School Leadership Recruitment
Confidential executive search for headteachers, deputies, MAT leaders and senior school leadership.
School leadership appointments shape children's lives for years. GAC Education runs discreet, market-mapped executive searches for headteachers, deputies, executive leaders and trust-wide hires across the UK.
Our process combines targeted headhunting, sector-deep market knowledge and structured assessment so governing bodies and trusts can make confident, evidence-based decisions.
What we offer
Confidential search
Discreet outreach where required — protect existing leadership transitions.
Market mapping
Sector-wide insight into who's where, who might move and what it'll take.
Assessment support
Competency interviews, in-tray exercises and presentation design.
MAT-experienced
Trust-level hires, executive teams and growth-phase recruitment.
Reference deep-dives
Beyond named referees — discreet 360 references where appropriate.
Governance-aligned
We work with your governors and clerk on timelines and shortlist sign-off.
Who we work with
Our leadership search process
Brief & map
Confidential briefing with governors / trust. Market mapping of potential candidates within 1 week.
Approach
Discreet outreach to mapped candidates, plus advertised reach if you want broader visibility.
Assess
Structured competency interviews, in-tray exercises and presentation tasks. Reference deep-dives where appropriate.
Appoint
Shortlist presentation to governors, support through panel interviews, offer negotiation and onboarding.
Vetting & safeguarding
Leadership appointments get our most rigorous vetting — fully aligned with KCSIE 2026 and safer-recruitment guidance.
- Enhanced DBS check
- DfE prohibition from management check (Section 128)
- Three written professional references
- Right-to-work & qualifications verified
- Discreet 360 reference deep-dives where appropriate
- Safer-recruitment trained interviewers
Frequently asked questions
What leadership roles do you recruit for?
Headteachers, deputy and assistant heads, executive heads, heads of school, heads of department, SENCOs, business managers and trust-level leadership across MATs, dioceses and standalone schools.
Is the search confidential?
Yes — confidential, named or fully advertised. Many leadership searches start confidential while a current postholder is still in role; we tailor visibility to your situation.
How long does a leadership search take?
A typical headship search takes 6–12 weeks from briefing to offer, depending on the role's profile, the search visibility and your governance timeline.
Do you provide assessment support?
Yes — competency-based interview design, in-tray exercises, presentation tasks and reference deep-dives are all part of our leadership service.
Do you work with multi-academy trusts?
Frequently. We support MATs with single hires, executive teams and growth-phase recruitment across multiple schools.
What is your fee structure for leadership search?
Retained search with a structured payment schedule across briefing, shortlist and successful appointment. We provide clear costs upfront — no hidden extras.
Do you support diversity-focused leadership searches?
Yes. We actively map and approach under-represented leaders, run inclusive shortlists and advise on inclusive assessment and interview design.
Can you handle interim leadership cover?
Yes — interim heads, deputies and SLT cover for medical leave, restructure phases or while a permanent search runs. Often drawn from our network of recently-retired senior leaders.
Recruiting school leadership?
Get in touch for a confidential conversation about your role.