Heather Styche-Patel

Heather joined RSAcademics in 2014 and led the Consultancy Services practice and Commercial Appointments team until 2023 when she assumed the role of CEO.

Heather has extensive consultancy experience and is highly regarded by the senior leaders and Governors with whom she has worked. Her consultancy work has involved leading projects for both independent schools and state schools and she has a thorough understanding of the ways in which schools and their boards operate. Heather has orchestrated numerous large-scale projects, including strategic reviews; qualitative and quantitative research studies, rebranding programmes; development and fundraising reviews and change management initiatives.

Prior to joining RSAcademics, Heather spent 15 years working in Higher Education and was a Faculty Manager and then Director of Marketing and Market Development at the University of Surrey.  She has held the position of Bursar in an independent school and was also a Business Manager at an Academy.  Heather studied Law & German at university and holds an MBA from Henley Management College.

Heather is a Trustee of the not-for-profit Whole Education.