Talent Transfer Search (Executive Recruitment)
We specialise in the recruitment of outstanding Heads, Bursars and Deputy Heads, and will assist and support you with every aspect of your search for an outstanding leader. Utilising our network of industry contacts and intelligent search techniques, we ensure not only a robust field of candidates, but candidates that are well suited to your specific requirements and ‘the season’ your school finds itself in. From crafting promotional literature to preparing all stages of the interview process, we guide you and afford you the headspace necessary to adequately reflect and, as a result, select the right high calibre candidate.
As part of our project investment, post appointment we will continue to support your new leader, and your school, at no extra cost.
Should you find yourself requiring interim cover, we have a network of experienced, quality ex Heads available for secondment.
Via our Training Academy, appointees also have access to leadership courses to help prepare them for the fresh challenges ahead.
The path to success is founded on three stages: training, talent transfer and integration. We bring a professional, experienced and alternative approach to leadership recruitment - but don’t just take our word for it; our client endorsements speak for themselves.
Inspection Health Checks
As trained inspectors, our consultants assist schools to structure a process that is reflective, authentic and compliant.
Our Inspection Health Checks will inform if a school is simply ticking boxes or if it is living good practice every day. Our inspecting teams will identify weaknesses and establish whether your safeguarding and health and safety practices are a culture or a process.
We will identify if your staff are committed to their role within the process and whether they have an adequate working knowledge of the regulations. It is not unusual for staff to view an inspection as the responsibility of the Senior Leadership Team which, for some parts of the process, it is. However, during the Inspection Health Checks and through our subsequent training, staff gain an understanding of what the ISSRs and NMS stand for. Without this, it is difficult for them to demonstrate good working practice within the regulations. They also recognise their role is crucial and the school cannot achieve excellence without their total commitment to the inspection.
The process for providing evidence and excellent pre inspection presentation are key; first impressions set the tone for the week. Inspectors do not have time to hunt out excellence. We will help you to create well presented data, transforming your inspection from a game of hide and seek into an exercise of show and tell. You want Inspectors to endorse their first impression of a wonderful school, rather than pursue evidence that a poor first impression is symptomatic of a wider demise.
The role of Governors during an inspection is also key. We help to establish if your Governing body has a complete understanding of what is required of them. Our consultants will question staff and Governors alike to test their oversight of all aspects of regulation. The process is bespoke to the needs of your school and designed to provide a useful tool, not only for inspection, but to improve develop practice.
Strategic Support
We lead strategic reviews of all areas of school life and support you in the creation of strategic planning documents. Strategic planning and future proofing is essential for a school, not only to survive but to thrive in what is a shrinking market. It provides structure, identifies an ethos and direction - fundamental if a school is to remain relevant and an inspiring place to work and learn. Schools, as businesses and educational establishments, must seek to be at the forefront of ideas. They must identify their point of difference to gain a larger market share and avoid being reactionary, which is both time consuming and costly.
We are here to help you establish a secure future for your school.
Mentoring, Coaching and Appraisal
Leading a school can be a stressful and lonely job. Having access to a sounding board outside of the organisation - a support network of likeminded professionals - helps to avoid the vulnerabilities associated with leadership. Research supports that executive mentoring and coaching is fast becoming the most effective means of maturing leaders. Through reflection, the experience increases confidence, gravitas and helps the individual to strengthen their leadership style.
As trained mentors and coaches, we offer this service within our talent transfer process; however, it is also offered as a standalone service.
Our impartial and objective 360 or ‘light touch’ appraisals for Heads, Bursars and senior staff are vitally important for both the individual’s professional development and the school’s strategic health. These offer a Governing body a balanced ‘out of the bubble’ view and protect the Governor/senior leader relationship.
Mentoring, coaching and appraisal have been proven to have a positive impact on performance, culture and on the bottom line. They improve both individual performance, and team effectiveness. These techniques can deliver impressive results and create an environment within which the team feel valued, motivated and focused on success. With our training and experience, we can help your leaders to adapt their leadership style for maximum effectiveness and equip them with the tools to manage the day to day challenges that all leaders face.
Customer Journey, Admissions and Marketing
See your school through the eyes of potential parents, learn where improvements can be made, and opportunities created for improving the quality of enquiries and the level of conversions. Learn where your Admissions and Marketing efforts can work harder, smarter and where you can save budget or spend budget more wisely.
We work closely with your Admissions and Marketing team to ensure that every potential lead is optimised and your that Customer Journey excites, delights and adds value to your offering.