About Us
For more than two decades, The Education Group has been one of New Zealand’s most trusted partners in school improvement, leadership development, and professional learning. Our experience runs deep — and that is our strength.
We bring long-standing educational insight, blended with modern practice, research-informed thinking, and an energetic commitment to helping schools thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Our facilitators, evaluators, and leadership coaches work hands-on in schools every day, supporting teachers, leaders, and boards with practical, future-focused guidance that is grounded in what truly works.
What our clients say
The experience was not only enjoyable but also deeply practical - I’m walking away with tangible strategies and frameworks I can confidently apply in my own coaching practice.
Olivia Austen,
Christ's College
The Education Group are highly experienced facilitators and AMAZING at what they do.
Maree Todd
Principal, Churchill Park Primary
Thank you for sharing your wisdom, experience, for resourcing us along the way, and for all the time you have invested. TEG have made this major decision process go so much smoother for us all.
Rick Pierce,
Presiding Member of Albany School
Trying to keep on top of what is happening in the education world is a huge challenge.
We continue to use the Education Group because they have enormous expertise and are current with the latest information about the education world. It is important for staff to know that they are working with qualified experts in their field. The people from the Education Group are highly qualified and knowledgeable. They are able to answer questions immediately.
Fintan Kelly,
Principal, Pakuranga Heights School
Our
Directors
Nicky Knight
Director
Doctor of Education; M Ed Admin (Hons); BA; Dip Tchg; Cert. Training and HR Development; Accredited Coach (GCI and EMCC Senior Practitioner)
Sarah Hynds
Director
BA, Grad Dip Tchg, GCI Accredited Coach, EMMC Practitioner
Julie Schumacher
Director
B Ed Tchg; Te Ara Reo Maori level 1 and 2 Cert; ISLC (International School Leadership Cert); Leadership in Catholic Schools Cert; Higher Dip Tchg; Dip Tchg;
Rowan Johanson
Director
MEdLd, BE, GradDipTchg (Secondary), GradDipTheol
Karen Smith
Director
MProf Studs, BEd (Hons)
Our
CONSULTANTS
Our
Administration team
Roween Higgie
Consultant
MEdLd, BE, GradDipTchg (Secondary), GradDipTheol
Kerry Mitchell
Consultant
M Ed Admin (Hons); Adv Dip Tchg; Accredited Coach GCI, EMCC Senior Practitioner
Tanya Prentice
Office Manager
09 953 0523
Mari Pipe
Accounts Manager
(09) 953 0523
How We Support Schools
Leadership & Coaching
Kaiārahitanga
Appointments
Whakatūranga
Practice, Curriculum & Pedagogy
Tikanga, Marautanga me te Ako
Strategy, Review & Evaluation
Arotake
Exclusive NZ Partner
Globally recognised coaching framework & world class practice
The Education Group is a leader in instructional and growth coaching, offering world-class practice.
Thanks to our exclusive parnership with Intructional Coaching Group - Growth Coaching International and the Instructional Coaching Group, we offer globally recognised coaching certifications and pathways.
Access to world-leading coaching thought leadership
Through our partnership with Growth Coaching International (GCI) and its alliance with the Instructional Coaching Group, schools benefit from globally recognised coaching philosophies and practices shaped by leaders such as Dr Jim Knight, one of the most influential voices in instructional coaching worldwide.
Brings global best practice to local contexts
This partnership means The Education Group can adapt international research-validated coaching approaches for Aotearoa New Zealand schools, combining global excellence with local relevance.
Strengthens professional learning and leadership capability
The coaching frameworks and tools that flow from this partnership help leaders and teachers build stronger professional conversations, reflective practice and sustained improvement across whole schools.
Connects schools with a global coaching community
Schools and leaders we work with tap into a broader international network of practitioners and resources — fostering collaboration, shared learning and ongoing growth well beyond single workshops.
Elevates the quality and impact of coaching in schools
By drawing on internationally proven methods and the influence of respected education thinkers like Jim Knight, this partnership enhances the depth, rigour and sustainability of coaching practice in every school we support.
