Permanent Solutions - Think Education Partners

Your partner in permanent and executive education recruitment

At Think Education Partners, we specialise exclusively in education recruitment. From classroom teachers to executive leaders, finance directors to IT professionals, we connect schools, Trusts, and education organisations with the talent they need to thrive.

Unlike traditional advertising, we use a proactive, targeted search approach to reach both active and passive candidates. Our extensive networks and deep sector expertise ensure we find the right people who align with your values, vision, and culture.

Why Choose Think Education?

Exclusive focus on education

Two decades of specialist recruitment experience

A Relationship-first culture

A relationship-first culture that prioritises trust and care.

Proactive search approach

Reaching high-calibre “passive” candidates others can’t

Tailored partnership

Your dedicated consultant works closely to understand your organisation

Values-driven recruitment

We care about education and its impact on young people

Safeguarding assurance

All candidates vetted to the latest DfE standards

You only pay when we place a candidate – risk-free, cost-effective recruitment that saves you time and ensures results.

Think Leadership – Executive Search & Interim

Appointing the right leader is the single most important decision for any school or Trust. At Think Leadership, we bring over 20 years of specialist executive search experience, supporting boards, MATs, dioceses, and schools nationwide to secure the most talented senior leaders.

We go beyond advertising, proactively engaging high-performing leaders who aren’t actively on the job market. Our bespoke campaigns highlight your values and vision, positioning you as an employer of choice.

Roles we recruit: CEO, Headteacher, Executive Principal, CFO/COO, Deputy/Vice Principal, Directors of Education, HR, Finance, Estates, and more.

We also provide a trusted network of interim leaders – from Headteachers to SEND advisers – ready to step in when you need rapid support.

Think Leadership. Think Talent.

Permanent Solutions – Your Bespoke Recruitment Partnership

Our Permanent Solutions product is a unique recruitment partnership designed to give schools and Trusts a dedicated, long-term strategy for hiring permanent teaching and support staff.

Key features include

Exclusive partnership model

We manage your permanent and long-term vacancies as your recruitment partner

Dedicated account director

You work directly with a senior specialist who personally represents your organisation to candidates

Bespoke campaigns

Every role benefits from a tailored headhunt and marketing strategy across online and offline channels

Access to passive talent

We engage highly sought-after professionals not actively applying for jobs, increasing your reach to exceptional candidates

First-choice access

Your school or Trust has priority over every candidate we put forward

Candidate care and advocacy

We proactively manage candidate relationships, ensuring a positive journey from first contact to appointment

Full advertising and promotion

All role promotion (excluding TES) is covered by us at no extra cost

Ongoing talent pool

We develop and nurture a pool of potential candidates to meet both current and future needs

Data and insight

We track every campaign with detailed reporting to optimise results and improve return on investment

Safeguarding compliance

Every candidate is vetted to the highest standards in line with the latest DfE (KCSIE) guidelines

Benefits to you

Permanent Solutions is more than a recruitment service — it is a strategic partnership that elevates your school or Trust as an employer of choice while securing the permanent talent you need.

Meet Chris Gartner

Chris Gartner, Managing Director of Think Education Partners, leads both the permanent recruitment and executive search businesses. With over 20 years’ experience in education recruitment, Chris has successfully supported hundreds of schools, MATs, local authorities, and education providers across the UK with their permanent and interim leadership needs.

Before founding Think Education Partners, Chris held a senior Director role at a leading multinational recruitment company, where he built a reputation as a trusted partner to education organisations of all sizes.

Chris is passionate about the transformative power of education and the role great recruitment plays in shaping the future of schools and young people. Beyond leading Think Education Partners, he serves as a school governor and actively supports education charities, having raised over £12,000 for causes including Claire House.

At Think Education Partners, Chris combines deep expertise, integrity, and a values-driven approach — ensuring every appointment makes a positive and lasting impact.

Why Clients Trust Us

“Your tailored, flexible approach and ability to reach high-calibre candidates made a significant positive impact. We couldn’t have attracted this talent ourselves.”

— Director of Education and Director of People, MAT, West Midlands

Let’s Work Together

We are passionate about supporting education by connecting organisations with outstanding talent. Whether you need a permanent teacher, an interim leader, or a new executive team member – Think Education Partners delivers results.