Flowchart illustrating a process with three large circles in red, yellow, and blue, connected by arrows pointing downward, set against a dark background with dotted circular patterns.

Our Process

A clear, fair, and fast process for finding the right leader

Appointing a Principal or senior leader is one of the most important decisions a school will make.

It shouldn’t feel slow, confusing, or transactional.

This roadmap outlines how a values-aligned, high-trust recruitment process can be completed in just 6–8 weeks, giving boards and principals clarity and confidence from start to finish.

The talent search

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We Listen

Schedule a conversation to define your needs.

A chart with four colored circles: purple at the top, blue at the bottom left, orange at the bottom right, and black in the background.

We search

We connect you with aligned, high-performing candidates.

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You decide

We guide you through shortlisting, interviews & transition.

Prepare

This phase creates the foundation for a successful search. It begins with a discovery meeting and stakeholder workshops that clarify the school’s culture, vision, and leadership priorities. We then refine the position description, selection criteria, and messaging so everything aligns with the story the school wants to tell. The advertising copy, candidate pack, and recruitment timeline are finalised and approved, ensuring the process is ready to launch with clarity and confidence.

A bulletin board filled with colorful sticky notes in pink, yellow, and orange. Some notes are pinned with clear push pins. The notes contain handwritten text, with one prominently visible saying 'Impact Full'.

“The best searches begin with alignment — when a school knows who it is, it becomes clear who it’s looking for.”

Search

Momentum builds as the role is promoted across SEEK, LinkedIn, and key education networks, supported by direct outreach to high-potential leaders. Applicants participate in screening interviews and are assessed using our Leadership Profile Assessment, which evaluates candidates across ten leadership domains. Consistent communication is maintained with every candidate throughout. A mid-phase update is provided, with a refined shortlist prepared by the end of the phase.

A coin-operated viewing telescope overlooking a body of water with a boat and distant hills in the background.

“Great searches don’t wait for talent to arrive — they go out and find it.”

Select

This stage brings the focus needed to find leaders people want to follow. We support and can join the interview process, shaping questions and activities that reveal the story behind the story so you see each candidate’s true character and leadership instinct. Follow-up interviews or school visits deepen this insight, and thorough reference and qualification checks ensure the right match for your context. By the end of the phase, the preferred candidate is clear and fully validated.

Empty conference room with a long wooden table and tan leather chairs, modern interior design with glass window walls.

“Our role is to uncover the story behind the story so you can choose a leader people want to follow.”

Appoint

This phase brings the search to a clean, confident close. We support the Board or Principal in preparing and presenting the offer, guiding any negotiation conversations, and keeping communication clear from start to finish. A simple announcement template helps you share the news with certainty. Once the contract is signed, we check in with both parties to ensure expectations are aligned and the transition begins well. The result is a completed appointment, a clear public message, and a leader ready to step forward.

A middle-aged woman with short gray hair, wearing a navy blazer and a white blouse, stands with her hands clasped, smiling softly against a light background with abstract pastel circles and lines.

“A great appointment isn’t just about signing the contract — it’s about setting the new leader up to thrive from day one.”

Leadership Profile Assessment

A clearer, fairer way to understand leadership capacity.

Why it exists

Choosing the right leader shapes the future of a school. The Candidate Profile brings structure and transparency to that decision. Turning interviews and conversations into clear, evidence-based insight.

What it is

Developed by Braiden Education, the Candidate Profile assesses leadership across 10 key domains and 50 measurable behaviours, grounded in national leadership standards, governance principles, and proven school practice.

How it helps

Tailored to your school’s priorities, the process ensures every candidate is assessed fairly and consistently. The result is a visual, data-informed profile that captures leadership strengths and growth areas, giving Boards confidence in their decision.

Why it’s unique

It connects what great leaders do with what your community needs. Blending professional insight with educational values to help you choose a leader who will thrive in your context.

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Contact us

Interested in working together? Book a confidential call at the top of this page or fill out some info here and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!