Group Director of People

St Dunstan’s Education Group is one of the fastest‑growing not‑for‑profit independent school groups in the UK, comprising a dynamic family of schools across south‑east London with 500 employees. Educating close to 2,000 pupils from early years to sixth form, the Group is united by a shared ethos, a commitment to Excellence. Differently, and a bold ambition to be recognised as a modern, socially purposeful and commercially sustainable model for independent education.

The Director of People will lead on all aspects of HR, including recruitment, retention, reward, employee relations, professional development, wellbeing and inclusion. Reporting to the COO, with a dotted line to the CEO, and sitting on the Professional Services Leadership Team, the Director will lead a team of eight and work closely with the Heads of each school to deliver a high‑impact business partnering service that drives school improvement, strengthens staff engagement and supports a positive, inclusive high‑trust working environment fully compliant with regulations.

Candidates will bring a strong track record of HR or People leadership in complex organisations, with experience of shaping culture, managing change and building effective teams and systems. They will combine a clear understanding of employment law and safeguarding compliance with the ability to think strategically, work collaboratively across multiple sites and influence at senior level. The role requires deep HR sector expertise, high‑quality service delivery and strong interpersonal skills across the full breadth of people management.

Closing date: 10.00am UK time on Monday 10 August 2026.

St Dunstan’s Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

The safeguarding responsibilities of this post are detailed in the candidate information brochure.

RS Academics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity, and inclusion in schools.