Are you looking for informed insight and career advice?
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege to help nurture talented teachers at both Senior School, and Prep School levels. I, with my team, can offer career advice to teachers, whether that is at the level of aspiring Heads of Department, aspiring Deputy Heads or Heads. As is evident from my endorsements, my network of contacts includes many distinguished Senior and Prep School Heads who, together with me, can offer invaluable advice on fine-tuning C.V.s and preparing for interviews.
The teachers mentioned below are all recent and real. I have simply changed their names. Please contact me, if you’d like to have an initial conversation by phone.
PMK
Moving on?
Edward was keen to move jobs from his Prep school to a Senior school. He had not had an interview for six years and felt he might have gone stale. He sought advice on how to revivify his C.V. Having secured an interview, which also involved a specimen lesson, he was keen to have a demanding mock interview. His own Head offered him one, but he felt they knew each other too well. I arranged for two specialists to mock interview him.
Interview issues?
Alastair was a gifted teacher hoping to secure a Head of Department post in a prestigious school. He had got to the last round interview, with a recent application. For reasons he could not explain, he messed up the interview completely. He called me and we met to analyse what had gone wrong and how he could present himself more compellingly. He was a musician: I arranged a mock interview with a serving Head of Department and ex-Head.
Constructive advice.
Robert was a successful Deputy Head. He was keen to secure his first headship. He had been shortlisted three times but failed to be appointed. He needed frank, but constructive advice on what might be lacking in his application paperwork and his performance in front of governor interview panels. He met with me, and another experienced Head: we provided forensic advice on how he could present his undoubted potential more forcefully.
Worried about an inspection?
Sarah was new in post as a Deputy Head. She knew that her school was very likely to be inspected. Although highly competent, she had never been responsible for the paperwork and preparation for a full inspection. She was keen to meet with people who had carried this burden and who had been through the process. A series of training sessions were arranged which enabled her to approach the inspection process with confidence and rigour.
Independent or State school?
Jonathan was a successful Deputy Head, and aspiring Headmaster. He felt that becoming a school governor would be rewarding and widen his skill set. He was keen to get advice on what kind of school he should become a governor of and what training he could most usefully have, before taking up that role. Members of my advisory team, who are all serving governors, provided bespoke advice.
Presentation nerves?
Richard was a highly competent member of his SLT. He was keen to become a Head but lacked confidence in public speaking. He was aware that any future interview would likely involve giving presentations, in front of interview panels. He needed advice on how he could improve that aspect of his profile. He asked us to provide a detailed analysis on how he could enhance his public performances and presentations.
Keen to move into boarding?
Paul had spent most of his career in London day schools but was keen to secure a position in a Boarding School. He saw his future trajectory as a potential Boarding Housemaster but believed he would appear to be lacking experience for such posts. He sought advice on what he ought to do to strengthen his profile and C.V. and what kind of questioning he might expect at a future interview.
Career shift from Senior to Junior school?
Oliver had spent most of his career in Senior schools. The post of Head of a Prep School was advertised and he was keen to apply. He needed advice on how to prepare a compelling C.V. and application letter. He also needed advice on how best to prepare for an interview, if he were shortlisted. Our team comprises Heads who had faced a parallel career shift and could provide detailed advice on how best to maximise his chance of success.
Professional conflict?
Anna had worked happily at her school as a Head of Department for ten years. Sadly, she had found herself in conflict with a new Deputy Head whom she believed was bullying her. She was not a member of a union and becoming desperate as to how to resolve the conflict. She solicited advice on how to proceed personally and professionally.
Changing profession?
Milly was a successful lawyer in a well-known London law firm. However, she was no longer happy with her job and was keen to become a teacher. Doing a PGCE was not really feasible and she needed advice on how best to approach schools and secure a position. She sought the team’s advice on the most effective trajectory into the profession.
The following are a few of the insights that experienced teachers have kindly sent me. Please let me know if you’d like to read additional letters of endorsement in full.
“Paul has been invaluable in helping me and my team push our students to think rigorously and to articulate their ideas with precision. After a series of sessions with him, they are invariably better equipped to handle robust questioning and to pursue philosophical lines of enquiry with curiosity rather than trepidation.” Dr Kate Etheridge
“Paul has a very wide network to call upon as he has taught in some of the most prestigious Senior schools. Consequently, he has significant experience in both primary and secondary education. Paul has done some consultancy work for us, this year. He is an outstanding teacher and he has helped us with examination preparation. He has an innate ability to understand the ability and motivation of pupils, in a short space of time.” Pascal Evans
“I taught with Paul at Dulwich College: he is a brilliant teacher, combining a remarkable level of imagination, cultural awareness and intellectual heft, with interest in and attention to the needs of his pupils, of whatever age and stage. He is capable of bringing out the very best in them. He marries this with a rich experience of institutions, across the Independent sector, especially, at all levels of seniority.” David Rouch
“Under his mentorship, I was inspired to attain additional qualifications in leadership, and I gained the confidence to pursue more senior positions. His influence extends beyond professional realms: he has been a steadfast friend whose counsel I seek, continually. Paul's unique blend of integrity, wisdom, and genuine care makes him a true luminary in educational leadership.” Karl Leutfeld
“He has provided mock interviews and in-depth feedback to students and our Sixth Form Team, to help students prepare and give of their best, exploring with them, and developing in them, the confidence to externalise their thinking, to be challenged and to respond with humility, creativity, and openness to new ideas. In addition, Paul has been a source of some very valued educators in the Philosophy world whom our students will benefit from for years to come.” Fiona Allan