Finding exceptional leaders for the challenges of modern governance

Whatever the shape, size and structure of your governing body, we approach each project with the same determination, commitment and attention to detail.

We understand governance and the demands, requirements and rewards of being a Governor. This means that we know who will make an excellent Governor. Each Governor search is very intensive as these are the most challenging of all our searches: it is not easy to find people of the right calibre who are willing to dedicate their time in a pro-bono capacity. Our search strategies are ambitious, far-reaching, persuasive and bespoke to your needs. Candidates trust us, talk readily to us and listen to us.

Please contact Claire Oulton, Head of UK Leadership Appointments, at claireoulton@rsacademics.com and Angela Short, Head of Search, at angelashort@rsacademics.com

Our service

We start with a detailed consultation about the school, the governing body and the role required. We draft and design the candidate brief and a designated client web page and embark on an imaginative and creative search. We pre-interview all the strongest candidates and then recommend the best to you, guiding you on the most effective process for selecting, appointing and training your new Governor/Chair.

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.

Usually experienced Governors themselves, our Senior Advisors are former school leaders with a distinguished track record of success. 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 governance and 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 country, many maintained schools and all the major ones internationally. Beyond schools, our influence extends to universities, the finance sector, education technology, charities, law, industry, the arts and medicine.

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

In addition, we have an expert team focussed on school governance and compliance. To find out more, please click here.

Our team

Meet the people who make it happen

Renowned for the calibre and spirit of our people, we hand-pick your team to match your brief.

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View a small selection of our current or recent UK appointments

01.Chairs & Governors

  • Charterhouse – Chair
  • Fairley House – Chair
  • King Edward Independent Schools Governing Bodies – Chair
  • North London Collegiate School – Chair and Governors
  • Rugby School – Chair (Current)
  • Stamford Endowed Schools – Chair 
  • St Albans High School for Girls – Chair
  • Stephen Perse Foundation – Chair 
  • St John’s College School Cambridge – Chair
  • St Paul’s Cathedral School – Chair
  • Wycombe Abbey – Chair

View our latest appointments 

Equality, diversity & inclusion

Promoting diversity and inclusion in schools

We encourage applications from under-represented groups for all positions advertised.

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Governors’ Update

FREE termly information service relevant to all schools

A regular update on current DfE, ISI and Ofsted initiatives alongside other national priorities in the UK. Receive high-quality executive summaries of key information with signposting to appropriate follow-up materials.

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Testimonial

"RSAcademics provided us with one of the strongest longlists of candidates I have ever seen."

Mark Taylor, Chairman, Independent Schools’ Bursars Association (ISBA)

To discuss the needs of your school

Email Claire Oulton, Head of UK Leadership Appointments, at claireoulton@rsacademics.com, and Angela Short, Head of Search, at angelashort@rsacademics.com