Executive Search

Executive Search for Principal and Deputy Principal at Independent School

Date Posted:10 September 2024
Consultant:Liam King

Significant appointments – Principal and Deputy Principal – in one of Australia’s oldest schools.

 

Principal, Deputy Principal at School

The Brief

An independent co-educational school in Victoria from Prep to Year 12 partnered with Future Leadership on the appointment of their new Principal in June 2022. The said school continually strives for excellence in both academic and co-academic areas of education in a caring Christian environment. 

Reporting to the College Board, the Principal was to embrace the philosophy of the school while using their own educational leadership to create a legacy for future generations to enjoy.

Following the Principal appointment, Future Leadership also undertook the search and recruitment for the Deputy Principal in September 2022. Reporting to the incoming Principal, the Deputy Principal was to be responsible for leading the Heads of Department and Head of Junior School curriculum to develop and implement strategies to improve academic outcomes across the school.

9.19.1

Candidate net Promote Score

Future Leadership combines truly personalised relationships with innovative technology solutions to ensure an approachable and efficient process for all our Net Promoter Score across clients, successful candidates and unsuccessful candidates is well above industry standard.

10,000+10,000+

Candidates supported every year

We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.

50.5%50.5%

Senior Women Appointed since 2002

Over half of the executive search assignments undertaken by our team have resulted in the appointment of outstanding female or LGBTQI+ leaders to high profile roles.

98%98%

Candidate Retention Rate for 12 months since 2002

Our thorough briefing process and ability to engage passive candidates mean that we go to great lengths to find the right person for the role – long term!

The Process

Future Leadership completed detailed briefing meetings with various representatives of the school.

The ideal candidate for Principal needed to demonstrate a strong cultural fit, the appropriate gravitas to engage all stakeholders, and an understanding of how a business runs. The candidates also needed to build confidence in the community. For the Deputy Principal, the ideal candidate was identified as an excellent communicator and innovative educational leader. Two rounds of panel interviews were conducted for both roles.

Emerging Capabilities

01.

Curriculum

Designing and implementing educational programs and course structures that align with academic standards and meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.

02.

Education Management

Overseeing the administration and leadership of educational institutions or programs, including managing staff, resources, and policies to create an effective and supportive learning environment.

03.

Committees

This skill refers to participating in, leading, or managing committees within an organisation. It includes coordinating activities, facilitating discussions, and making decisions that align with the organisation's goals while representing various stakeholders' interests.

04.

Educational Leadership

Demonstrating strong leadership within an educational setting, including setting strategic direction, managing staff, fostering a positive learning environment, and ensuring the effective delivery of educational programs.

05.

Staff Development

This skill involves designing, implementing, and overseeing professional development programs for staff. It includes identifying training needs, fostering continuous learning, and improving skills to enhance overall performance and organisational effectiveness.

The Outcome

The Selection Panel were extremely pleased with the candidate fields, determining the appointment of the Principal to be an internal candidate. The candidate previously held the positions of Head of Science, Head of Teaching and Learning, and was the Acting Head at the school during the search for the new Principal.

Following the appointment, the new Principal was included on the Selection Committee for the Deputy Principal panel interviews, with the successful candidate being selected as the preferred choice. With over 20 years’ educational experience, the successful candidate presented as a dedicated, passionate, and innovative leader who is highly committed and capable of developing strong relationships.

Consultant

Liam King

Senior Partner, Executive Search View Profile
Client Testimonial:

For our school, working with Future Leadership has been a very positive experience.​
Liam King and the Future Leadership team provided invaluable assistance in securing our new Principal and took great care in learning our needs and applying those needs to the search process.​
Liam put together an outstanding candidate list and we were impressed with the responsive and open communication.​
Most importantly, we are delighted with the appointment and addition to the Executive team at our school.​

Board Chair Independent Victorian School

I can’t speak highly enough of my experience as a candidate in the search for the Principal of this school. Liam and Liz were professional and supportive through every stage of the process. ​
The ‘touch bases’ I received the day before each interview were both kind and helpful and really made a difference to my mindset as I approached each step. I cannot thank Liam and Liz enough for making what is a tough process as enjoyable as possible.​

Appointed Principal Independent Victorian School
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