St Dunstan's Education Group
Group Director of People
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St Dunstan’s Education Group
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.
About the Role
This is a significant and exciting opportunity for an accomplished HR professional to shape and deliver a modern, ambitious and values-led people strategy across a high-performing educational Group.
Reporting to the COO, with a dotted line to the CEO, and sitting on the Professional Services Leadership Team, the Director of People will lead on all aspects of HR, including recruitment, retention, reward, employee relations, professional development, wellbeing and inclusion. They will lead a team of eight and working closely with the Heads of each school, they will 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.
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Requirements
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.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to contact RSAcademics to arrange a confidential discussion:
- Hannah Freestone-Smith: hannahfreestone-smith@rsacademics.com
- Nina Lambert: ninalambert@rsacademics.com
The closing date for applications is 10.00am UK time on Monday 10 August 2026.
Application Instructions
Applications should be made electronically to RSAcademics:
- Job Title: Group Director of People - St Dunstan’s Education Group (SDEG)
You should submit the following (both in PDF format):
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- A completed application form
- A covering letter addressed to the CEO, Mr Nick Hewlett. Your letter should be a maximum of two pages and should explain your reasons for applying and outline your suitability for the role.
If you have any questions about uploading your application documents, please contact Jonathan Barnes, Head of Operations (Leadership Appointments) at: applications@rsacademics.com. Jonathan can also be reached by calling our Head Office on +44 (0) 204 6269 791.
Safeguarding and Compliance
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.
RSAcademics is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to promoting diversity, and inclusion in schools.
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