Executive search for a Deputy Headteacher of a multi-academy trust

Introduction

Effective Head Teacher recruitment is crucial for ensuring that schools are led by skilled and capable leaders. The recruitment process requires careful planning and execution.

A London-based multi academy trust needed a Deputy Headteacher at an unconventional point in the year. The market was crowded, and leaders were committing to new academic cycles. Successful Head Teacher recruitment in such a competitive space was challenging, so we were engaged to run an executive search and provide a robust shortlist quickly.

The challenge

• Fill a senior school leadership role off-cycle.
• Compete against many Deputy vacancies across London.
• Make the opportunity stand out credibly.
• Engage high performing leaders who were reluctant to consider a move at the start of term.
• Protect confidentiality and manage notice and handover without disruption.

Head teacher recruitment in such circumstances demanded innovative approaches.

Our approach

We ran a targeted headhunt across London and the commuter belt, including high performing trusts and maintained schools.

We calibrated the brief and refined a compelling proposition, highlighting the school’s vision, support from the trust, scope for impact, and progression.

Successful Head Teacher recruitment involves patient, persistent outreach, scheduling confidential conversations at convenient times, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

We leveraged referrals and discreet market mapping to engage passive leaders. Our structured assessment covered teaching and learning, behaviour and culture, safeguarding, line management, and data-informed school improvement.

Each candidate had an evidence led summary and a consistent scorecard.

The result

We filled the role at an unconventional time of year for school leadership.

Despite initial reluctance in the market, we persevered and shortlisted candidates who would not otherwise have considered moving at this time.

The appointed leader brought strong, relevant experience and credibility with staff, pupils, and parents.

A planned notice period and handover ensured a smooth transition, underscoring the effectiveness of focused head teacher recruitment strategies.

Why it worked

Headhunting accessed a different pool of passive, high performing leaders.

A clear proposition, structured assessment, and consistent evidence created confidence.

Persistence and flexible engagement overcame seasonal barriers and enabled a decisive move from shortlist to offer.

Contact us

If you are a school or multi academy trust planning a Deputy Headteacher or senior school leadership hire outside the usual window, we can help you secure proven leadership with effective head teacher recruitment strategies.

Call: 0207 160 6996
Email: info@executiveheadhunters.co.uk
Visit: executiveheadhunters.co.uk

Find out more about our expertise in recruiting Senior Educational Leadership Roles

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