“Six primary schools of the Yarra Valley and Outer Eastern cluster of Catholic Education in Melbourne have an ongoing relationship with Dr. Stephen Holmes as they develop, refine and implement a strategic approach to building their reputations. This work is ongoing and will continue throughout 2016 and 2017.

Stephen’s work with our schools has been extremely well received and valued by each of the school teams that have attended (inclusive of both staff and key parent leaders). The schools universally have appreciated Stephen’s capacity to engage them with the learning, his own personal style and ability to share his own knowledge and expertise.

I think the real reflection of Stephen’s capacities has been the immediate re- engagement of his services by the Cluster as well as an expansion in the size of the cohort of schools participating.

Stephen’s knowledge, capacity to listen and to engage and facilitate learning are his signature skills and attributes.”

“Dr Stephen Holmes has credentials that place him at the vanguard of modern educational management. His scholarly expertise in processes of educational marketing is unique and his practical, entrepreneurial talent is similarly outstanding.”

“We have been working with Dr Stephen Holmes at NIST International School over the course of several months as we refine our strategic approach both school-wide and specifically in the area of reputation. His expertise has been readily apparent throughout this process, and he has drawn upon a vast range of experience in providing recommendations tailored to our situation.

Beyond his high degree of knowledge, Stephen also has a knack for connecting with people. Every member of our community, whether parent, teacher or alumni, has walked out of meetings with him feeling positive and engaged. In short, Stephen has a unique blend of talents that enable him to offer schools solid insights that contribute to continued growth.”

“One of the first Professional Development sessions I attended as a new member of Educate Plus (ADAPE at that time) was presented by Dr Stephen Holmes. That was 12 years ago and I had just joined the profession of Education Advancement in the position of Director of Marketing & Community Relations at a regional independent school in Queensland.

The innovative and insightful ideas Stephen shared at that session back in 2005 were invaluable to me. They framed the basis for the marketing and promotion of my school for the next 10 years and proved to be very successful in a highly competitive market.

Since that initial session, I have had the benefit of attending subsequent presentations delivered by Dr Stephen Holmes at a number of Educate Plus Chapter and International Conferences. He continues to be creative, relevant and practical in the marketing approaches he espouses. His broad international experience brings a unique perspective to Australian and New Zealand educational institutions and has been very influential in redefining Marketing & Reputation Management best practice in our region.

On behalf of the Educate Plus Australasian Board, I would like to thank Stephen Holmes for the significant contribution he has made, over a number of years, to PD sessions, Chapter Conferences and our flagship International Conferences, including our most recent on the Gold Coast in September 2016.”

“Dr. Stephen Holmes was appointed in 2016-17 by the Board of Trustees of the International School of Monaco to support the School and lead development of the Strategic Plan. As Advisor to the Board, I have been closely connected to this project, working both with Dr. Holmes and the Board.

I found Stephen Holmes to be an excellent facilitator, helping the faculty clarify their thoughts and ideas and then guiding them in the process of establishing and then prioritizing the objectives. He was particularly helpful in the forming of the Key Performance Indicators, a vital tool to enable the School to monitor its progress.

Mr. Holmes established an excellent rapport with the staff, gaining their respect through his very thoughtful and professional approach. In his presentation of the overview of the final draft of the Strategic Plan, Dr. Holmes very ably held the attention of the entire staff, involved them and established the goodwill to move ahead to the next step in the process.

For ISM, Dr. Stephen Holmes’ intervention proved not only an asset to the process but a very professional and pleasant experience for the whole school. The Board of Trustees has therefore entrusted to him the continued oversight of the implementation of the Strategic Plan.

I highly recommend Dr. Stephen Holmes to any school looking for a very knowledgeable, highly experienced and very personable and professional consultant to help them.”

“I have been acquainted with Dr Stephen Holmes for the past nine months in my capacity as Director at the Independent Schools of Riau. The school is using Stephen as a key educational consultant. He is working with our Board in two areas of strategic change. The Board and I feel having an expert with Stephen’s skills set provides us with valuable insight and knowledge.

Stephen has excellent wisdom, knowledge, and ideas that he is able to express to the Board in a practical and sensible manner.”