School leadership appointments with real impact.

The right leader plays a critical role in shaping a school’s culture, strategy and long-term success. That’s why we take such care in helping you find them.

Whether you’re looking for help with a CEO or Headship appointment, or are appointing a Deputy, we bring powerful search, insight, proven processes and deep sector knowledge to help you make the right choice.

Trusted by schools at critical moments

Appointing a new leader is one of the most high-stakes decisions a governing body or board will ever make. The challenge is not just finding the best candidates – it’s identifying those with the experience, vision, temperament and resilience to lead confidently in complex, changing times.

We help you:

• Find and attract exceptional candidates – including those not actively looking. 
• Assess each individual thoroughly, with specialised interview techniques and processes. 
• Make a well-informed, confident decision that’s absolutely right for your educational organisation.

You’ll benefit from the wisdom of experienced school leaders, the skill of professional search consultants and the support of a team that’s made well over 600 highly successful leadership appointments in the UK and internationally.

A personal and proven approach

Every appointment is one-of-a-kind, which is why we begin by getting to know your school and what’s at stake. Then we tailor a structured, evidence-based process that leads to lasting impact.

Here’s what that typically involves:

From first conversations to the final offer, we stay by your side. And we keep in close contact with your candidates throughout the process, creating a smooth, positive experience for everyone. 

Once your appointment is made, we can provide support with leadership development and access to expert coaching – helping your new leader step into the role with clarity, confidence and strong leadership skills.

Our specialist teams 

Alongside our broad experience across every type of school, we also bring dedicated expertise in two areas of educational leadership recruitment. This means you benefit from a team who truly understands both the market of potential candidates and the nuances of your context . 

Prep & Junior School Leadership 

Led by Angela Short, our dedicated Prep & Junior School team has built a strong reputation for placing outstanding heads and senior leaders in prep and junior settings across the UK. 

We understand the unique demands of prep school leadership – from leading small, close-knit communities with high parental engagement, to preserving a distinctive ethos while preparing pupils and families for transition to a range of senior schools. Our proven process, combined with Angela and her team’s expertise and network, ensures we find leaders who will thrive in these environments.

Senior & All-through School Leadership 

Our Senior & All-through School leadership work is led by Sarah Glencross, who together with her team, reflects the deep sector knowledge and experience RSAcademics brings to every project.

Senior schools, whether large or small, and all-through schools present distinctive challenges: leading large and diverse student populations, managing the pressures of public examinations and preparation for life beyond school, balancing the expectations of governors, parents and alumni, and — in the case of all-through schools — creating seamless integration across phases. We bring the insight and search expertise to help you find leaders who can navigate this complexity with confidence and shape a clear, future-focused vision.

Who we help

We’ve helped with leadership appointments spanning every type of educational organisation, in the UK and across the world. That means we understand the nuances of recruiting for different cultures, curricula, governance structures and leadership models.

We’re your experienced partners for appointing roles, including:

• Heads and Principals
• CEOs and Executive Leaders
• Deputy Heads and Vice Principals
• Directors of Education
• Heads of Secondary, Primary and Prep

FAQs

What types of educational leadership roles do you appoint?
We support the appointment of Heads, Principals, CEOs, Deputies and senior school leaders across the UK and around the world.

How does RSAcademics’ recruitment process differ from traditional agencies?
Unlike standard recruitment agencies, we offer a consultancy-driven approach based on extensive experience in the education sector. Our recruitment processes include in-depth consultations, specialised search strategies and comprehensive support throughout the appointment journey, ensuring a tailored fit for your school’s unique needs.

Can you assist with interim leadership appointments?
Absolutely. We can support schools in identifying and appointing interim leaders to ensure continuity and stability during transitional periods.

Can you support international schools with leadership appointments?

Yes, we have extensive experience in international recruitment, understanding the nuances of different educational systems and cultural contexts to find the right leadership fit.

Let’s find your next leader

Looking for help with a senior leadership appointment? Get in touch and tell us about your organisation and its needs.

Let’s start the conversation