Because Leadership Matters
We connect education providers and public sector organisations with transformational leaders who drive real impact. From interim executives who steady the ship to permanent appointments who shape the future, we specialise in high-stakes leadership recruitment across education and public services.
At Dovetail & Slate, we understand that great leadership can transform organisations—and poor leadership can derail them. That's why we take executive recruitment seriously.
We specialise in placing senior leaders across education and public sector organisations: principals and vice principals, directors of services, heads of department, transformation leads, and C-suite executives. Whether you need an interim manager to navigate change or a permanent appointment to drive long-term strategy, we find leaders who deliver results.
Our approach goes beyond CV matching. We take time to understand your organisation's culture, challenges and aspirations. Then we find leaders who don't just meet the brief—they exceed it.
We promise, we deliver. It's that simple.
We're specialists in leadership recruitment for education and public services
Our team has deep knowledge of education and public sector leadership. We understand governance, funding pressures, regulatory frameworks and what great leadership looks like in your world.
With 850+ successful placements and a 94% success rate, we consistently deliver leaders who make an impact. Our clients return to us time and again.
Need someone yesterday? Our interim solutions deliver senior professionals at pace, often within days. For permanent roles, we move strategically but swiftly.
We've built trusted relationships with exceptional leaders across education and public services. Many aren't actively job-hunting—but they'll take our call.
Beyond credentials, we assess leadership style, cultural fit, and track record. You'll meet candidates who've delivered results in similar challenges.
Our work doesn't end at placement. We provide onboarding support, feedback loops and ongoing relationship management to ensure long-term success.
We recruit senior leaders across all functions and sectors
Principals, Vice Principals, Deputy Heads, Assistant Principals, Heads of School, Directors of Faculty, Heads of Department, and Curriculum Directors.
Chief Executives, Executive Directors, Directors of Education, Directors of Strategy, Transformation Directors, and Chief Operating Officers.
Directors of Finance, Heads of HR, IT Directors, Estates Directors, Marketing Directors, MIS Leaders, and Directors of Business Development.
Directors of Quality, Compliance Directors, Heads of Standards, Safeguarding Leads (DSL), Governance Professionals, and Quality Improvement Leaders.
Directors of Student Services, Heads of Student Support, Directors of Inclusion, Heads of ALS/SEN, Wellbeing Directors, and Pastoral Leaders.
Directors of Housing, Directors of Social Care, Heads of Local Authority Services, Directors of Public Health, and other senior public service roles.
Interim Principals, Interim Directors, Interim Heads of Service, Project Directors, Turnaround Specialists, and Change Management Leaders.
Policy Directors, Research Leaders, Partnership Directors, Innovation Leads, Digital Transformation Directors, and Strategic Advisors.
Looking for a leadership role not listed? We probably cover it—let's talk.
Hiring in housing? Explore our Housing sector for domain-expert leadership support.
Hear from organisations and leaders we've worked with
Insights and guidance for education and public sector executives
This resource document addresses the unique challenges of maintaining work-life balance in teaching roles, offering strategies for managing workload effectively, setting boundaries, dealing with marking and planning demands, and maintaining wellbeing during term time.
This resource provides guidance on maintaining professional boundaries in educational settings, covering relationships with students, colleagues, and parents, as well as digital boundaries and safeguarding considerations.
This document provides an overview of safeguarding requirements for education roles, including understanding DBS checks, types of safeguarding training required, maintaining professional boundaries, and supporting vulnerable learners.
This guide provides an overview of different education roles, qualification requirements and pathways into teaching and support roles for career changers.
A comprehensive guide for education professionals on crafting a CV that stands out in the teaching sector. Includes practical tips and examples for highlighting teaching qualifications, classroom experience, and professional development.
Our Executive Search team brings deep expertise in leadership recruitment
Principal Recruitment Consultant
I love camping yet have a fear of pigeons...and other birds!
Principal Recruitment Consultant
I spend most of my time practicing my terrible Spanish - or camping in the woods.
We don't just post ads and wait. Our executive search process is thorough, strategic and consultative:
Discovery & Brief: We invest time understanding your organisation, culture, challenges and what success looks like. This shapes everything that follows.
Search & Headhunting: We tap into our extensive networks, approach high-calibre leaders directly, and identify candidates who aren't actively job-hunting but are perfect for your role.
Rigorous Assessment: Beyond interviews, we assess leadership competencies, cultural alignment, and track record. You'll meet candidates who've proven they can deliver.
Shortlisting & Presentation: We present a carefully curated shortlist with detailed profiles, including strengths, development areas, and cultural fit analysis.
Interview Support & Offer Management: We coordinate the process, gather feedback, and manage negotiations to ensure a successful outcome for everyone.
Onboarding & Beyond: Our support continues post-placement with check-ins, feedback sessions and ongoing relationship management.
For education and publicly funded roles, we follow safer recruitment practices aligned with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and relevant statutory guidance.
All candidates undergo comprehensive checks including:
Whether you're navigating change, driving transformation or building for the future, we'll help you find the leadership talent that makes it happen.
