HR Manager - Full-time

The Beacon, Folkestone And Walmer

Ref:KCC886-7043-454S
Posted:13/01/2026
Pay:Kent Scheme G £34,241-£36,363
Start Date:Subject to checks
App Close Date:08/02/2026 at 20:00
Interviews:Fri 13 February 2026

Advert

The Beacon is seeking an experienced HR Manager to join our Central Services Team, working across both the Folkestone and Walmer sites. The successful candidate will lead the full generalist HR remit and serve as a trusted advisor in a dynamic and supportive environment. This is a hands‑on operational role with opportunities for strategic contribution, supporting strong HR practice across all sites of the Beacon community.

Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00–16:00; Friday, 8:00–15:30 (37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year) Salary: Kent Scheme G £34,421–£36,363

The successful candidate will have previous experience and knowledge of the following:

Line Management of an HR function
Employee Relations
Recruitment
Performance Management
Payroll
Training and Development
Staff Wellbeing
Policies, Compliance and GDPR

The Beacon prides itself on offering our pupils with far more than academic development and success. We are committed to providing the best possible experiences and pathways for every child. At our school, you will find a community of like‑minded, passionate individuals who are dedicated to meeting the challenge of supporting our exceptional young people.

We offer the following:

a comprehensive induction programme
access to an Employee Assistance Programme
a well‑established mentoring and coaching culture
wide range of CPD opportunities
Staff benefit from a supportive leadership team and the chance to pursue personal and professional development

For further information about the role or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact Sasha Gooding, Head of Operations, at sasha.gooding@thebeacon.kent.sch.uk

The Beacon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and two satisfactory references.

The school reserves the right to close this vacancy sooner than the date advertised, subject to the volume of candidates.

Information about the school

The Beacon is a multi site, all age specialist school (4–19 years) providing high quality education for 480 pupils with complex needs, profound and severe learning difficulties, and physical and sensory impairments. Our main site is located on Park Farm Road in Folkestone, our newest provision in Walmer opened in September 2025. We also operate a 10 place satellite provision at Castle Hill Primary School and work collaboratively with Beacon Plus as an extended partner of the school.

The Beacon is built on a strong culture of cooperation and a commitment to personalised learning. Our child centred, needs led curriculum draws on the EY Foundation Stage, the National Curriculum, and relevant accreditation pathways, with an emphasis on Life Skills, Social Skills, and holistic development.

As a centre of expertise, we also deliver training and support for mainstream schools through our outreach team. This dedicated team provides professional development, advice, and guidance to colleagues across the region. Our conference and meeting facilities regularly host nationally recognised speakers and professional learning events.

We are also home to a Multi Agency Support Hub, one of four centres across the county, bringing together NHS professionals, paediatricians, speech and occupational therapists, nursing teams, children’s social care, and portage services. This integrated approach strengthens the support available to children and families across the Folkestone and Hythe district.

At The Beacon, our shared moral purpose is to improve educational outcomes and life chances for all young people. We believe excellence is achieved through partnership, collaboration, and reflective practice. Our peer to peer coaching model and staff led learning communities help ensure consistently high quality teaching and a culture of continuous improvement. We expect the highest standards from ourselves and all stakeholders, creating an environment where every learner can thrive.

If you share our values and are inspired by our mission, we look forward to hearing from you.

Job Contact Information

Name:Katie Lonergan
Address:Park Farm Road, Folkestone, Salisbury Road, Walmer, Folkestone And Walmer, Kent, CT195DN CT147QJ
Telephone: 01303 847555
Email: HR@thebeacon.kent.sch.uk

Documents

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