About Charley, Lead Consultant

I’m a Strategic Marketing Consultant, Coach & Trainer specialising in the education sector, helping schools and organisations strengthen recruitment, reputation and commercial sustainability through clear, joined-up strategy.

Through The Strategy Studio, I work with leadership teams to align marketing, admissions and commercial activity, ensuring these functions work together to support organisational goals and long-term growth.

My work combines strategic consultancy, practical workshops and leadership coaching, helping organisations move from busy marketing activity to clear strategy, stronger recruitment and measurable impact.

I bring nearly 20 years’ experience across marketing, sales and communications, spanning both the education sector and the corporate world.

I have spent around a decade working in education, including senior leadership roles within independent schools and experience across independent, further and higher education environments.

Prior to this, I spent a decade working with premium and luxury brands, developing strong expertise in brand positioning, marketing strategy and commercial growth.

This combination of education insight and commercial brand experience allows me to bring a strategic and commercially aware perspective to marketing within schools and education organisations.

As an independent consultant, I work closely with leadership teams to provide practical, hands-on support. For larger projects, I collaborate with a trusted network of specialists and agency partners to ensure every aspect of delivery meets the highest standard.

Much of my work is underpinned by the 6 R’s strategic framework, helping schools and organisations focus on the priorities that drive sustainable growth.

The framework brings together the key areas that influence long-term success:

Recruitment – attracting and converting the right families
Retention – strengthening pupil and parent loyalty
Reputation – building brand strength and market position
Relationships – nurturing connections with families, alumni and community
Revenue – developing commercial income and diversification
ROI – ensuring marketing investment delivers measurable return

By focusing on these areas, I help organisations develop joined-up strategy across marketing, admissions and commercial activity, ensuring that marketing investment drives real organisational impact.