Today we sit with Melanie Pye, Associate Director of the Schools Leadership team, a division of The Management Recruitment Group, to discuss MRG’s heritage and specialism in the school’s sector and subsequent launch of the Schools Leadership brand.
What is MRG’s track-record in school leadership appointments?
The Management Recruitment Group’s school sector was launched over ten years ago by Managing Director Ben Duffill and Director Michael Hewlett. The sector’s momentum and energy has been exceptional, as seen in the figures, which speak for themselves; MRG has appointed over 200 non-academic roles in over 100 schools across the UK.
I lead a team of three dedicated school specialist consultants, plus one interim consultant. We work in partnership with academic institutions to deliver high-quality recruitment campaigns.
The school’s division of MRG is exceeding all expectations, which is why we are excited to announce the launch of its stand-alone brand, Schools Leadership.
How do you describe the team’s approach to academic recruitment?
We are passionate about finding the best individuals for non-academic leadership and management roles. Our work supports the smooth running of schools and, in turn, its staff body, pupils and teachers. With some of us being parents, we understand first-hand the importance of wanting children to have the best opportunities and start in life. Our work in this sector empowers schools and further education institutions to achieve this.
Many of our team are Safer Recruitment in Education trained therefore giving schools the confidence that candidates shortlisted have been pre-screened in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education regulations. The whole team works diligently to ensure only the most suitable candidates are taken through to the interview stage.
What is your personal background in this field?
Having worked in recruitment for over 27 years, recruiting into schools has quickly become my recruitment home. It draws on most of the sector experience I have gained throughout my career, including Finance, HR, Marketing and Estates and Facilities. Being a parent, I completely understand the importance from both a parent’s and a pupil’s perspective. Also, having been on my daughter’s own admissions journey for primary and secondary schools, I really appreciate the admissions process and what makes an excellent admissions professional. Despite the potential stressors on independent schools, such as the potential implementation of VAT and removal of charitable status, the sector is going on an exciting journey where schools are professionalising, implementing structure, and becoming more commercially astute.
In my spare time I play an active role in my daughter’s school and the wider local school community. I am involved in a local netball club as their Safeguarding and Welfare Officer for both junior and senior players. I am also currently studying the Level 7 ILM Coaching and Mentoring course, which I intend to use to work with school leaders once completed.
What types of roles would non-academic recruitment include?
We can assist with the following roles: Governors, Trustees, C-Suite Executives and Bursars & School Business Managers, as well as Manager to Director level in the following disciplines – Marketing, Admissions & Development, HR & Compliance, Finance, Estates & Facilities, Hospitality & Leisure, Operations and IT.
With an established history in this sector, who are your most recent key clients?
A selection of our recent clients include; Brighton College, CHAT Academies, Colfe’s, Dauntsey’s, Dukes Education Group, Forfar Education, Girl’s Day School Trust, Girl’s Learning Trust, Habs Elstree, King’s College School, St James Schools, St Paul’s Girls’ School, Ted Wragg Trust and United Learning.
For more information about the School Leaderships’ appointment services contact Melanie Pye.