About Us

Edvisory is a not-for-profit professional and personal support service for school leaders.

Joanna Conway has been a teacher for 34 years and a headteacher for 20. She is experienced  in curriculum development, school improvement and embedding safeguarding best practice into organisational cultures.

Jo has mentored and supported aspiring, new and experienced headteachers throughout her career. She is a qualified executive coach and has supported leaders in a range of industries to overcome professional and personal challenges. 

Jo was a Specialist Leader of Education for almost ten years, specialising in developing middle leadership capability. She has commented on educational issues in the national media, most recently for The Guardian and BBC, and has promoted the use of IRIS Connect as a professional development tool in her own schools and others.

Jo recently stepped away from headship to launch Edvisory. She is also the Interim Director of the Appropriate Body for the Cranmer Education Trust and governor of two schools. Away from education, Jo enjoys travelling the world, walking her dog, cycling and spending time with her adult son.

8

former employees now headteachers

39

headteachers mentored or coached

20

years of headship

34

years of teaching

“The new headteacher programme has been vital in allowing me - as a new leader - to tap into the experience of a more accomplished head. The sessions have had a hugely beneficial impact on my wellbeing and the development of the practical skills and behaviours required to be an effective headteacher. Jo plays many roles during our meetings: coach, mentor, challenger and counsellor. Through our sessions I have been challenged to tackle tricky staffing issues that I may have been putting off; given the confidence to push on with curriculum development and design, been reassured it is OK to be struggling at times and received practical help and advice on how to navigate headship in my local authority. I cannot thank Jo enough for her time and her passion. I leave every one of our meetings reassured that I have a necessary contact to call at any time for advice and support.”

— New Headteacher, Greater Manchester