2026 - 2027 Marketing Diploma

Claire Schofield

Strategic Communications Consultant, RSAcademics

Claire has extensive admissions, marketing and communications experience in education organisations, ranging from independent schools to early education and a university. Working at senior leadership level, she has developed and implemented successful external relations strategies for major organisational changes, including restructures, leadership changes and new initiatives.

Claire was Director of Marketing, Admissions and Development at St Albans High School for Girls for five years, during which time the roll expanded to its highest ever level. Claire delivered an effective programme of stakeholder communications for the launch of the St Albans Education Group, of which STAHS is the flagship school, and the merger of the first school with the Group. 

As a voluntary board director of AMCIS for three years, Claire contributed to the organisation’s support and CPD for admissions, marketing and communications colleagues in the independent sector.

Cat Sutherland-Hawes

Senior Consultant, RSAcademics

An experienced Admissions professional, Cat Sutherland-Hawes is passionate about helping schools recognise the importance of Admissions and the part it plays in the wider life of the school. 

Cat started her working life in the House of Commons, as PA and Chief of Staff to a number of Conservative MPs, before moving on to work in the household of the then Prince of Wales in St James’s Palace.  The daughter of teachers, she moved from public life into the education sector as Director of Admissions at Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith.   After 14 years there she moved to Wycombe Abbey as Director of Admissions, leaving in September 2022 to spend more time with family – both at the elderly end and a first grandchild.  Cat then joined RS Academics as a Senior Consultant, advising schools on admissions strategies and carrying out recruitment of admissions and marketing roles.  Cat also works for Oppidan Education as Head of Schools Advisory, talking to parents about school choices.