CEOs, Principals, Heads, Deputy Heads, Directors of Education

Nothing matters more than appointing the right person to the top job

Whether you are seeking an Executive Director of a large membership organisation, Principal of one of the most famous schools in the world, Head of a small, rural prep school or Deputy Head of a very large all-through school, we approach each project with the same determination, commitment and attention to detail. We start by listening very carefully to you and understanding your school or educational organisation. This allows us to create a bespoke and targeted search strategy.

Our network across the education sector, both in the UK and globally, is unrivalled. We nurture rising stars as well as experienced, successful Heads. We know who is looking for a first headship, or a next headship, and who is not looking but could be the ideal person. Our search strategies are ambitious, far-reaching, persuasive and matched to the set of skills and talents you seek. Candidates trust us, talk readily to us and listen to us.

Please contact Claire Oulton, Head of UK Leadership Appointments, at claireoulton@rsacademics.com  Angela Short, Head of Search, at angelashort@rsacademics.com and Jane Burton, Head of Leadership Appointments (Trusts, Academies and maintained Schools/Colleges), at janeburton@rsacademics.com

Our services

We remain at your side at every stage. We stay very close to the candidates too, reassuring, encouraging and addressing concerns, so that there is the best possible likelihood that your chosen candidate will accept the post with delight.

An alternative service is Search, Sift and Preliminary Interviews which covers all stages up to the end of our preliminary interviews. We then recommend the strongest candidates to you.

Our approach

We put together a team of three to work on each appointment: a Senior Advisor, a Lead Search Consultant and an operations team member.

Our Senior Advisors are former heads with a distinguished track record in successful headship. Now trained in the skills of headship search and selection, they combine lived experience at top leadership levels with advanced dexterity in questioning techniques. They bring a deep understanding of the subtle nuances of leadership, a hawk-like ability to spot potential and an eagle eye for weaknesses. They appreciate that a successful school is also a successful business.

Our Search Consultants are experienced professionals trained in the science and art of search. They bring a deep understanding of schools and candidates. Our network across the education sector means our contacts reach into every independent school in the UK, many maintained schools and all the major ones internationally.

The operations team provide operations and administrative support at every stage of the process, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.