News and Announcements

RSAcademics joins global executive search representative body AESC

We are delighted to share that RSAcademics has been accepted as a member of the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC), the global professional body representing leading executive search and leadership advisory firms worldwide.

Membership of AESC follows a rigorous independent vetting process assessing professional standards, ethics and quality of client work. Acceptance recognises the standards and integrity that underpin RSAcademics’ work supporting schools with leadership appointments and strategic decision-making.

For more than 20 years, RSAcademics has worked exclusively with schools and school groups, combining executive search with consultancy and research to help governing bodies and leadership teams make confident decisions at moments that matter. Our work with schools worldwide, giving us a distinctive perspective on leadership, organisational development and the evolving challenges facing schools globally.

Clare Mahon, Managing Director for Europe, Middle East & Africa, at AESC said:

“We are delighted to welcome RSAcademics to AESC following our rigorous independent vetting process. Their specialist focus supporting schools with leadership appointments and advisory brings a valuable perspective to our global membership.”

Heather Styche-Patel, Chief Executive Officer of RSAcademics, said:

“Joining AESC marks an important step in RSAcademics’ growth as an international executive search and leadership consultancy focused exclusively on schools. Our work brings together leadership recruitment, research and strategic advisory, giving us a distinctive perspective on how leadership shapes organisations over time. We are proud to meet AESC’s global standards and look forward to contributing our education sector insight while continuing to support schools and school groups around the world.”

Becoming part of AESC connects RSAcademics to a global community committed to advancing excellence and professionalism in executive search and leadership advisory. It also reflects our continued international growth and our commitment to evidence-informed practice in support of schools and the communities they serve.

New Executive Director of Schools for GDST: Jodh Dhesi

Warm congratulations to Jodh Dhesi, who has been appointed as Executive Director of Schools at Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST).

Jodh was appointed following a rigorous and competitive recruitment process supported by RSAcademics. He joins GDST from the King Edward VI Foundation in Birmingham, where he is Chief Executive Officer. He previously served as Deputy Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education.

We wish Jodh well as he takes up the role.

New COO at Kimbolton: Doug Harper

Warm congratulations to Doug Harper, who has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer at Kimbolton School. Our team was pleased to work with the school on this appointment.

Doug will join the school on 26 March 2026. Doug most recently served as COO at DMI, leading organisational transformation and global strategy delivery.

We would like to wish Doug and the School every success as he takes up his new role.

New Head of Senior School for St Andrew’s School, Turi, Kenya: Mark Waldron

We are pleased to have supported St Andrew’s School, Turi with the successful appointment of Mark Waldron as their new Head of Senior School. Mark will join the School us at the start of the next academic year.

Mark has held senior leadership roles across outstanding boarding and international schools in the UK, Europe and Latin America.

Speaking on Mark’s appointment, Director-CEO Geert Simons said:
“A heartfelt thank you to RSAcademics for their professionalism, insight, and support throughout the search process. Their deep understanding of our school and its values played a key role in helping us find such an outstanding fit for Turi.”

We would like to wish Mark and the School every success with the appointment.

New Director of Development for Mayfield School: Amba Shirfield

We are delighted to have supported Mayfield School with the successful appointment of their new Director of Development, Amba Shirfield.

Amba joins the School at a pivotal time as they embark on a new fundraising campaign to support bursaries and key capital projects.

Amba has worked in education, both in schools and universities, across the UK, USA and Australia for over 25 years, leading capital campaigns and raising significant funds for bursaries and scholarships.

We would like to send Amba and Mayfield our best wishes.

New Principal for RBAI: Dr Craig Walker

We are pleased to have supported the Board of Governors at The Royal Belfast Academical Institution with the successful appointment of Dr Craig Walker as their Principal.

Craig will take up the role in August 2026. He joins RBAI from Pitsford School in Northamptonshire, where he has been Head for eight years.

Speaking on his appointment, he said he was honoured to be selected as the next Principal of RBAI and expressed his commitment to working collaboratively with the School’s staff, Board of Governors, parent community, and alumni.

We would like to wish Craig and RBAI every success.

New Deputy Head for Bosworth Independent School: Olivia Powell

We are pleased to have supported Bosworth Independent School with the appointment of Olivia Powell as their new Deputy Head.

Olivia will join the School in Summer 2026. Olivia is a former pupil at Bosworth, having been awarded an academic scholarship to study her A-Levels.

Speaking on her appointment, Olivia said:

“This is a very special move for me. I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to lead such an experienced, dedicated and kind staff body. I know the community is filled with expertise, care and wonderful students, and I look forward to building on the school’s success together.”

We would like to wish Olivia and the School every success.

New Head for Ravenscourt Park Prep: Tim Smith

We are delighted to have supported Ravenscourt Park Prep with the appointment of their new Headteacher, Tim Smith.

Tim will join the school in September 2026 from Hampton Prep School, where he is currently Headmaster.

Speaking on his appointment, the School said:

“Mr Smith impressed directors and governors with his clear educational vision, strong alignment with the school’s ethos and his natural rapport with both pupils and staff.”

We would like to wish Tim and the School every success.

New COO for St Mary’s Calne: Colonel Ross Cleland

We are pleased to have supported St Mary’s Calne with the appointment of their new Chief Operating Officer, Colonel Ross Cleland.

Ross will join the school in Spring 2026 and will be responsible for key operational areas including finance, estates, HR, health and safety and commercial activities.

Speaking on his appointment, Ross said: ‘I am deeply honoured to have been selected by the Head and Board of Governors to be the Chief Operating Officer at St Mary’s Calne and St Margaret’s Prep. Visiting the schools and meeting the team through the selection process, it was clear why parents say Calne is such a special place and I was immediately drawn to the warm, inclusive, welcoming environment and the personal values-based approach to the development of pupils. I am genuinely excited to join such a high performing team and really looking forward to serving the pupils, parents, staff and Governors of Calne, and playing a part in the development of such brilliant young people.’

We would like to wish Ross and the school every success.

New Chief Executive of GSA: Jeanette Cochrane

We are pleased to have supported The Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) with the successful appointment of Jeanette Cochrane as its next Chief Executive.

Jeanette was formerly a headteacher and executive leader, and she brings her wide-ranging education experience to the role.

Speaking on her appointment, Jeanette says: “It’s an honour to join the Girls’ Schools Association as its new CEO and to lead such an exceptional network of Heads who champion girls, every day. This position has given me the opportunity to focus entirely on what I care about most – empowering girls and young women, and supporting the educational leaders who help them rise. Having spent my whole career in education, I’m proud to be part of an Association that stands for opportunity, aspiration, and the enduring power of girls-only education. I am excited to build upon Donna’s strong legacy with energy, purpose, and optimism to shape an equally brilliant future.”

Jeanette will formally start in post at the start of 2026, taking over from outgoing Chief Executive, Donna Stevens, who has led the GSA for five years.