Apprentice People (HR) Coordinator (Uppingham School)

Introduction

To begin a rewarding career in People Operations through combining on-the-job experience, mentoring and support with formal training, leading to a nationally recognised qualification.

About the Employer

Uppingham School, founded in 1584, is a leading co-educational independent boarding school whichruns 24/7 in term-time. It has a strong academic profile and excellent pastoral care with an international reputation, and state-of-the-art science, sports and music facilities. Its c. 800 pupils, aged 11-18, areaccommodated in 15 boarding houses, taught by over 20 academic departments,
and participate in numerous extra-curricular activities such as sports, music, and drama. Theacademic programme is supported by business units responsible for marketing, estates, finance, HR,
IT, operations (catering, cleaning, and procurement), health and safety, and the School’s trading subsidiary. The School employs c. 550 staff.
Uppingham is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcomes applications from anyone who feels they could fulfil the role. 

What You'll Do

To develop the skills and knowledge required to manage day-to-day people queries and provide People Operations advice, supporting a broad range of HR activities across the employee lifecycle, from transactional processes to advisory support, while assisting in the effective management of the HR Information System (HRIS).

HRIS Development, Maintenance & Optimisation

• Support the ongoing build and configuration of the HRIS (iTrent), including modules such as employee records, absence, onboarding, and training
• Assist in system testing, data migration, and validation activities during HRIS development phases
• Maintain high-quality data through regular audits, reconciliations, and error correction
• Support the creation and maintenance of standardised workflows (e.g. onboarding, contract changes, approvals)
• Participate in monthly routine and ad hoc data reports (e.g. headcount, absence trends, compliance tracking)
• Identify opportunities to improve system use, reduce manual processes, and enhance reporting capability
• Maintain clear process guidance and user documentation for HRIS activities

Data Integrity & Compliance

• Maintain people data, ensuring all records are accurate, complete, and up to date
• Maintain the Single Central Register (SCR) in line with statutory safeguarding requirements
• Ensure all data is handled in accordance with GDPR and School data protection policies
• Audit employee files (digital and paper) to ensure they are complete and inspection-ready
• Support internal and external audits by preparing and validating required data

People Operations Delivery

• Provide consistent administrative support across the full employee lifecycle:

 -Onboarding: contracts, pre-employment checks, system setup

 -In-life changes: promotions, pay changes, contract amendments

 -Offboarding: leavers processing, exit documentation, system updates

• Undertake safer recruitment checks including references and DBS
• Monitor and support People Partners manage key operational timelines (probation reviews, appraisal cycles, contract renewals)
• Support payroll processes through the accurate and timely submission of data changes
• Manage and triage the People inbox, ensuring queries are responded to or escalated appropriately

Process & Workflow Management

•  Execute repeatable administrative processes with consistency, accuracy, and efficiency
• Support the documentation and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Identify inefficiencies or duplication in processes and propose improvements
• Support the transition from manual to system-led processes across the People function
• Ensure all processes are delivered to a high standard and within agreed timelines

General Support

• Provide first-line support to staff queries, ensuring a professional and helpful service
• Support People projects (e.g. HRIS updates and upgrades, policy rollouts, reporting improvements)
• Work collaboratively with Payroll, Finance, and departmental stakeholders

Note

This Role Definition is not an exhaustive list of what may be expected of you in the role. It is noncontractual and may be amended by the School from time to time. Colleagues are required to comply with all of Uppingham School’s Health, Safety and Environmental policies.

Training Outcome

Potential for a full time role on completion.

Skills Required

• Methodical
• Structured
• Disciplined approach to work
• Curious and proactive
• Discreet and trustworthy
• Resilient
• Able to work at pace

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - 5 GCSEs including English and maths - 9 to 4 (A* to C)

Course Information

Course: HR support (level 3)

Level: 3

Route: Business and administration

Apprenticeship Level: Advanced

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Days and shifts to be confirmed.

Expected Duration: 1 Year 6 Months

Training Provider: BPP PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION LIMITED

This employer is part of the Disability Confident scheme, committed to employing disabled people.