Mergers and Acquisitions

Daniel Wright is a senior educational leader with 20 years’ experience across the state and independent sectors, including two headships and work with HMC boarding schools. A St Andrews graduate with a Master’s from Cambridge, he began his career teaching English at the Sorbonne.

He combines commercial acumen with expertise in school development, fundraising and governance, and advises faith-based schools on creating inclusive, community-focused visions.

Steven is an experienced senior leader with a proven record in school improvement, start-up leadership and the innovative use of AI for educational and operational benefit. He is known for guiding schools and groups through complex change, aligning strategy and practice with institutional values.

As founding Head, he launched Maida Vale School (2020) and Royal Russell School in Vilnius (2024), and has showcased AI in education on the BBC One Show. He now provides consultancy in school improvement, start-ups, franchise development, and AI auditing to support long-term sustainability.

Jason Whiskerd is a former Head with over 30 years’ experience in independent education and a strong record of leadership across all school stages. A former IAPS and ISC Board member, he is widely regarded as a trusted voice in the sector. He has led two large IAPS schools, driving strategic growth and development, and now combines consultancy with lecturing and mentoring future leaders. Known for his open communication and sense of humour, Jason supports school leaders and governors to tackle challenges with confidence and balance.

Ian recently completed a 33-year career in independent education, including 20 years in senior leadership and his final post as Executive Head at Downsend School. He previously held key roles at Caterham Prep, City of London Freemen’s Junior School and Chinthurst School, where he led the move to co-education. At Downsend, Ian oversaw expansion to GCSE and planned the school’s new Sixth Form. A passionate advocate of Future Skills and a qualified executive coach, he continues to support leaders across the Cognita group. Beyond education, he chairs Banstead Cricket Club and advises Surrey County Cricket Club.

Claire Robinson is a respected educational leader, consultant and coach with 24 years of headship experience and a background in financial services. Known for her strategic vision and emotional intelligence, she has guided schools through significant growth and transformation. As head of Holme Grange School, Claire expanded it from a small prep to an all-through school of over 750 pupils. Now a School Improvement Partner, she supports heads and governors to evaluate performance, drive improvement, and align strategy for long-term success.

With 28 years’ experience in independent education, Brendan has built extensive leadership expertise across all age ranges from 2 to 18. As part of Cognita’s European Leadership Team and Executive Headteacher of North Bridge House Schools, he helped shape strategy during a period of rapid growth, developing strong business acumen and a deep understanding of both charitable and commercial education.

Drawing on roles at Colfe’s, Shiplake and Long Close Schools, Brendan now works as an educational consultant, offering practical insight and specialist expertise in HR, senior leadership restructuring, and strategic planning.

Duncan is a respected educationalist with extensive leadership and governance experience in the independent sector. He now works as a strategic consultant, helping schools and organisations identify opportunities for positive change and strengthen their business models.

He is frequently appointed to facilitate mergers and acquisitions and guide senior leaders through strategic development. A recognised media voice, Duncan has appeared in The Telegraph, on LBC and BBC Radio 4, offering insight into challenges facing independent education. A three-time finalist for the Education Investor Strategic Consultant of the Year Award, he contributes regularly to industry publications and panels, championing schools and advocating for children at the heart of education.

Nicola is an experienced consultant specialising in SEND, inclusion and mental health, helping schools strengthen provision and embed inclusive practice. A qualified SENDCo and ISI team inspector, she works with leaders, governors and staff to design systems that ensure every pupil makes meaningful progress. She is also a certified Mental Health First Aid Trainer and Chair of Governors, skilled in parental engagement and the link between well-being, inclusion and effective governance. Drawing on her earlier career in corporate change management, Nicola combines strategic insight with practical expertise to deliver lasting impact.

Andrew Lewer MBE is an experienced advisor in independent education, specialising in governance, school enterprise, nursery education and design. He serves as an independent school governor, Council member of The Independent Schools Christian Alliance, and columnist for Independent School Management Plus.

A former MP, he founded and chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Independent Education and served on the Education Select Committee. He also held roles as an MEP, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, and in university and heritage governance. Andrew now advises school Boards on strategy and is active in the independent schools’ mergers and acquisitions market.

With a background in mathematics and accountancy, Helen began her career in financial systems before transitioning into teaching. Over the past twenty years, she has supported children’s learning and led school communities, including seven years as a headteacher focusing on various aspects

Recently qualified as an Executive Coach, Helen combines her experience in finance and education to help individuals and teams grow, collaborate effectively and achieve strategic alignment, reflecting her passion for continuous learning and meaningful impact.

With over 14 years as Head of two all-through independent schools, Lynne supports school leaders and Boards through times of change. A current ISI Inspector and former Chair of the Society of Heads, she has also held roles with ASCL, HMC, ISA and GSA.

Lynne combines leadership, strategic planning and teaching expertise with executive coaching, applying her experience to professional development, change management and business improvement across schools and the corporate sector.

Nicola is a dynamic leader who combines compassion, emotional intelligence and strategic vision in every role. A skilled communicator, she values openness and transparency, engaging effectively with all stakeholders.

With extensive senior leadership experience across day and boarding schools in the UK, Asia and Europe, she has a strong record in change management, including cultural transformation, cost reduction and international school start-ups. She now leads consultancy projects in international strategy, business development and HR.

With over 30 years’ experience in education, Cath is an accomplished leader who has guided and supported a wide range of school communities. A former headteacher, she now provides bespoke coaching and consultancy to help school leaders grow with confidence and lead meaningful change.

An accredited Resilient Leaders Elements Consultant, Cath combines strategic vision, emotional intelligence and strong values to build purposeful, high-performing cultures and inspire lasting improvement.