Job Description

• Penrose Learning Trust
• Address: East Bergholt, Colchester, Essex CO7 6RJ
• Salary: Grade 5, Point 19 – 22, £32,743 per annum pro rata
• Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week, 40 weeks per year or Part time *
• Contract: Permanent, required to start as soon as possible
• Reference: 8660

* Role available as either Part Time (to include Friday) or Full Time Hours

Penrose Learning Trust was established in 2017, to build upon the excellent work of the founding schools and their shared belief that the young people in our care should have access to an excellent educational provision. Working within and beyond the trust, the trust aims to provide support and drive improvement in all its schools.

The central team, based at East Bergholt High School comprises Finance, HR, Estates and IT. These central teams work as a unit to support schools and Headteachers to deliver the best possible education. We pride ourselves on our positive, hardworking ethos and collegiate atmosphere.

We are looking to recruit a qualified and passionate Senior HR Advisor to join our friendly and hardworking central team.

Reporting to the HR Head of Service, you will help support the nine schools within our trust to develop and thrive, as well as supporting the development of other HR team members.

The HR team is a small team committed to supporting our schools to achieve the highest of standards, therefore it is vital you are a team player and confident in communicating with workplace colleagues at all levels and external agencies.

Your responsibilities will include:

• assisting the HR Head of Service, to raise HR practice and procedure across the trust
• supporting senior school leaders to develop their skills in dealing with any complex people issues
• providing guidance and support in relation to all HR matters and lead on more complex case work
• assisting in HR transactional and administrative processes where applicable
• attending and participate in HR related meetings.

We are looking for someone who has:

• CIPD Level 5 qualification or equivalent and be a member of CIPD (essential)
• genuine interest in contemporary HR issues, ER and L and D (preferred)
• knowledge and understanding of schoolteachers pay terms and conditions to include the ‘Burgundy book’ (preferred)
• knowledge and understanding of Support Staff terms and conditions to include the ‘Green book’ (preferred)
• a ‘can-do’ approach and an appetite to tackle HR issues proactively, pragmatically and productively to achieve positive outcomes
• outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal
• organisational and planning skills
• a high level of IT literacy.

Your primary base will be the Central Trust Office at East Bergholt. However, the requirements of the post are regular attendance at all schools within the trust. Therefore, you must be able to travel to all the trust’s schools (currently within the vicinity of Suffolk and North Essex) therefore a driving licence and your own transport is essential.

What we can offer you:

• Part time or full-time availability with term time only working
• Training, coaching and development opportunities
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme to support wellbeing
• Trust benefits to include free eye tests, cycle to work scheme and death in service
• Team building and collaboration days.

If you are looking for a role to continue your professional development, a role with plenty of variety and the opportunity to add value and make a difference, Penrose Learning Trust may just be the right place for you.

We look forward to receiving your application.

For more information

To find out more about us, please visit our website

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Mandy Branch, Executive Assistant to the CEO by calling 01206 489363 ext 1004 to arrange an appointment.

How to apply

Please complete your application by visiting the vacancies page of our website

Closing date: 9am, 6 April 2026

Interview date: Week commencing, 13 April 2026

Penrose Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful candidates as part of their conditional offer, will be required to provide references, undergo employment checks and an enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.