Education consultancy William Clarence boosts advisory with new appointments

William Clarence Education has expanded its international team of advisors, as it plans for international and domestic expansion. Robin Badham-Thornhill has joined as School Placement Advisor, while Ian Hunt takes up a position with the London-based firm as Commercial and Partnership Advisor.

Private tuition and education consultancy William Clarence Education has been working to expand its team of education consultants and advisors, which includes former leader of the Liberal Democrats, Lord Paddy Ashdown, and leading international educationalist Dr. Helen Wright. The firm works closely with prestigious schools – including Oxbridge and US Ivy League universities – and is looking to reinforce its standing in the industry, with sources at the firm hinting at a number of international activities, partnerships and acquisitions in the pipeline for the firm, along with setting their sights on Asia and the Middle East.

Consultancies in the segment may also anticipate new revenues thanks to a growing emphasis being placed on education in response to the changing economic environment of Brexit. Earlier in 2017, the Management Consulting Association published a report calling on the next government to focus spending on STEM subjects, in order to prepare future generations of British labour for a specialised technology-centric economy – a transition for education which consultants will likely play a key role in delivering.

William Clarence Education, made a statement this week by announcing the hiring of Ian Hunt and Robin Badham-Thornhill, who have officially commenced active roles within the firm. Both bring valuable industry experience to the firm, and bolster their capacity to meet client needs by further growing their team of advisors.

Ian Hunt joins William Clarence having formerly been positioned as Managing Director of fellow British education consultancy Gabbitas. As a former headmaster at one of the UK’s leading independent schools, Hunt has also taken the lead on various global education projects over the course of his career. Along with significant consulting industry experience, Hunt, who begins life at the firm as the new Commercial and Partnership Advisor, brings with him connections to leading international schools and investment groups in Dubai – a potentially key factor for William Clarence’s planned ventures in the Middle East.

Robin Badham-Thornhill, taking on the role of School Placement Advisor, is likewise a former headmaster, having helmed renowned UK prep and senior schools, Summer Fields and Lambrook, on top of having advised some of London’s leading prep schools, including The Knightsbridge school. Badham-Thornhill has also worked as an independent consultant under the company name Mr. B-T Educational Consultant since his retirement from teaching in 2010, as well as being a School Consultant for educational consultancy Lucullus since 2011.

Stephen Spriggs, Managing Director at William Clarence, said, “We are extremely honoured to have two such esteemed figures within the UK and international education industries joining us at William Clarence. Both Ian and Robin will be making a significant and valuable contribution to our team, and to the work we do for our clients, at home and internationally. I have the utmost confidence in them, and our team as a whole, as we head towards 2018, and predict great things for next year with this exceptional team we are building.”