What schools say about us

"Headspace Academics added huge value to our search for a new Head. Our recruitment drive was extremely sensitive but sympathetically undertaken. We were provided with a broad choice of quality candidates. The team had an excellent understanding of our requirements and we were able to successfully appoint a Head who we are confident will deliver for the school, its pupils and their parents. We can already see that he will be a an excellent fit for our wider group of schools. It was useful to have the support and guidance from Headspace Academics as well as a high number of quality candidates that they found."

Matthew Hagger, Group Managing Principal of The Oak-Tree Group of Schools

"We very much enjoyed working with Headspace Academics to secure our new Head. Even though we boast an enviable reputation, we were aware that our location would potentially limit the amount of interest in the role. So we were surprised and delighted to receive so many high quality applications and are extremely pleased with the outcome. They were extremely considerate and supportive throughout the whole process; we highly recommend Headspace Academics for any senior position recruitment".

Canon Richard White, Polwhele School, Truro

‘Headspace Academics helped us to achieve what appeared impossible when we advertised on our own – the recruitment of a genuinely exciting and dynamic Director of Marketing and Admissions who can also get their head around our specific needs.’

 Dr Julian Murphy, The Oratory School, Reading 

‘Moor Park retained Headspace Academics to find a new Headmaster following the resignation of our incumbent Head in late 2021. On a tight timetable, HA rapidly pulled together the marketing material to advertise the position and we were rewarded with an initial list of applicants of over 30 candidates.

The ‘long list’ interview day was carefully crafted to show the candidates in their best light and, from this, we were able to ‘short list’ 3 excellent candidates. From the start, HA’s expertise shone through and the Appointments Committee felt fully supported throughout the process. The final selection involved Governors, staff and children and was a thoroughly engaging day, again expertly advised.

I thoroughly recommend Headspace Academics’.

Julian Rogers-Coltman, Chair of the Governors, Moor Park School 

‘Headspace Academics coordinated the recruitment process at Forres Sandle Manor for a new Head.  The recruitment package sent to interested parties looked very professional and conveyed the true spirit of the school and its ethos. Headspace Academics used all the resources at their disposal to generate a significant number of candidates in a relatively short timeframe, in spite of restrictions imposed by Covid lockdowns. The applications received were all of good quality, with almost all candidates having liaised with Headspace Academics to ensure that they understood the role and the school's situation, crucial at a time where school visits were not possible. The interview process went smoothly, and we are very pleased with the successful candidate who has now been formally appointed.

Separately, Richard Stevenson has been of immense assistance in helping to secure FSM's future in what are very difficult times for small independent schools.  As Chair of Governors, I have been impressed by the manner in which Richard and the Headspace Academics team engaged with FSM, rapidly following my initial inquiry and presenting us with several viable options. That FSM has now progressed from being an Educational Trust to a facility which is now a Limited Company speaks volumes for Headspace Academic's range of contacts and the diligence with which Richard Stevenson managed the critical initial stages of the process’.     Colonel (retired) Peter Williams OBE.  Chairman, Board of Governors and F&GP Committee Member.

‘The arduous process of seeking and selecting an exceptional Head for our school was made simple, whilst rigorous. Headspace Academics presented a great number of high-calibre candidates. They were set challenging and astute tasks as well as telephone interviews and three stages of face to face interviews. This was the result of an experienced and creative input from the team at Headspace Academics. We are extremely pleased with our appointee and wish to thank Headspace Academics for their expertise and diligence in working with us to source only the very best for our school’. Chair of Governors

'I was very impressed with the work of Headspace Academics and their assistance in a recent Headship appointment with which I was associated.  The quality and volume of candidates was remarkable;  those who made it through to interview were high calibre and the majority would not have applied had Headspace Academics not been instructed.  The school was particularly pleased with the quality and stature of the successful appointee’. Chair of Governors

‘We were all impressed with Headspace Academics and the calm professional and objective support that underpinned the whole process of appointment to a senior position. The knowledge of the sector and ability to be a conduit for communication with candidates that might otherwise not have been possible proved to be invaluable’. Chair of Governors

‘Headspace Academics provided a first rate service in supporting with the recruitment of a new Head with exceptionally quick turnaround and challenging circumstances. They were highly efficient, dedicated and knowledgeable. The consultant and his team provided skilled short listing assistance, excellent candidate handling both prior to interview and on the day, and key ‘behind the scenes’ industry knowledge to ensure an appointment that was the right fit for the business. All of the stress was removed from the recruitment process and we had absolute confidence that we were dealing with experienced professionals who had in depth understanding of the independent education sector. I cannot recommend them highly enough.’ Head of HR

‘Headspace brought a huge expertise and experience that made the important decision making process so much more straight-forward. They ensured that a wide search was made for relevant applicants from their network and made the process smooth by not only looking after the candidates but the school as well. They are easy to work with, know and understand schools and headship and ensured that the appointment of the right candidate was made. All in all a must when recruiting a head or bursar’. Chair of Governors

A Full Recruitment package

(A tied prep school)

Clayesmore - This was a full recruitment package of a head teacher for the Prep School. The school had conducted a recruitment round in the previous term, which did not conclude in finding the right candidate. As a result, they made the brave decision not to appoint but to run the process again; this time they enlisted our assistance. Our remit was to search and find the perfect fit to the brief: a leader with experience, gravitas and who displayed an understanding of a school as a business. Someone with vision - a team player who knows what quality teaching and learning looks like and who is dedicated to and experienced in boarding.

Utilising our extensive network and spending considerable time qualifying those enquiring, an outstanding application list was formed from which a long-list of exceptional candidates was delivered.

Our work entailed assisting with admin and the structure of the appointment process, searching and chaperoning candidates during the process, supporting the school and the appointments panel through the interviews and will include mentoring the new head teacher for up to two years in their role.

A fulfilling process with, I am pleased to say, a great outcome.