School Business Partner

Start Date: January 2026

Salary: Grade 7, £36,363 - £39,152 (FTE) per annum (Actual salary based on hours: £21, £22,964.09 p.a.)

Contract: fixed term until 31st December 2026 pending a review of the business support structure and staffing requirements at school level. There are no guarantees, but this may lead on to a permanent role in the Trust.

Hours: 24 hours per week, term time only to include INSET days + 2 weeks in the school holidays (41 weeks)

Location: Working across a cluster of primary schools in South Gloucestershire and Bristol

Application Closing Date: Sunday, 30th November - We recommend early application as the school reserves the right to close the advert prior to the stated deadline date

Interview date: Monday, 8th December 2025

The Role

Are you an experienced Office Manager with HR responsibilities looking for your next step? Or an HR professional wanting a hands-on operational role with flexibility and real impact?

This could be the perfect opportunity for you.

About the Role

We are looking for a practical, people-focused HR professional to join us as a School Business Partner (HR specialism), taking the lead on HR across a small cluster of Leaf Trust primary schools. You will be based at one school in South Gloucestershire, with regular travel to the others in your cluster.

You will provide high-quality HR advice, ensure robust compliance, and oversee day-to-day HR operations, helping Headteachers make informed staffing and workforce decisions.

As a key member of each school's Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will bring trusted HR guidance and work closely with the School Business Partners for Finance and Operations to support a positive, well-organised and people-centred school environment.

This is a hands-on and varied role where no two days are the same — leading safer recruitment, coaching HR administrative colleagues, and supporting the smooth running of our school offices.

Why this role?

• Part-time, term-time only – excellent for those with childcare responsibilities
• Meaningful work supporting staff, children and school communities
• Varied and interesting – recruitment, employee relations, data, onboarding, compliance, office leadership
• A new role you can help shape
• Professional development including CIPD and apprenticeship opportunities
• Supportive Trust culture based on collaboration, kindness and doing the right thing

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Provide day-to-day HR advice to Headteachers and staff
• Lead safer recruitment, onboarding and HR compliance across your schools
• Maintain an accurate and compliant Single Central Record
• Support workforce planning, wellbeing and staff development
• Line manage HR administrative staff and help build high-performing office teams
• Support with HR systems, payroll processes and statutory reporting
• Promote a positive, inclusive and supportive working culture

You will be well supported by the Chief Finance & Operations Officer, central business team and fellow School Business Partners.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for someone who is:

• Highly organised with strong administrative and HR skills
• A proactive, solution-focused problem solver
• Able to manage and prioritise a busy workload
• Confident enforcing HR policies and procedures
• Skilled in communication, relationship building and confidentiality
• IT-proficient with excellent attention to detail
• Calm, friendly and adaptable

CIPD Level 5 is desirable, but we welcome applicants with equivalent HR experience or strong school office management experience with HR responsibilities.

About The Leaf Trust

The Leaf Trust is a collaborative family of 14 thriving primary schools, working together to create outstanding learning environments deeply rooted in their communities. While each school retains its unique character, they benefit from the shared strength, expertise, and support of the Trust-wide network.

As a newish and expanding Trust, we are committed to building an effective, high-quality HR function, and this role is integral to achieving that vision.

Why Leaf?

At The Leaf Trust, we're building something special — and we'd love you to be part of it.

An Evolving Role with Room to Grow – Help shape and develop HR processes and procedures in a growing Trust. Be part of a team that's not maintaining the status quo — we're creating it.

A Great Team & Supportive Environment – Join a small, skilled, and friendly team that works closely together with a positive, good-humoured ethos. You'll be genuinely valued and supported in a collaborative environment where your contributions make a real difference.

Career Development & Professional Growth – Whether based in schools or in our central team, you'll have access to high-quality CPD, training, and apprenticeship opportunities to build your skills and grow your career.

Values-Led Culture – We genuinely live our values. You'll feel a strong sense of purpose and belonging in everything we do, supported by a Trust-wide commitment to inclusion, kindness, and doing the right thing.

Pathways for Progression – As part of a growing network of 14 schools, there are plenty of opportunities to take on new challenges and develop your career.

Employee Wellbeing – We prioritise your wellbeing with an annual Wellbeing Day, active Wellbeing Committees, and access to a comprehensive medical benefits package — including physiotherapy, nursing support, surgical assistance, counselling, mental health services, and stress coaching. We're committed to a healthy work-life balance and listen to staff through regular wellbeing surveys.

Financial Benefits – We offer excellent pension schemes, a Cycle to Work scheme, and access to a retail discount platform to help you save money on everyday purchases.

We encourage you to browse our website for more information about The Leaf Trust.

How to Apply

Please click apply now for further information about the role and how to apply.

Please be advised, in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy, we do not accept CV's in replacement of a completed Application Form.

Safeguarding Statement:

The Leaf Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of our safer recruitment practices, suitability to work with children and young people will be assessed during the selection process. All appointments are subject to comprehensive vetting, including an enhanced DBS check, employment and reference checks, and an online search.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly those from underrepresented groups, as we strive to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract

Contract length: 12 months

Pay: £36,363.00-£39,152.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• Do you hold a business or HR Qualification? If so, please confirm details.
• Experience of working in a multi-academy trust, School or educational setting?

Experience:

• Office Management: 1 year (preferred)
• Line Management: 1 year (preferred)
• HR Advisor: 2 years (preferred)
• providing guidance on HR policies and procedures: 2 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Right to Work in the UK (required)

Work Location: In person