Formal education originated around the time of the first industrial revolution, and it’s telling that our general approach to education has changed little since then. In classrooms around the world, students still mostly sit facing the front, listening to the teacher. Yet our world is changing fast. The pace of change, particularly when it comes to new technologies, means the half-life of skills is shrinking fast which is changing how we deliver education.
The recent COVID outbreak threw the world and education into turmoil, with schools having to adapt to online learning and blended learning. During the pandemic, schools across the world demonstrated their ability to operate as digitally mature organisations, to think digitally, to normalise the everyday use of the digital, to create dynamic cultures and learning environments from within the existing walls and organisational structures.
With the return to normality approaching, we have realised the importance of school life from the physical environment, to the ways we learn and the community and support that’s offered to both pupils and parents. Yet it has also created a sense of revolution with leadership teams reviewing operational structures and learning priorities.
Investment in non-academic roles is at an all-time high as schools look at their finances, estates and marketing and industry leaders from outside education are bringing new ideas and innovation. Today’s school leaders need a diverse range of skills and experience to navigate this complexity and provide the leadership necessary for their students and staff to thrive.
MRG is delighted to announce we are growing our team to enable us to support more schools and have made the internal appointment of Melanie Pye to the Schools Practice.
Melanie has over 25 years’ experience in executive search with a strong profile working on leadership roles that require concentrated research and search skills beyond traditional networks. Melanie’s focus will be on senior assignments across independent schools and academy trusts. Melanie has been with MRG for almost 10 years and has led major recruitment projects across the public and private sector.
Melanie has a strong understanding of the independent school sector, having studied at St Mary’s Hall (now Roedean) in Brighton, as well as having a daughter at a leading independent school in Suffolk. In addition, she was part of the PTA and heavily involved in her daughter’s primary school. Outside of work, Melanie is an avid netball player and is the safeguarding and welfare officer for her local club.
When speaking about her appointment Melanie said:
“I’m really excited about joining the team and to play an integral part in the continued evolution of the education sector, as well as learning the nuances within the different schools, a sector close to my heart with a daughter in secondary school.”
Hayley Mintern, Business Sector Director for the Schools Practice said about Melanie’s appointment:
“We have worked with a number of schools on business transformation and hiring key positions within the SLT. Mel’s experience within complex recruitment campaigns and passion for Education is a perfect fit for our schools practice. We are excited to see schools continue to flourish as education forms such an important part of life.”
For more than 10 years, MRG has delivered executive search, leadership assessments, across education. We have a track record of appointing Senior non–academic positions including Bursars, Directors of Estates, Director of Compliance, Director of IT and Director of Admissions and Marketing.
If you would like to know more about what we do and how we can help your recruitment needs, please get in touch with Melanie for an informal discussion.