Edtalk Australia

In this episode of the Ed Leaders podcast, Luke Callier and Mathew Irving sit down with Stephen Holmes, founder of The 5Rs Partnership, a global strategy consultancy for schools and universities. Stephen brings his wealth of experience—from navigating the quirks of school leadership to redefining reputation management in education. They discuss why schools need to stop being "vanilla," the secret sauce behind building reputation, and how facilities alone won't win the hearts of discerning parents. Stephen offers practical insights into strategic planning, aligning school culture with long-term goals, and managing the ever-evolving expectations of today’s "investor-like" parents. Tune in for a no-nonsense conversation packed with real-world advice and a side of wit that will leave school leaders thinking differently about their approach to reputation and strategy. Highlights: The three pillars schools must manage to shape perceptions. Why schools must define themselves to attract the right families.