How interim leaders can add value to your Independent School

Guide for ISA Member Schools by Anderson Quigley

How Interim Leaders Can Add Value to Your Independent School or Schools’ Group 

What is an Interim School Leader? 
An interim school leader is a highly experienced professional appointed for a defined period, typically one term to a full academic year to fulfil a specific leadership need. They may take on academic or operational roles, including Interim Heads, Deputy Heads, Bursars, HR Directors/Chief People Officers, or Directors of Estates. These leaders bring immediate expertise and capacity to schools during times of transition or challenge, with minimal onboarding and maximum impact from day one. 

Why Might You Appoint an Interim Leader? 
There are several strategic reasons why independent schools or school groups choose to engage an interim manager: 

• Bridging a leadership gap caused by a late resignation or unplanned departure, while a permanent appointment is underway. 

• Adding temporary leadership capacity where a team is stretched—such as during long-term staff absences or post-inspection recovery. 

• Providing targeted expertise where a new or less experienced team may lack specific leadership skills. 

• Stabilising a school after a poor ISI report, with a credible interim Head bringing calm, clarity, and assurance. 

What Value Do Interim Leaders Bring? 
Interim leaders offer substantial and immediate value, including: 

• Proven experience and deep sector expertise, often gained over decades in independent or maintained schools. 

• A fresh, impartial perspective—unencumbered by internal dynamics or school politics. 

• Strategic insight grounded in a deep understanding of both academic excellence and commercial viability. 

• Rapid impact—interims are ready to lead from week one, without lengthy onboarding. 

Importantly, they are viewed as part of the school leadership team not as external consultants. This integration supports trust and buy-in from staff, governors, and parents alike. 

How Do Interim Leaders Differ from Consultants? 
Unlike consultants who typically advise from the outside, interim leaders take ownership and deliver from within. They are embedded into your leadership team, with defined responsibilities and accountability—often making them more visible and trusted within the school community. 

Are Interim Leaders Cost-Effective? 
Yes, interim leadership is more accessible than many assume. While some work on a day-rate basis, many interims are happy to join on fixed-term contracts at salaries aligned with their permanent equivalents. Most engagements are structured inside IR35, giving reassurance around HMRC compliance. Reasonable travel or accommodation expenses may be agreed if the role requires relocation, but overall, this is a cost-effective solution when considering the value they bring. 

Are Full-Time Appointments the Only Option? 
Not at all. Many career interims prefer part-time or flexible roles, especially if they’re also serving as ISI inspectors, school improvement partners, or sector consultants. This can give you access to up-to-date expertise without needing a full-time commitment. 

Can’t I Appoint from Within My Existing Leadership Team? 
In some cases, yes and doing so can provide professional development opportunities. However, this approach may stretch your existing staff or leave leadership gaps in the home school. If the need is urgent or requires specialist skills, an experienced interim is often the better option. 

Who Becomes an Interim Leader, and Why? 
Far from being candidates unable to secure permanent roles, most interims are highly accomplished former Heads, Deputies, or professional services leaders. They choose interim work to focus on the aspects of leadership they enjoy most—bringing stability, solving problems, and delivering rapid impact—without committing to another long-term post. 

How Are Interims Supported During Their Assignment? 
At Anderson Quigley, we provide consistent support throughout each appointment: 

• Week 1 check-in with both the interim and the school 

• Mid-assignment review, including site visits where appropriate 

• End-of-assignment review, to gather feedback and ensure continuous improvement 

We also maintain close contact with the Chair of Governors, CEO, or designated senior lead throughout the process. 

What About Due Diligence and Safeguarding? 
We take compliance seriously. For all fixed-term contracts, we conduct: 

• Safer Recruitment Checks  

• Social media and digital presence checks 

• Right-to-work verification via Verifile 

For day-rate engagements, we complete all relevant safeguarding and regulatory checks, so you can be confident that all standards are met. 

Interim leaders offer independent schools a flexible, reliable, and strategic leadership solution, whether you're facing transition, growth, challenge, or change. They bring calm in times of pressure, capacity in times of shortage, and clarity in times of uncertainty. For ISA member schools, they can be a vital part of maintaining excellence and continuity in leadership when it matters most. 

For any queries relating to the above, you can contact Paul Horgan at Anderson Quigley at [email protected]