Speakers: Rachel Hadley-Leonard, Founder and Independent Consultant, RHL Consulting; Virginia Parkes, Director of Learning and Professional Development, AGBIS
In an increasingly competitive independent schools’ market, admissions success is a strategic priority. This webinar explores what Governors need to know, and the questions they must be asking, to ensure their school is attracting, converting, and retaining the right pupils. Using real-world examples, we will examine how innovative thinking, clear positioning, and a relentless focus on the school’s unique value can deliver sustainable recruitment results.
Key content/outcomes:
By booking this event, you agree to AGBIS’ Event Terms and Conditions



RHLConsulting
Rachel Hadley-Leonard brings over thirty years’ experience in marketing, admissions and development within the independent education sector, complemented by roles in charitable and commercial organisations.
She has held Board Director and Chair positions, teaches on the AMCIS Diploma course, and delivers training in marketing and development for leading professional bodies including HMC, ISBA, AGBIS, AMCIS, IAPS, ISA and IDPE. Rachel is also a consultant for IAPS.
Through her consultancy, Rachel supports schools in driving financial growth and strengthening stakeholder engagement. While she has particular expertise in the Prep sector, her work spans Senior, all-through and International schools. Her core strengths lie in strategic planning, stakeholder research, audits, and the launch of development and fundraising initiatives.
Her company, RHL Consulting, also offers MAD Recruitment – a bespoke service helping schools appoint senior professionals in Marketing, Admissions and Development.
Widely regarded as one of the sector’s most respected voices, trainers and consultants, Rachel is a seasoned mentor, a former judge for the TES Independent School Awards, and currently judges the InspirED Marketing & Fundraising Awards and the AMCIS Impact Awards. She has served as an independent school Governor, contributes regularly to educational publications, and is a sought-after speaker at conferences.

Deputy CEO and Director of Professional Development, AGBIS
Virginia (Ginny) Parkes commenced her career in education 20 years ago, when she initially taught ICT and business studies up to, and including, A Level. After several years in teaching, Ginny moved into a consultancy based role before joining the Department for Education, initially as Head of Digital Engagement for the Training and Development Agency (TDA) before moving on as a Senior Communications Advisor for the DfE. Following the birth of her two daughters, Ginny took up the role of Education Strategy Director for an educational trust in Greater Manchester, before eventually taking up her previous role as Director of Finance & Operations (Bursar) at Beech Hall School in Cheshire. Ginny is an experienced governance professional, having sat as a governor for several schools throughout her career, as well as holding the position of Director of Governance for a large complex FE college group in South Yorkshire. Ginny is now a Trustee of the Sir John Brunner Foundation in Cheshire. In addition to being a qualified teacher, Ginny also holds a first degree in Business Management and a MSc. in Technology Enhanced Learning, Innovation & Change. Ginny’s role within AGBIS draws on her experience as a teacher, governance professional and independent school bursar enabling her to support member schools’ governing bodies.Please accept {{cookieConsents}} cookies to view this content