Richard Hunter brings decades of senior leadership experience to his role as an Associate School Improvement Partner at BDSIP. A former executive headteacher, Richard is passionate about the power of leadership to transform schools, and committed to helping others lead with clarity, confidence and moral purpose.
Much of Richard’s work now focuses on coaching school leaders and developing leadership teams, helping them to navigate complex challenges and unlock their own potential. He is particularly skilled at supporting schools facing significant change or in need of rapid improvement, drawing on his wealth of experience as both a school and system leader.
As am experienced Chair of Governors and a board member of a Multi-Academy Trust, Richard continues to shape educational outcomes at a strategic level. Alongside his work with BDSIP, he advises schools across the UK and internationally, including in Spain and Panama, and regularly reviews international schools in preparation for inspection.
Richard’s career includes national leadership roles with the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, global consultancy with HSBC Education Trust, and the development of leadership programmes across five continents. At heart, however, he remains a teacher and coach, committed to helping others lead schools where both staff and students can thrive.
Richard shares BDSIP’s commitment to inclusive education and strong school leadership as drivers of meaningful change. His work is grounded in a deep belief that strong, values-led leadership is the foundation of school improvement, and that sustainable change happens when leaders are empowered to build capacity within their teams and communities. Through his role at BDSIP, Richard is proud to contribute to a collaborative, sector-led approach that places children’s success and well-being at its heart.