Successful schools depend on confident financial and operational leadership. Whether you’re appointing a Bursar, COO, CFO or Director of Finance and Operations, you need someone with strategic vision, sound judgement and the ability to lead teams in a complex school environment.
At RSAcademics, we help schools find leaders who bring clarity, capability and a strong appreciation of what it means to serve a school community well.
Why schools choose RSAcademics
Appointing senior business and finance leaders is one of the most critical decisions a school can make. These roles demand more than technical competence, they require strategic thinking, financial fluency, sound judgement and the ability to lead and inspire within a unique educational culture.
At RSAcademics, our strength lies in the unique combination of the following: deep educational insight and expert executive search capability. That’s what makes our appointment process so effective.
A proven, tailored process shaped around your needs
Our appointments process combines sector-specific insight with wider commercial experience and a personalised approach. It is built to deliver clarity and confidence at every step.
Our service typically includes:
Consultation
A detailed consultation to understand your school’s needs.
Role Brief & Search Strategy
Creation of a compelling role brief, search and advertising strategy.
Global Search
Targeted global search across education and other sectors, supported by our extensive database and network.
Preliminary Interviews
Preliminary interviews and tailored leadership assessments.
Personality Assessments
Personality and behavioural assessments where helpful.
Inclusive Recruitment
Advice on inclusive shortlisting and interview design.
Support
Candidate support and feedback throughout.
By partnering with us, you benefit from:
A search team that has a deep understanding of schools. Our consultants have worked in and with schools for many years, and bring a nuanced understanding of governance, finances, operations, HR and strategic planning
Proven executive search expertise, using structured, evidence-based processes refined through hundreds of senior appointments
Access to outstanding candidates from schools, professional services, finance, law, higher education, not-for-profits and global business- all rigorously assessed for leadership, judgement and values
A proactive and personalised approach, shaped by your context, your goals and the role’s long-term impact on your school
Trusted advice for governors and senior leaders alike, helping you make confident, well-informed decisions at every stage
We’ve helped many of the UK’s leading independent schools, as well as international schools, appoint Bursars, COOs, CFOs, Directors of Finance and Operations and Commercial Directors. We understand what’s at stake and how to get it right.
We stay with you through every stage, to ensure a strong appointment and a smooth experience.
Senior professional services appointments in every type of school
We appoint senior professional service leaders including:
- Bursars
- Chief Operating Officers (COOs)
- Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
- Directors of Finance and Operations (DFOs)
- Commercial Directors
If your role doesn’t appear here, we’re happy to advise.
Testimonial
FAQs
Do you only work with schools?
Yes. We are a specialist executive search firm working exclusively with schools. Every search is shaped by our sector knowledge and consultancy experience in schools.
How are you different from multi-sector executive search firms?
We offer the same reach and rigour but with deep education expertise. Our advice is sharper, our shortlists more relevant, and our process built for school contexts.
Where do your candidates come from?
Our networks are extensive, both across the UK and internationally. We work across sectors to identify high-calibre operational leaders, drawing from education, finance, law, higher education, the non-profit sector and global commercial organisations. Whether you’re looking for someone with sector-specific knowledge or someone who brings a fresh external perspective, we can deliver a diverse and tailored shortlist.
Do you only appoint people from education?
No. Many of our strongest appointments come from outside the sector. We assess adaptability carefully, with insight into what works in a school environment.
How do you find candidates – do you rely on job ads or databases?
Our search is proactive and research-led. Many of our best candidates aren’t actively job hunting; we find them through networks, referrals and targeted outreach.
How do you ensure alignment with our values and school community?
We begin by listening. Understanding your values, vision and operational context allows us to brief candidates clearly and assess how they would contribute to your school. We focus on appointing people who will align with your mission, enhance your team and support your long-term goals.
Can you help define the role?
Yes. If you’re still shaping the brief, we’ll help you clarify the role and responsibilities to attract the right people.
Do you support interviews and shortlisting?
Absolutely. We design inclusive interview processes that test the right capabilities, and advise throughout.
How do you support candidates through the process?
We treat candidates with care and respect. That means honest conversations, helpful information and responsive communication throughout. We offer space for candidates to explore whether the role is right for them, and we always provide constructive feedback – whether or not they are appointed.
What happens after the appointment?
We stay in touch. Our support doesn’t end at the appointment. We offer onboarding guidance and strategic advice to help your new appointee succeed from day one and continue to be a sounding board if needed.
Meet our bursar, finance and operations recruitment experts
Team
Nina Lambert
Susannah Thompson
Kate Perceval
Jonathan Spencer Pickup
Lucy Robins
