Best Fractional Chief Academic Officer Services in the UK

UK Outsourced & Fractional Chief Academic Officer Agencies

In today’s rapidly evolving education and EdTech landscape, UK institutions and education providers from independent schools and multi-academy trusts to startup curriculum platforms are turning to fractional and outsourced Chief Academic Officers (CAOs) to guide innovation, enhance learning outcomes, and lead strategic growth. These part-time or on-demand CAOs bring decades of leadership experience without the full-time price tag, offering fresh insight at a critical time in UK education.

At Digital Reference, we believe in radical authenticity cutting through jargon to spotlight real, high-impact contributors in niche leadership roles. That’s why we’ve compiled this curated list of the most effective and trusted fractional CAO providers in the UK.

Whether you’re looking to overhaul your academic strategy, expand internationally, or embed digital-first pedagogical practices, the providers below are proving themselves indispensable to schools, EdTechs, and learning platforms alike.

🧭 Our Methodology - Fractional & Outsourced CAO Services

We evaluated CAO providers based on a research-driven framework, grounded in three pillars:

• Client Outcomes - Measurable results and testimonials from institutions served
  
  
• Founder Credibility - Leadership track records, educational philosophy, and reputation
  
  
• UK-Rooted Relevance - Providers with local context, understanding of UK curriculum standards, and experience with British or international education
  
  

Each provider below offers fractional, virtual, part-time, or project-based Chief Academic Officer services to clients across the UK and often, globally.

🔦 Provider Spotlights

EdTech Consulting

🔗 Website: https://edtechconsulting.co.uk/

What they do:
EdTech Consulting provides bespoke support to schools, trusts, and EdTech companies seeking to align technology with outstanding academic outcomes. Their fractional CAO services focus on curriculum innovation, digital strategy, and whole-school transformation.

Who they serve:
They work across the state and independent education sectors, especially with MATs and digital curriculum providers.

Operating model:
Flexible engagement from short strategic audits to longer-term fractional leadership roles.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Deep understanding of UK-specific EdTech adoption challenges
• Proven success supporting schools through digital maturity journeys
• Strong emphasis on safeguarding, compliance, and Ofsted readiness

Steven Whitley, Founder, EdTech Consulting

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenwhitley/

With a background in senior leadership across multiple UK schools, Steven brings practical insight into how tech and curriculum can co-exist without friction. On LinkedIn, he’s known for championing evidence-informed decision-making, and his consultancy reflects that ethos. Steven’s advisory work includes national policy forums, and his leadership style is described as both rigorous and refreshingly pragmatic.

Anthony Millard Consulting

🔗 Website: https://www.anthonymillard.co.uk/

What they do:
A long-established education consultancy, AMC supports schools worldwide with strategic leadership, governance, recruitment, and change management including CAO-level advisory roles.

Who they serve:
Independent schools, MATs, and international schools seeking high-calibre leadership and future-focused pedagogy.

Operating model:
AMC offers both interim leadership and consultative CAO advisory, focusing on turnaround, succession planning, and long-term vision alignment.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Long Standing relationships with elite institutions
• Global reach, especially in British-curriculum schools abroad
• Emphasis on holistic leadership development

Anthony Millard, Founder, Anthony Millard Consulting

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-millard-17109818/

Anthony is a former headteacher with an elite pedigree, having led top independent schools before founding AMC. He’s trusted for his discretion and deep sector expertise especially in aligning governance with academic vision. On LinkedIn, Anthony’s voice is that of the seasoned head turned strategic mentor offering timeless principles in a changing world.

Keystone Tutors

🔗 Website: https://www.keystonetutors.com/

What they do:
While known for elite tutoring, Keystone has evolved to offer academic consulting and curriculum design particularly helpful for schools seeking part-time CAO leadership for specific projects.

Who they serve:
Independent schools, international clients, and high-net-worth families building bespoke education pathways.

Operating model:
Specialist-led projects, including curriculum reviews, CAO advisory, and university prep strategy.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Deep content expertise across core academic disciplines
• Hybrid approach combining one-to-one support with institutional consulting
• Trusted by top-tier independent schools and discerning parent clients

Will Orr-Ewing, Founder, Keystone Tutors

🔗 LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/willorrewing

A former teacher at St Paul’s School, Will brings a classical academic sensibility to modern educational challenges. His focus is on rigour, depth, and personalised strategy all anchored in human relationships. Will’s LinkedIn showcases his thought leadership on tutoring ethics, admissions trends, and curriculum reform.

Cromwell Consulting Ltd

🔗 Website: https://www.cromwell-consulting.com/

What they do:
Cromwell Consulting helps education institutions develop inclusive, future-ready strategies with fractional CAO services focused on equity, curriculum, and impact evaluation.

Who they serve:
Academy trusts, local authorities, and universities prioritising EDI, school improvement, and community engagement.

Operating model:
Advisory and part-time executive engagements, especially around inspection preparation and strategic improvement.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Intersectional approach to leadership and inclusion
• Strong track record improving attainment in underserved communities
• Research-based frameworks tailored to each client

Dr. Joanna Goodman, Founder, Cromwell Consulting Ltd

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-joanna-goodman-edd-fciea-6a949412/

Dr. Goodman is an EdD-qualified leader with extensive experience in both academia and practice. Her LinkedIn profile highlights work with Ofsted, DfE initiatives, and national school improvement programs. Known for her values-led, data-literate approach, Joanna brings both empathy and rigor to her CAO work.

Mark Sims Education Consultancy

🔗 Website: https://www.marksimsconsultancy.co.uk/

What they do:
Mark Sims offers fractional and project-based academic leadership for schools looking to raise standards, improve inspections, or rethink their strategic vision.

Who they serve:
Academy trusts, headteachers, and governing bodies across England.

Operating model:
Flexible consulting with hands-on support in leadership development, curriculum alignment, and self-evaluation frameworks.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Former HMI inspector with insider understanding of Ofsted criteria
• Clear, structured improvement plans
• Reputation for turnaround leadership in struggling schools

Mark Sims, Founder, Mark Sims Education Consultancy

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-sims-ba325068/

As a former Her Majesty’s Inspector, Mark brings unmatched clarity on inspection frameworks and leadership standards. His LinkedIn reveals a deep passion for school improvement, with a practical, no-nonsense tone that resonates with senior leaders under pressure.

Educational Success Partners Ltd

🔗 Website: https://www.espeducation.co.uk/

What they do:
ESP Education helps schools and trusts design and deliver outstanding teaching and learning strategies from leadership mentoring to curriculum development and CAO-level project leadership.

Who they serve:
Primary and secondary schools, particularly those aiming for Ofsted “Outstanding” or high parental engagement.

Operating model:
Blended approach combining in-person consulting, virtual coaching, and hands-on change leadership.

💡 Why they stand out:

• Strong outcomes in underperforming schools
• Evidence-based teaching frameworks
• Leader-to-leader mentoring embedded in delivery

Amanda Picillo, Founder, Educational Success Partners Ltd

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-picillo-129349158

Amanda is a passionate educator and coach known for her instructional leadership and results-oriented mindset. Her background spans headship, advisory work, and trust-level leadership. On LinkedIn, she’s celebrated for her relational, empowering approach to leadership development, always putting staff and student success at the heart of change.

Final Thoughts from Digital Reference

The UK’s education sector is experiencing seismic shifts from post-pandemic pedagogical reform to EdTech integration and governance restructuring. Amid these changes, fractional Chief Academic Officers offer agility, experience, and the clarity to lead both people and pedagogy.

At Digital Reference, we spotlight the niche leaders who make big impacts quietly people and firms who don’t always market themselves loudly but consistently show up where it counts.

If you're seeking a strategic, values-led academic partner, start with one of the providers above. And if you're building an agency or platform in this space, stay close we’re building the world’s most trusted directory of outsourced executive services for education, SaaS, and beyond.

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