LEAD WITH CLARITY
Knowing where you are, and where to go next.
Audits, planning and direction-setting for schools and trusts. It starts with an honest read of where you are, and ends with a plan you can act on.
WHAT IT’S FOR
When everything is a priority, nothing moves.
Most schools are not short of plans. They are short of the time to think clearly about them, and surrounded by tools and initiatives that all promise to be the answer.
The work starts by slowing that down: an honest read of where you are, then a clear call on what matters, what to leave, and what to do first. The tools will keep changing. Deciding well, and keeping the thinking with your people, does not.
HOW I CAN HELP
Four areas of strategic focus.
Most engagements start with an audit and grow from there. Pick the closest fit; they combine well.
01 Digital strategy
Digital and AI strategy
A plan for technology that begins with learning and leadership rather than devices. Where AI fits, what to adopt, what to leave, and how to bring staff with you. Available as a Fractional Digital Strategist when you want senior input without a full-time hire.
02 Schools and trusts
School and trust improvement
Audits, reviews and planning that show you where you stand and what to do next, with priorities you can act on this term and a plan that gets used.
03 Leadership and alignment
Leadership and alignment
Helping senior teams agree what matters and pull the same way, so the strategy holds up once a busy term gets going.
04 Beyond schools
Beyond schools
I also advise EdTech founders and organisations outside education, drawing on the same thinking about learning, change and adoption. If that is you, start with a conversation.
FEATURED REPORT · INSPECTION GUIDANCE
Indispensable reading before your next inspection.
An analysis of 395 routine ISI inspection reports. It shows what inspectors count as a significant strength, what sits behind a recommended next step, and where schools most often fall short, so you can spot the same patterns in your own school and act on them before you get the call. Written for heads, deputies and wider senior leadership teams.
WAYS TO WORK TOGETHER
How we can work together.
Three ways in, from a first conversation to an ongoing partnership.
01
A first conversation
Free and no obligation. You tell me what you are trying to do, and I tell you honestly whether and how I can help. Not a sales call.
02
An audit and direction-setting
Short, focused work that gives you a clear read of where you are and the next steps to take: a review, leadership alignment, or input on a single priority, without a long commitment.
03
Ongoing partnership
For schools and trusts that want more than advice. Embedded, fractional support over time, working alongside your leaders to turn strategy into action. Senior expertise and continuity, without the cost of a full-time hire.
IN THEIR WORDS
Don’t just take my word for it.
“José’s perspective cuts through the hype that can sometimes surround innovation in our field, advocating instead for technology that genuinely supports teachers and learners, not technology for its own sake.”
Harley Richardson
Chief Product Officer, Ubongo Learning
“José has depth and breadth of experience in school leadership and strategic business, and will give you a space to think and consider. Most importantly, he knows that whilst there might be a few quick wins, he also knows that school improvement and high-performance take time to nurture and space to grow.”
Mike Buchanan
Director, Positively Leading, and former HMC Head
“José’s work has always been a shining example to follow, not to mention his book that became my go-to ‘bible.’”
Dr Neelam Parmar
Director of Professional Learning, AISL Academy
Your next step starts with a conversation.
If you’re looking for thoughtful, experienced strategic consultancy rooted in education, I’d be glad to explore whether this support would be useful in your context.
Or email jose@azimuth.org.uk
