HR Administrator - Maternity

St Michael's Prep School, Otford

• Ref:KCC886-6016-328S
• Posted:30/04/2025
• Pay:£26,500 to £29,000
• Start Date:June / July 2025
• App Close Date:22/05/2025 at 12:00
• Interviews:16/05/25

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HR Administrator – Maternity Leave cover

We are looking for an experienced HR Administrator to join the St Michael’s Prep team to cover maternity leave starting in June/July 2025 through to the end of the maternity leave period (circa. August 2026), working full time in the office, Monday to Friday, all year round.

Experience of working in a previous school setting would be advantageous but is not essential, however, strong HR administration skills and HR knowledge are essential as the role will cover a broad range of HR including many aspects of recruitment, onboarding, induction, training, absence, changes to terms and conditions, leavers, work experience and liaison with activity providers and contractors. The successful applicant will work as part of the small HR team and will also be involved in supporting our payroll and pensions administration processes.

To improve the effectiveness of the HR function and the support available to staff, we are implementing new systems to streamline our recruitment and HR processes, therefore an opportunity to shape the way we work and involvement in the transition of systems and processes is available for the successful applicant. Previous experience in an HR role, the ability to understand and question data, keep calm under pressure and possess excellent IT and communication skills are all essential to be successful in this role. 

This is a busy team, and the role is varied requiring the ability to work flexibly, prioritise your own workload and be open to change; no two days are the same! 

The working pattern will be agreed between the successful applicant and the HR Manager; flexibility to support workload and interviews which start early or finish later would be required from time to time. Holidays are predominantly taken in school holiday periods.

Salary will be dependent on qualifications and experience.

We reserve the right to interview and / or appoint prior to the closing date.

Information about the school

St Michael’s is academically successful while remaining proud of its non‑selective, inclusive ethos and strong sense of community. Our academic and co‑curricular provision ensures that children flourish.

Our purpose‑built Pre‑Prep, with specialist spaces and wraparound care, provides a stimulating start to school life. The Early Years (Nursery to Reception) offer a nurturing foundation before pupils move into Years 1 and 2.

From Year 3, pupils join the Prep and benefit from excellent facilities and increased specialist teaching. Subject expertise grows progressively, with a more structured specialist model from Year 5, ensuring pupils are well prepared - academically, personally and organisationally - for senior school.

Our St Michael’s Learning Behaviours - Creativity, Independence, Resilience, Collaboration and Engagement - are introduced from Reception and embedded throughout the curriculum.

In Years 7 and 8, pupils benefit from the St Michael’s Diploma, an enquiry‑based programme designed to develop curiosity, confidence and creativity alongside Common Entrance and KS3 study.

Pupils move on at 11 and 13 to a wide range of leading independent, state and grammar schools, with recent offers including: Sevenoaks School, Tonbridge School, Caterham School, The Judd School, Kent College Pembury, Eastbourne College, King’s School Rochester, Ardingly College, Hurstpierpoint College, St Paul’s, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, The King’s School Canterbury, The Skinners’ School, Tonbridge Girls’ Grammar School and Brighton College.

In May 2024, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) published an excellent report recognising the strength of school life at St Michael’s, including a ‘significant strength’ for our culture of collaboration and mentorship.

St Michael’s is a standalone independent prep school governed by a Board of Governors responsible for strategic oversight. Day‑to‑day operational management is delegated to the Head and the Senior Leadership Team. The Board brings a breadth of professional expertise from sectors including law, finance, HR, engineering and education, providing strong, knowledgeable governance for the school.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Emma Blakiston
• Address:Otford Court, Row Dow, Otford, Kent, TN14 5RY
• Telephone: 01959 522137
• Email: recruitment@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk

Fax: 01959 522137