Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust
Human Resources Apprentice
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Human Resources Apprentice (Level 3)
Salary: £20,000 per annum + £500 bonus on completion of the Apprenticeship
Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday, All year around, 8.45 am – 4.30 pm (Mon-Th) and 8.45 am – 4.15 pm (Fri)
Location: Based in Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1DA
Duration: 1-2 Years (depending on training provider) - Further details will be discussed at interview
Start date: As soon as possible
About the Role
Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust (OHC&AT) is a family of specialist education providers for pupils and students from nursery to further education. We operate across academies and college centres in London, Surrey, Sussex, and Berkshire. Supporting our academies and college, OHC&AT also operates learning support services, such as nursing and therapy, and a central business support team which includes HR, finance, and IT.
Pupils and students within the OHC&AT family have a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs. These include autistic spectrum disorder; speech, language, and communication difficulties; social, emotional, and mental health needs; profound and multiple learning disabilities; and physical disabilities including multi-sensory impairment and complex health conditions.
This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on HR experience while working in a professional and supportive HR & Payroll team. We are looking for a motivated, detail-oriented, and proactive individual to join us as an HR Apprentice. On successful completion of your HR Support Apprenticeship – Level 3, you may be eligible to apply for Associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
Key Responsibilities:
As an HR Apprentice, you will support the HR Operations Team with general and HR administrative tasks, including:
- Pre-employment checks, including Right to Work, DBS, references, qualification verifications, medical checks, and overseas police checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE 2024).
- Payroll administration, ensuring documents are accurately processed, authorised, and submitted on time.
- HR system management, including accurate data entry to ensure employee records are correct and compliant with statutory and contractual requirements.
- DBS renewal checks for existing employees.
- Maintaining the Single Central Record (SCR) by preparing and issuing reports across the Trust.
- Supporting recruitment activities, such as interview invitations, reference checks, conditional offer letters, and job advertisements.
- General HR and administrative support as required.
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Key Requirements:
We welcome applications from enthusiastic and committed individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Eligibility for a Level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship and commitment to completing the course requirements.
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above.
- Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage tasks effectively and meet deadlines.
- Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in administrative work.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to multitask and work efficiently under pressure.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate professionally via email, phone, and in person.
Rewards & Benefits:
- Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Pension Scheme - you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme, Employee Car Lease Scheme, and Home Electronics Scheme).
- Employee Wellbeing - We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme, and Free Virtual GP Appointments.
- Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more).
- Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme).
Find out what makes OHC&AT a truly rewarding place to work – visit our ‘Work for Us’ page to learn more about opportunities across the Trust and the difference our staff make every day.
About Us
Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.
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As a large specialist education provider, we employ over 1500 people across our schools, college, and central support team. There is a wide range of job roles available, ranging from teaching and therapy to business support roles and significant career progression opportunities.
It is an exciting time to be part of OHC&AT and we are keen to recruit talented people who can play a key role in realising our mission and who want to make a difference. In return, we offer training and development, competitive pay, and benefits in a positive and inclusive working environment.
We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff, and partners.
How to Apply
If you wish to discuss this opportunity before or after submitting an application form, please get in touch with Bettina Biol, HR Operations Team Leader, directly.
Your application form will be assessed against the Person Specification for this role. Please ensure your statement demonstrates how your experience, skills, and knowledge align with the requirements.
We do not accept CV applications.
We encourage early applications, as interviews may be scheduled before the closing date if exceptional candidates apply.
Closing Date: Monday 31st August 2026
Interview Date: Week Commencing Monday 7th September 2026
To help us manage applications effectively, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.
Safeguarding Statement
Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via 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. In line with the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education, the Trust will request and review references and carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates prior to interview as part of our safer recruitment process. Any concerns raised will be followed up with the applicant before a recruitment decision is made.
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