Head of People

Stocklake Park Community School, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP20 1DP

30 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  5 February 2026

• Closing date

  8 March 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  5 February 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other leadership roles
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: Bucks Pay Range 8

Head of People job summary

Head of People

The Vale Federation of Schools

Salary: Range 8

Contract: 42 weeks per year, 37 hours per week

Location: Multi site (Aylesbury area)

Start Date: As soon as possible

Shape the culture. Empower our people. Drive our future.

The Vale Federation of Schools is seeking an exceptional and forward‑thinking Head of People to join our Senior Leadership Team and lead the strategic development of our most important asset — our staff.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced HR leader to influence organisational culture, strengthen workforce development, and ensure our Federation remains a place where colleagues feel valued, supported, and inspired to deliver the very best for our pupils.

If you are passionate about people, thrive in a dynamic environment, and want to make a meaningful difference in education, we would be delighted to hear from you

About the Role

As our Head of People, you will:

Provide strategic leadership across all HR functions, ensuring best practice and legal compliance

Advise senior leaders on employment law, HR policy, organisational change, and workforce planning

Lead on recruitment, safer recruitment, induction, and talent development

Oversee HR systems, data accuracy, reporting, and continuous improvement

Manage and develop the HR and Payroll teams

Lead on staff wellbeing, engagement, and absence management strategies

Support performance management, CPD planning, and staff development pathways

Work closely with unions and professional associations to maintain positive relationships

Lead on organisational change processes including restructuring, redundancy, and TUPE

Report to and advise the Governing Board on all HR and employment matters

Ensure HR policies, procedures, and documentation remain current, compliant, and effective

This is a strategic role with significant influence across the Federation, requiring a leader who can combine professional expertise with emotional intelligence, clarity, and a people centred approach.

About You

We are looking for a confident, knowledgeable, and values‑driven HR professional who brings:

Essential Experience & Skills

• Senior‑level experience within HR

• Strong understanding of employment law, safer recruitment, and HR best practice

• Experience working in the education sector

• Line management experience

• Experience developing and operating HR systems

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship‑building skills

• High levels of accuracy, attention to detail, and professional integrity

• Ability to work under pressure, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines

• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft 365

Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 in Human Resources

• GCSEs in English and Maths

• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable

• Knowledge of Access Education People

• Knowledge of Arbor MIS

• Mental Health First Aider training

• Business acumen

Personal Qualities

• A commitment to the Federation’s ethos and values

• Integrity, honesty, loyalty, and fairness

• Emotional intelligence and empathy

• Resilience, adaptability, and a positive approach to change

• A collaborative mindset and a passion for supporting others to thrive

Why Join The Vale Federation?

• A supportive, ambitious, and values driven leadership culture

• The opportunity to shape the Federation’s people strategy and staff experience

• A varied and rewarding role with real strategic impact

• Strong commitment to professional development and CPD

• A chance to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and young people

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

The Vale Federation of Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to provide two satisfactory references, undertake pre-employment checks including a health check and have a cleared Enhanced Disclosure & Barring check. An online search (including social media) will be carried out for all shortlisted candidates as part of our recruitment process.

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 Stocklake Park Community School

• School type: Special school, ages 11 to 19
• School size: 105 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Stocklake Park Community School website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/stocklake-park-community-school

Part of the Vale Federation of Schools, Stocklake Park Secondary School is a special school which caters for students who have moderate to severe learning difficulties. There are currently 100 students at the main site. The school follows a primary model and is designed to meet individual educational needs and develop social and personal skills. The curriculum is organised to give students the opportunity to experience and explore different subjects. We provide high quality education and care and students have access to a range of therapies, multi-agency professionals and a team of therapists who support students’ needs. We offer an excellent training package for staff together with a fantastic opportunity to become part of an innovative and forward thinking team who are providing a therapeutic and unique learning environment for its pupils. All students have access to swimming at our primary site, a rebound centre and purpose built outdoor spaces including a MUGA (multi use games area) and playground equipment. We are close to bus and train links and on-site parking is available for staff.

School location

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