Executive Recruitment
Your trusted partner in executive recruitment, providing expert support and tailored end-to-end service.
At Edwin People, our aim is to help you build a strong, sustainable executive team that makes a lasting impact. Our team specialise in supporting schools, academies, dioceses and trusts in the complex process of recruiting exceptional executive leaders.
Our executive recruitment approach is designed to provide full support and guidance throughout each stage of the recruitment process, while ensuring our process remains fully aligned with the latest KSCIE guidelines. We believe that great recruitment requires partnership, and we work hard to ensure that we are an extension of your in-house team.
Our recruitment team will assess your current and future needs, identifying key challenges and opportunities relevant to your required appointment. We take the time to understand your culture, values, context, and specific requirements for your executive role. By getting this right at the start, we can target the candidates that will fit your organisation best.
We will work with your governing body or trust board to create a detailed job description and person specification, outlining key timelines and selection criteria. Our team will also advise market conditions, including suitable pay and reward packages, in accordance with Local Authority or DFE requirements. After this stage, our team will go live with the position, utilising our well-established networks and contacts within the education sector as well as conducting a national executive search campaign.
Our team will act as a central point for all candidate enquiries, ensuring all candidates experience smooth process and receive timely responses. We aim to ensure that your vision and values translate through to an excellent candidate experience, no matter what the outcome.
Once you have shortlisted candidates, we will work with you to plan the whole interview process including production of detailed panel packs, guidance on scoring systems, and on-site logistical support.
Upon your final selection, Edwin People will conduct all checks as necessary in line with your safer recruitment requirements. From there, our team will support you through final interviews and act as your independent sounding board. We will provide feedback to candidates that are unsuccessful and draft offer letters and contracts. Ensuring that recruitment documentation is compiled to evidence a thorough and compliant process.
Primary schools
Secondary schools
Independent schools
Multi-academy trusts
Faith schools and trusts
SEND specialist schools
Head of Executive Recruitment
With more than 20 years’ experience in education executive recruitment, Dion has supported schools and trusts in securing outstanding senior and executive leaders. He collaborates closely with stakeholders at every stage, offering thoughtful guidance and practical support, underpinned by a commitment to honesty, transparency, and trusted partnerships. Strengthening our national team that combines deep sector knowledge with specialist HR expertise. This blend of executive recruitment understanding and professional education HR support is a key part of what sets Edwin People apart.
If you are interested in having a confidential, no obligation conversation with Dion and the team, please contact us using the details below
To arrange a free confidential discussion with Dion, please get in touch
Common questions about our bespoke leadership recruitment service.
We specialise in senior education leadership positions, including CEOs, COOs, and C-suite across schools and multi-academy trusts, as well as Headteachers, Executive Headteachers and Principals.
Absolutely. We partner with hundreds of MATs, supporting CEO, Headteacher, and executive central team recruitment.
Our approach is values‑led, deeply consultative, and fully bespoke. We offer: 20 years of sector‑specific executive recruitment expertise, a team of in-house HR experts, a people-first philosophy, access to Edwin’s extensive school and MAT network (6,000+ schools, 800+ MATs), tailored support from scoping through to appointment, and guaranteed-to-appoint fixed-fee model.
Our recruitment process typically includes: • Scoping & needs assessment • Job profile creation & pay benchmarking • Advertising, executive search & candidate attraction • Shortlisting & safer recruitment checks • Assessment days and interviews • Support with final appointment and ratification. We handle all administration so governors can focus on selection.
Yes. We combine executive search, direct approaches, and our leadership talent database to reach high‑quality candidates, including those not actively looking for their next role.
At least one panel member must hold safer recruitment training, and we support with: • Identity verification • Qualification and employment history checks • Reference collection • Compliance with KCSIE and education legislation. We will work to fit in with the school/trust safer recruitment processes.
Governors/trustees make the key decisions, but we manage the administration, coordination, candidate communication, and documentation, significantly reducing workload for the governing body.
Yes. We draft the job advert, application pack, person specification, and role profile, then refine these collaboratively with the governing body.
Your fee includes a guaranteed-to-appoint commitment. We continue working with you until a successful appointment is made, at no additional cost.
Yes. We can provide: • Onsite support on interview days • Leadership assessment profiles • Carousels (SLT, pupils, staff, governors) • Presentation or desktop task design • Independent external advisors (optional, additional cost)
Who we are
