Rebecca Newton, Chair of Governors, Talbot HeathÂ
When appointing a new Head for Talbot Heath, I was acutely aware of the significance of getting the appointment right for the entire school community. Alongside my role as Chair of Governors, I work full-time, so it was essential to partner with a recruitment consultancy that not only had deep expertise but also understood the demands on my time.
Our Bursar first encountered RSAcademics at the ISBA Conference and returned with a very positive impression. When I later spoke with the team myself, I was immediately struck by their knowledge, focus on the needs of the school, and their clear commitment to making the process as efficient and straightforward as possible.
The Senior Advisor supporting us was flexible, responsive and highly knowledgeable. She made herself available at times that suited me and expertly guided the Governing Board through every stage of the appointment. Her support extended beyond the recruitment process itself to include advice on staff communications, and I felt fully supported throughout.
We received a detailed and thoughtful report on the shortlisted candidates, and RSAcademics listened carefully to any questions or concerns we raised. It was evident that they were having open, honest conversations with candidates and taking a genuinely holistic view, looking well beyond surface-level qualities.
I had complete confidence that they had undertaken a rigorous and thorough assessment of each candidate. Finding someone who could not only lead the school but also truly become part of the Talbot Heath community was essential, and RSAcademics understood that instinctively.
Their visit to the school was particularly valuable. People often talk about the unique essence of Talbot Heath and wish it could be bottled; the RSAcademics team grasped it immediately, and that understanding informed the entire search.
The recruitment process was tightly run, with an exceptionally strong field of candidates. We were clear about the type of leader we wanted: someone with vision, creativity and the ability to deliver. RSAcademics presented candidates who fully met that brief, and we felt confident throughout that they understood exactly what we were looking for.
We are delighted with the appointment of Ross Cameron, who will join us in April 2026. I am confident he will bring staff and parents with him as he develops his vision for the school.
If you are considering working with RSAcademics, I can wholeheartedly recommend them. They are knowledgeable, approachable and exceptionally supportive – exactly what you need when making such an important appointment.