ABOUT US
We started The Wisdom Partnership (TWP) in spring 2020
Joining forces, we left our roles behind and decided to put our years of expertise together and start a consultancy to help organisations better understand the education sector.
The spring of 2020 and COVID-19 forced rapid digital acceleration across classrooms worldwide. Recognising the strain on schools and EdTech providers alike, we designed our full-service consultancy to provide agile, high-level support with no long-term contracts. We adapt to your requirements, delivering tailored tactical interventions exactly when you need them.
WHY US
+80 years experience
Our team have more than 80 years combined experience within the education sector, working with Schools, MATs and Ed Tech companies of all sizes from start-ups to global blue-chips.
Team of experts
Experienced in areas such as: restructuring; international expansion; product development; sales strategy; lead generation; MIS. Take a look at our services for EdTech and Schools/MATs.
Flexible support
With a team of specialist consultants at hand, we flex and scale our services to suit your needs. We don’t believe in long term commitments, we’re there for however long you need us.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Our Founders
The Wisdom Partnership is borne out of the passion for education technology of two seasoned EdTech professionals, with over 55 years’ combined experience.
Stuart Abrahams
Founder
Steve Baines
Founder
Stuart has over 35 years’ experience of technology in the education sector.
As Chair of Governors in one London Primary school & Vice Chair in another, Stuart is involved in the daily challenges school face, whether it be funding, staffing, failing premises, looming OFSTED inspections and children’s performance & welfare.
With over 10 years as an elected member of the BESA Executive Council and 4 as Treasurer Stuart has been at the forefront of the Association’s transformation story. He’s been involved in acquisitions as an acquirer, whilst also taking the opposite position of managing an organisation being acquired.
As Managing Director of 2Simple, Stuart was responsible for the considerable growth and teacher engagement of the company.
Stuart’s expertise is in running and growing SME technology businesses and spans many areas including SaaS, cloud, data systems, GDPR, procurement, parental engagement, education management and Internet security.
Stuart is known for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with EdTech while keeping a focused eye on student progress and teacher development.
Steve has more than 25 years’ experience of senior roles in the education market.
Steve was Head of Sales at Pearson Education and Commercial Manager and Data Protection Officer at Community Brands. He also spent several years as Chair of Governors at a large primary school.
As well as holding a Masters Degree in Business Administration (majoring in strategic planning, competitive strategy and sales management) Steve is a qualified Lead Implementer and Lead Auditor of Information Security Management Systems. In addition, Steve has gained the Transforming Public Procurement (Procurement Act 2023) Certification with the Government Commercial College.
Steve has both ‘Foundation’ and ‘Practitioner’ GDPR qualifications. While at Groupcall he developed and delivered a full GDPR training programme to over 12,000 senior school staff before evolving the content into an online course.
Steve has also worked internationally, managing operations and sales teams in Australia and South Africa as well as developing and managing resellers and partners worldwide.
Steve’s expertise is in developing and managing partnerships and growing SME EdTech businesses covering areas such as sales team development, SaaS, data systems, GDPR, partnerships, resellers, pricing, training, parental engagement platforms and international development. Steve is also a Trustee at Discovery Educational Trust based in Essex.
SPECIALIST NETWORK
Our Senior Consultants
Our consultants have a wide range of experience and expertise, enabling us to provide the best people, whatever your requirements.
John Brennan
Frank Coster
David Fairbairn-Day
David Grashoff
Over 20 years experience in Education Strategy, Communications & Marketing.
A trusted adviser to several CEOs, principals and headteachers with a proven record in getting results and improving outcomes. He is currently working with several MATs providing advice on formation, growth and offer development strategies.
Over 40 years’ experience working internationally across the EdTech space.
A teacher of maths & computer studies before moving into EdTech, Frank led the Follett team that won the MyEducation BC contract in Canada for 650,000+ students. His expertise lies in international EdTech businesses’ expansion and growth
An experienced International Business Development professional in EdTech.
Previously a teacher and Deputy HT, David has held senior roles with RM, was seconded to the UK Ministry of Education, chaired the BESA Software & Technologies Group and latterly led the country-wide teacher training programme for all teachers in Egypt.
Over 30 years’ experience of senior roles within the education market.
As Head of Partner Management at Capita, David was responsible for the formation and growth of the SIMS partner ecosystem.
His expertise is in partnering and growing EdTech businesses, leveraging partnerships and beating the competition.
Paul Wyatt-Pike
Phil Neal
Dylan Jones
Rachel Coles
A procurement specialist and senior partnership professional.
With over 30 years experience, Paul co-founded the commercial models for ThinkIT (now EICT) and Everything FM procurement frameworks, creating strategies with local authorities, schools and MATs. His expertise is in sourcing for public sector clients.
Creator of SIMS. Winner 2018 BETT Outstanding Achievement Award.
Phil taught Maths and Physics for over 10 years then worked at Bedfordshire LA. He developed SIMS, which became the market leader. When it was acquired by Capita, he became MD of ESS until 2018. Phil is now a charity trustee at Bookmark Reading.
Specialist in management & growth of EdTech & ed. content businesses.
Experienced in growing business from start-ups to global corporations, directly and as a consultant. Currently leads a team at the British Council focused on commercial opps & innovation in the global teaching and assessment sector.
Dr David Whyley
Jeff Zroback
David Townsend
Sean Massey
An internationally respected innovator, triple BETT Award-winner and consultant.
Experienced in the Ed sector as a former Headteacher and leader of the Wolverhampton City Learning Technologies Team. David works with schools, MATs and EdTech companies across the globe, bridging strategic needs with EdTech innovations.
20 years’ experience in developing exceptional educational content.
Director at The Content Station, previously commissioning editor at MacMillan and several roles with Pearson. Jeff has unique experience in global educational publishing, market research, concept creation and global & UK commissioning.
Former Head Teacher, HMI Inspector and Education Advisor with the DfE.
David was also one of His Majesty’s Inspectors in Education (HMI) and then a National Lead where he reviewed inspection frameworks. He also worked for DfE as Managing Inspector of European Schools and Education Advisor working with academies.
Previously a senior leader within Pearson Education, Capita and Civica Education.
Sean led tech portfolios through periods of accelerated growth, together with substantial operational and product transformation programmes. His coaching led style has developed an extensive network across UK tech and investor landscape.
Get in touch for a free consultation
Do you need support but not sure where to start? Contact us and we will see how we can help.