Trusted HR, payroll, finance and internal scrutiny support for schools

Strengthen governance and meet SIP, DfE, and Ofsted expectations.

We’re your strategic partner in reducing operational pressure and risk, helping you stay compliant, protect your staff, and focus on driving improvement. Whether you’re a Headteacher needing HR casework support, a Trust CFO working to meet DfE deadlines, or an SBM managing payroll - we’re here to help.

Meet some of your Managed Service team

With over 200 years of combined experience supporting schools, we specialise in helping you navigate complex challenges with confidence.

We bring deep education experience, sector insight, and hands - on support to every school or trust we work with.

Our teams include CIPD, ACCA, FCCA, CIPFA, AAT, CIA and payroll-qualified professionals, all with deep sector experience.

Melanie Maul-Prior

National HR Consultant

Melanie Maul-prior - National HR Consultant

Melanie started working for Juniper as a Human Resources Consultant in April 2022. Following the completion of her BA Hons in Business and Human Resource Management in 2019.

Vicki Vidler

Finance Support Coordinator

Vicky Vider - Finance Support Coordinator 01

Vicki joined Juniper in January 2024 after working in a Support and Accounts role locally for the past few years. She also has an additional 20 years' experience in similar Account roles. 

Rachael Langdale

Senior Consultant – Internal Scrutiny Specialist

Rachael Langdale - Internal Scrutiny Specialist

Rachael began her career in Internal Scrutiny with Essex County Council in 2009 and became part of the Juniper Education team when the service was acquired. 

Where is your school losing time, money and peace of mind?

Find out in just 5 minutes.

This free diagnostic quiz helps school leaders uncover hidden risks, stretched resources, and operational blind spots across HR, finance and governance.

  Pinpoint gaps in your back-office capacity
✓  Get a personalised report with improvement insights
✓  Created for school business managers, headteachers and trust leaders

Our services

Build operational confidence through strategic support.

Human resources

How we help:
Our experienced education HR consultants act as an extension of your team, providing practical support that keeps you compliant, confident, and in control - from policy and process to complex casework.

"From quick advice to strategic workforce planning - we've got you covered."

Melanie Maul-prior - National HR Consultant

Melanie Maul-Prior, National HR Consultant
Human resources

Finance strategy and management

How we help:
We provide hands-on, strategic financial support that goes beyond spreadsheets. From budget forecasting to DfE submissions and year-end audits, our team helps you strengthen your school’s financial health and feel more confident about the numbers.

"Peace of mind your finances are compliant, efficient, and aligned with your school's goals."

Mara Lovan - Finance Consultant (1)

Mara Lovan, Finance Consultant
Finance Strategy & Management

Internal scrutiny

How we help:
Our internal scrutiny service reviews your financial controls, processes and documentation, delivering clear, actionable feedback that strengthens compliance, governance and sustainability.

"Independent assurance that improves outcomes, not just ticks boxes."

Carly Quick Crockford  - Internal Scrutiny Manager

Carly Quick Crockford, Internal Scrutiny & Consultancy Manager
Internal Scruntiny

Payroll managed services

How we help:
Let go of worries about payroll and pensions. Rely on our school payroll services and experts for punctual, precise monthly payroll and comprehensive pension administration assistance.

"Relieving you of administrative burdens and allowing you to dedicate more attention to what truly matters – taking care of your school and pupils."

cropped-Juniper-Icon-RGB-512x512@3x

Juniper Education, Payroll & Pensions Team
Payroll Managed Services

 

Schools like yours trust Juniper to help them overcome their biggest challenges

St Pius X Catholic Primary School Managing Complex HR Challenges
Moulsham Infant School
Hornchurch Academy Trust Overcoming Education Finance Challenges
Managing Risk and School Audits for Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust
HR

St Pius X Catholic Primary School: Managing Complex HR Challenges

Click here to view case study

Payroll

Moulsham Infant School: Overcoming Payroll Challenges 

Click here to view case study

Finance

Hornchurch Academy Trust: Overcoming Education Finance Challenges

Click here to view case study

Internal scrutiny

Managing Risk and School Audits for Osborne Co-operative Academy Trust

Click here to view case study

Why school leaders choose Juniper

 

 

Real Education

Real education specialists - not call centre scripts
Modular Services

Modular services that fit your school, not the other way around
Support-2

Strategic support aligned to your SIP and Ofsted focus areas
Practical advice

Practical, jargon-free advice with real-world impact
Trusted by school

Juniper’s most referred solution among schools and MATs

The only provider offering schools with services supported by software

 

 

I can wholeheartedly commend Juniper's services; as a school, we purchase a number of services, such as payroll, websites, and now HR. The payroll service is outstanding - clear guidance and support; the system is very intuitive. Our website is easy to use, manage, and tweak - all you need. The HR team are so professional and supportive. The company provides excellent services, value for money and support.
Mrs Curtis Headteacher/DSL, Ash Grange Nursery and Primary School
We’re not here to overwhelm you with options. We’re here to take things off your plate, and help you make the right call.
The Managed Service Team Juniper Education

Free tools

To help you plan, prepare and lead more effectively.

All available to download free, no strings, just practical support. 

staff-induction-checklist

Staff Induction Checklist

 

→ Download here

Salary Template

Teacher Annual Salary Statement Template

 

→ Download here

Headteacher Recruitment checklist

Headteacher Recruitment Checklist for MATs

→ Download here

  

Trusted HR, payroll, finance and internal scrutiny support for schools

  • Over 200+ years of combined HR experience from our team.

  • Our professionally qualified experts will ensure your payroll and pensions are right the first time, every time!

  • Providing real solutions for all of your risk related challenges.

  • Discover every single saving with our finance services.
And so much more!

One partner. Joined-up support across your school’s biggest challenges

Our Managed Services are just one part of Juniper’s broader ecosystem of support. From strategic governance and curriculum tools to CPD and internal scrutiny, everything is designed to work seamlessly together - saving time, reducing duplication, and driving school improvement.