Pettit Pharma & Device Search is trusted by leading global healthcare companies.

Our Story

Our Story

Welcome to Education Edge, your trusted executive search partner for the independent school and university sectors in Australia. Since our inception, we have been committed to providing tailored, consultative recruitment services for schools and universities, helping them identify, engage, and place top leadership talent in key positions such as Principals, Heads of School, Heads of Departments, Directors of Education, Heads of Curriculum and other senior roles, including HR, Finance, and beyond.


At Education Edge, we understand that recruiting for leadership roles in independent schools and universities requires more than just filling vacancies. We recognise the unique challenges of the education sector and the importance of finding leaders who not only possess exceptional skills and experience but also align with the values, culture, and vision of each institution. Our mission is to connect schools with leaders who will inspire, drive positive change, and contribute to the long-term success of their communities.

We let our numbers do the talking

Our focus on delivering results has made us one of the leading recruitment organisations in the pharmaceutical, medical device and healthcare industries.


95%

Candidate satisfaction

4,000+

Placements

97%

Client Satisfaction

Our Approach: A Caring and Consultative Partner

Founded by Elizabeth Pettit, Education Edge was born out of a desire to fill a gap in the Australian education sector. With over three decades of experience in recruitment, Elizabeth recognised the need for a search firm that could offer a high level of expertise, care, and attention to detail when recruiting for education leadership positions. Our approach is grounded in the understanding that each institution is unique, and we tailor our services to meet the specific needs of every school and university.


Since 2006, Elizabeth has built a reputation for placing leadership talent in industries such as healthcare and life sciences, where the recruitment process is often complex, requiring extensive, deep interviewing practices to ensure the people placed in healthcare are values-driven with integrity and a genuine desire to make a difference. This experience has provided the foundation for Education Edge’s highly effective recruitment methodology. We apply the same rigorous, consultative processes that have proven successful in other sectors to the education sector, ensuring that every search is thorough, comprehensive, and aligned with the strategic goals of our clients.


Our Recruitment Process:

Data-Driven, Objective, and Informed

At Education Edge, we believe in making more informed hiring decisions. Our recruitment methodology is built on the principles of scientific assessment, objective evaluation, and multiple layers of data points. This approach allows us to gain deep insights into candidates' qualifications, experiences, leadership capabilities, and cultural fit, ensuring that we not only find the right skills but also match the right values to your institution’s needs.


Our process includes:

  1. Initial Consultation: We take the time to fully understand the specific requirements of the role, the culture of your school or university, and the vision you have for its future. This helps us to identify the key attributes of the ideal candidate.
  2. Talent Search: We tap into our network of professionals, engage passive candidates, and utilise market-leading tools to identify top-tier leadership talent. We develop talent pools in the education sector, and we work diligently to ensure that we reach the right candidates for each search.
  3. Comprehensive Screening: Our robust screening process goes beyond CV identification. We conduct in-depth interviews and assessments for best in role job-fit, going beyond assessing knowledge, skills & experience to ensure optimal performance, and undertake reference and background checks, to evaluate candidates’ technical expertise, leadership style, decision-making abilities, and cultural fit with your school.
  4. Candidate Presentation: We present only the most suitable candidates who meet your criteria in skills, qualifications and experience combined with understanding the candidate at their core to ensure best in-role job fit for top performance, providing a comprehensive profile for each individual that is compared with the position brief with tailored interview questions for each candidate. We ensure that you have all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
  5. Post-placement Support: Our commitment doesn’t end once a candidate is placed. Through our unique post-placement tool, we work with schools and universities to maximise employee productivity, enhance satisfaction, and support retention. This ongoing partnership helps ensure that the leadership transition is smooth and that the newly appointed leader is set up for success.

Expertise in Education Leadership


 
We specialise in executive search for senior leadership positions within the independent school sector, which includes:

  • Principals & Heads of School: We recruit visionary, strategic leaders who can inspire staff, engage students, and work closely with boards and school communities to set and achieve long-term goals.
  • Heads of Department: From Heads of Science and Mathematics to Heads of Arts and Humanities, we understand the unique challenges these roles present and ensure that we identify leaders who can excel in managing both curriculum and staff.
  • Heads of HR, Finance & other operational roles: These crucial roles require professionals who can navigate the complexities of the education sector while providing strategic leadership and operational efficiency.


Our expertise extends across all areas of leadership, and we work with independent schools and universities of all sizes, from smaller boutique to larger, more complex institutions.

Why Choose Education Edge?

  1. Deep Knowledge in the Art of Recruitment: We understand the nuances of people and what makes them tick, how to get the best out of them in the interview process, to ensure they are right for your school or university. We recognise the importance of recruiting leaders who align with your school’s mission and values.
  2. Tailored Service: We adapt our recruitment process to suit the specific needs of each client, ensuring that every search is personalised and aligned with your institution’s unique culture and goals.
  3. Rigorous Methodology: Our recruitment process is thorough, data-driven, and grounded in objective assessments, helping you make more informed decisions about the leaders you bring into your team and institution.
  4. Proven Track Record: With a history of successful placements, we aim to build long-term relationships with schools, universities and education leaders to deliver exceptional results, which we’ve done in the life science sector for nearly two decades.
  5. Post-Placement Support: Our commitment to your institution’s success continues long after the placement. We help ensure a smooth transition and work with you to retain top talent, fostering an environment of growth, satisfaction, and success.

Building Strong, Effective Leadership Teams

Leadership is the cornerstone of any school’s success. Strong leaders inspire excellence, foster a positive and supportive learning environment, and guide the institution towards achieving its goals. At Education Edge, we believe that effective leadership is about more than just qualifications; it’s about understanding the needs of your school or university and the unique challenges it faces.


Through our consultative approach, we not only recruit for immediate needs but also help future-proof your school by identifying leaders who can drive long-term success. Whether you are looking for a dynamic Principal who can shape the future of your school or a Head of Department who can inspire academic excellence, Education Edge is here to be your partner in hiring success.

Let’s Start the Conversation

If you’re ready to find your next school or university leader or would like to discuss your institution’s recruitment needs, get in touch with Education Edge today. Together, we can build the leadership teams that will shape the future of education in Australia.

Proud Members of

the RCSA

Proud Sponsor of

the PRIME Awards