Thinking PersonnelSpecialist HR and Payroll services for schools
Get in touch now+50 schools
Managed throughout the UK
Expertly trained
Professionals in every area
Accredited
Investors in People Standard
Trusted by schools, focused on people
We understand that your people are both your greatest asset and your most complex responsibility. That’s why our support is built on trusted partnerships, clear guidance, and a deep understanding of the education sector.
Whether you’re leading a small school team or overseeing a multi-academy trust workforce, we provide expert, practical support that gives leaders confidence, ensures compliance, and fosters a positive, high-performing culture.
From headteachers to HR professionals, we work as an extension of your team, helping you anticipate challenges, navigate complexity, and create an environment where your staff and students can thrive.
Proud do the right things to help you manage your HR operations
Outsourcing your HR doesn’t mean losing control. With Thinking Personnel, you gain access to specialists who know schools inside out. We stay ahead of legislation, support your team through difficult situations, and provide tools that make your people management smoother, simpler, and stronger.
It's about peace of mind, professional advice, and knowing you've got an experienced team in your corner.
Our Services
HR advice and guidance
On-demand support for everyday people management, including absence, conduct, grievances, and capability.
Case management
Confidential handling of complex employee relations cases with a focus on clear communication and best practice.
Safer recruitment and vetting
Full compliance support including DBS checks, single central record reviews, and recruitment process guidance.
Payroll operations
From specialist school payroll software to fully-managed payroll and pension services, our experts will guide you through it all.
Training and CPD
Staff and leadership training in key areas including safer recruitment, investigations, and managing performance.
Workforce planning and restructures
Strategic support for managing change, restructures, TUPE, and staffing reviews.
Why partner with Thinking Personnel?
Specialists in education HR and school staffing structures
Responsive named advisors who know your setting
Support with day-to-day issues and complex casework
Flexible packages for schools, academies, and MATs
Clear, compliant policies written in plain English
Trusted by education leaders across the UK
Ready to develop a more strategic approach to your school’s HR and personnel?
Meet the team...
Lucy Chapman
Deputy People Director
Ashley Wicken
Head of Talent
Jamie Blake
Head of Payroll and HR Operations
Specialist school recruitment support to help you find the right talent, faster.
Finding the right people can transform a school. We help schools and trusts attract, assess, and onboard quality teaching talent with a process that’s fully compliant and totally stress-free. From writing job descriptions to managing shortlisting and interview stages, we’re here to support every step of the journey.
Our team ensures your recruitment follows Safer Recruitment best practices, with all necessary checks and documentation in place including DBS processing and single central record audits. Whether you’re hiring one teacher or building a full team, we provide the tools, templates, and advice to help you recruit with confidence.
Speak to the team
Don't just take our word for it
Loved by schools, trusted by trusts
“We wanted a website that just worked — something simple, clean, and reliable that we could keep up to date without constant external support. That’s exactly what Thinking Solutions for Education delivered. From the very first conversation, they understood what we needed and translated it into a professional, easy-to-navigate site that reflects who we are. The process was smooth, the team was responsive, and most importantly, the end result is something we’re proud to share with our school community.”
“We’ve worked closely with the HR and Finance experts at Thinking Solutions for Education, and their flexible, responsive approach has made a real difference to how our trust operates. It’s allowed our leadership team and schools to stay focused on delivering the best outcomes for pupils, knowing that our internal operations are in safe, capable hands.”
“TSfE felt like an extension of our own team approachable, knowledgeable, and always ready with practical advice.”
“Thinking Solutions has supported our expanding nursery provision across the South and South West with everything from HR to Marketing and Technology. Their deep understanding of the sector gives me complete confidence that we’re in safe hands and that our young people are, too.”