Solutions Services
Helping education leaders strengthen their approach to operations leadership with the ultimate aim of securing an optimal learning environment.
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A New Intentional Approach to Operations Improvement
School improvement has traditionally focused on pupil outcomes. However, we believe lasting improvements are only possible where operational foundations are strong.
We start by supporting leaders through a guided self-reflection experience, powered by a diagnostic tool rooted in our OpEx for Education™ framework.
This structured review provides more than just a snapshot; it establishes a clear, evidence-informed baseline of operational effectiveness. From here, leaders can begin a focused and authentic improvement journey, grounded in clarity, not assumption.
To download a PDF copy of the full Operational Excellence Framework, please click here.
Solutions Underpinned
by OpEx for Education
Our Solutions service is underpinned by the OpEx for Education™ framework.
It defines what “good” looks like across ten clearly articulated operational domains, providing a shared language and a consistent standard for excellence.
These domains are anchored by five fundamental organisational pillars: culture, people, productivity, systems and data, and continuous improvement.
Together, they form a powerful foundation, enabling schools and trusts to move beyond short-term fixes and build sustainable, system-wide operational excellence.
Our Subject Matter Experts
Providing specialist support to school business officials in the U.S and worldwide.
Providing specialist estates and property consultancy.
Providing finance, budgeting and procurement software.
Providing expert advice, support and coaching in operations leadership.
Providing strategic communications, PR and public affairs support.
Providing interim leadership, recruitment and advisory support.
Providing legal and HR support and advice.
Providing digital tools for school communications, payments and data management.
Providing risk management, advice and support.
CEOE OpEx for Education™ Consultants
Our Consultants combine world-class expertise in operational excellence and transformation with a genuine understanding of how schools and trusts operate. Every CEOE Solutions Consultant is accredited through our rigorous OpEx for Education™ programme, ensuring they can translate proven methodologies into practical solutions that work in education. With senior leadership experience spanning the public, private and education sectors, they help organisations deliver sustainable improvement with confidence.
Chris Hallmark
Chris is an Operations Excellence consultant with more than 35 years' experience helping organisations improve performance across multiple sectors, including education. He is the lead author of CEOE's Operations Excellence framework and plays a key role in developing and delivering CEOE's Solutions offering.
Will Jenkin
Will is a transformation and business change specialist with more than 25 years' experience helping organisations improve operational effectiveness. He works with schools and trusts to assess organisational performance, develop practical improvement strategies and support sustainable change through evidence-based decision-making.
Nathan Barker
Nathan is a senior executive, consultant and former Chief Executive specialising in operational improvement, organisational transformation and capability development. With leadership experience across engineering, education, professional bodies, defence and SMEs, he helps organisations improve performance, strengthen capability and deliver sustainable change.
Mark Bilney
Mark has over 20 years' experience in management consulting, specialising in leadership development, Operational Excellence and organisational change. He leads the design and delivery of CEOE's Operations Excellence training programmes, helping education leaders build the skills, culture and capability needed to drive sustainable improvement.
Mark O’Brien
Mark has over 25 years' experience across education, local government, social care and the voluntary sector. He specialises in organisational transformation, strategic leadership and SEND, helping schools, academy trusts and local authorities strengthen performance, financial resilience and deliver better outcomes for children and young people.
Trusted by the Sector
We are proud of our history supporting the sector to strengthen organisational effectiveness and create the conditions for sustainable educational success. Through extensive research with schools, trusts and high-performing organisations beyond education, CEOE developed the OpEx for Education™ Framework, creating a consistent standard for operational excellence for the sector.
This work subsequently evolved into the OpEx Review, with pilot participants helping to shape and refine an assessment that establishes an organisation's operational maturity baseline against the Framework and supports a continuous improvement journey delivering lasting impact.
OpEx Research Project Participants
OpEx Review Pilot Participants
Make an Enquiry
Let’s start the conversation.
Whether you're looking to enhance operational effectiveness, develop leadership capability, explore research, or learn more about CEOE events and initiatives, we'd be delighted to hear from you. Simply Make an Enquiry and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your needs and connect you to the most relevant support and resources. No obligation and no sales pressure.