the team
Robin Laidlaw, Founder and Principal Consultant
Robin Laidlaw co-ordinates the rapidly expanding Outreach school search team. Starting his career in marketing management, Robin went on to run his own retail business for more than a decade before joining an international executive search firm, working with leading publishing clients including News International, Northcliffe Newspapers and Archant Media. In the early 1990s, Robin founded the school search service that would go on to become Outreach School Search.
A love of education in a broad range of fields, and a desire to find the best overall schooling for every child has run in the Laidlaw family ever since Robin’s great uncle, Sir Robert Laidlaw (1856 - 1915).
Robin is married to Sue, a talented education consultant, and they have three daughters, all of whom have experienced a combination of State and Independent schooling, followed by successful study at leading British universities. Robin’s interests include spending time with his family and dog, rugby, golf and a wide range of music, literature and the arts.
Natasha Devos, Senior Consultant
Possessing extensive experience of working in kindergartens, schools and universities, both overseas and in Australia, Natasha has been able to establish effective partnerships with parents, colleagues and children. She has taught all year groups from Reception to Year 6 and has experience preparing children for 7, 8 and 11+ London day school examinations.
Natasha has held several management responsibilities throughout her career and honed her leadership skills when working as Deputy Head Teacher in London, and the Director of a Community Kindergarten in Australia.
Natasha is an empathetic and committed professional, who is able to consistently deliver high standards of practice. She thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working as part of a team.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading and staying active.
Christina Palmer, Senior Consultant
Christina’s love for working with children started when she was 17, working at the local summer camp in Trinidad. After migrating to England at age 20 she worked extensively in both State and Independent primary schools supporting children to excel academically within the classroom and for the transfer exams. She has also supported SEND children to gain more confidence and self esteem within themselves and their academic work.
While having three of her own children she ventured into more of the therapeutic side of supporting children and young people. Having taught yoga for many years and completed an arts counselling degree she has a very holistic approach to supporting children academically, mentally and emotionally.
Her passion is working with children creatively to thrive and be the best version of themselves inside and outside of the classroom. The human process and all that it entails is also of special interest to her.
When she is not surrounded by children, she can be found wandering the woodlands close to her home and enjoying the peace.
Phillipa Coghlan, Account Manager
Phillipa joined the Outreach team having worked in a range of education settings for more than a decade. Her professional understanding of the British school system is supplemented by her experience as a mother to four children who have attended various State Primary schools and Independent Senior schools. In her spare time, Phillipa loves to spend time with her family and is a keen tennis player.
Research team
Robin is always eager to hold an initial conversation with each client at the outset of any school search. Following this, either Natasha or Christina will be the main point of contact throughout the process. Behind the scenes, our team of researchers will be working hard to identify the most appropriate school options for your family and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed choice for your child.