations, restructures and organisational change
• Has demonstrable experience of improving and streamlining HR systems and processes
• Can translate HR data into insight that supports strategic decision making
• Brings integrity, resilience and sound professional judgement
• Is strongly committed to safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusive practice

What we offer:

• A key leadership role in a values driven Multi Academy Trust
• The opportunity to shape Trust wide HR systems and ways of working
• Strong commitment to professional development and staff wellbeing
• Flexible working options where operationally possible
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing to 30 days after five years’ service
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Annual pay review

For more information, including a full job description and person specification, please read the attached Applicant Information Pack.

We strongly encourage prospective candidates to contact the Acorn HR team, to arrange an informal discussion prior to applying on: 01985-801055.

Early application is strongly encouraged. We may close the advert early if we receive a high number of strong applications.

Closing date: Sunday 12th April 2026 at midnight

Interviews: TBC

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Acorn Education Trust

• Type: Multi-academy trust
• Website: Acorn Education Trust website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/acorn-education-trust

The Acorn Education Trust was formed in August 2014 to create a local solution to a national strategy. Through close collaboration and a shared vision we believe each school will achieve great things while retaining their individual identity.

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