Jo MacKenzie

Jo is a Senior Advisor in the Appointments Team at RSAcademics. She supports schools across the UK with the appointments of senior leaders, leading boards through each stage of the recruitment process. Jo has worked at RSAcademics on a huge range of headship and deputy headship appointments, always using a rigorous approach but adapting flexibly to the particular needs of the client. Her work covers all aspects of the process, from a thoughtful initial consultation and creative candidate brief design, to a persuasive and effective search, right through to guiding boards on effective differentiation of candidates. Jo helps with the onboarding of candidates and her work lays the foundations for a very positive start in role for every candidate.  

Before joining RSAcademics, Jo was Head of Bedford Girls’ School, leading the merger which created one of the largest and most successful schools in central England. This gave her invaluable insight into leadership through mergers. Jo has much experience of the IB Diploma Programme and introduced the IB Primary Years programme to Bedford which has led her to have a very wide understanding of curriculum offerings. Her experience as an ISI inspector and as Education Chair at a school further deepens her understanding of the demands of school leadership.  

At RSAcademics, Jo’s breadth and depth of experience have proved to be of great value to clients who greatly appreciate her wise advice and guidance as well as her ability to listen and understand the context of each appointment.