The education sector in London is highly competitive, with schools constantly seeking qualified teachers to fill both temporary and permanent roles. For educators, the challenge lies in finding the right opportunities, while schools often struggle to identify and hire the best talent quickly. This is where teacher recruitment companies become essential partners.
These specialized agencies act as a bridge, connecting skilled teachers with schools that match their expertise and career goals. Whether a teacher is looking for a supply role, a permanent position, or international placement, recruitment companies simplify the process.
In this guide, we explore the top 10 teacher recruitment companies in London and explain why partnering with these agencies is a game-changer for both teachers and schools.
Why Are Teacher Recruitment Companies Vital for London Schools?
Addressing the Growing Teacher Demand
London schools are experiencing a consistent demand for teachers, particularly in high-need subjects like mathematics, science, and special education. Recruitment agencies step in to fill this gap, ensuring that schools can operate efficiently without leaving classrooms understaffed.
Reducing Recruitment Challenges for Schools
Hiring teachers directly can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Schools often face challenges such as verifying credentials, conducting background checks, and managing a high volume of applications. Recruitment agencies handle all of these tasks, providing schools with pre-screened, qualified candidates ready to step into the classroom.
Ensuring Consistency and Quality in Staffing
Teacher recruitment companies maintain databases of experienced educators, allowing schools to quickly find replacements for sudden vacancies. This not only saves time but also ensures that students’ learning is uninterrupted by staffing shortages.
How Can Teachers Benefit from Recruitment Companies?
Accessing Opportunities Not Found Elsewhere
Many schools prefer to work exclusively with trusted recruitment agencies rather than advertise positions publicly. Teachers who register with these agencies gain access to hidden opportunities, increasing their chances of securing the ideal role in London.
Receiving Professional Guidance and Career Support
Beyond job placement, teacher recruitment companies provide support such as CV preparation, interview coaching, and career counseling. This guidance can significantly enhance a teacher’s ability to secure the right position and thrive in their chosen role.
Exploring Flexible and International Teaching Roles
Recruitment agencies also offer supply teaching and temporary contracts, which are ideal for teachers seeking flexibility or work-life balance. Many agencies specialize in helping international teachers relocate to London, offering visa support and housing advice to ease the transition.
How to Select the Right Teacher Recruitment Agency in London?
Evaluating Reputation and Specialization
Choosing the right agency is crucial for both schools and teachers. A reputable agency with positive reviews and a strong presence in London’s education sector can offer better placement opportunities and trusted support.
Some agencies specialize in certain areas, such as primary, secondary, or SEN recruitment, which can help candidates target roles aligned with their expertise.
Understanding Compliance and Safeguarding Measures
Teacher recruitment agencies must adhere to strict UK safeguarding regulations. Agencies conduct enhanced DBS checks, verify qualifications, and follow compliance protocols to ensure that all teachers placed in schools meet professional and legal standards.
Matching Candidates With the Right Schools
An effective agency does more than fill vacancies; it ensures a cultural and professional fit between the teacher and the school. By understanding both parties’ expectations, agencies create successful and long-lasting placements.
Top 10 Teacher Recruitment Companies in London
1. Tradewind Recruitment – “Connecting Exceptional Teachers with Leading London Schools”
Tradewind Recruitment is a powerhouse in London’s teacher recruitment landscape. With a vast network of partner schools and a strong focus on candidate experience, they specialize in supplying primary, secondary, and SEN teachers.
International educators particularly benefit from their relocation packages, which include visa guidance, accommodation support, and professional development workshops.
Tradewind also invests in Continuous Professional Development (CPD), helping teachers enhance their skills and career growth. Schools value Tradewind for its speed, strict compliance checks, and dedication to matching the right teachers to the right environments.
Specialty: Core Expertise
Focused on long-term, permanent, and supply teacher placements across London.
Best For: Tailored Matching
Great for teachers wanting personalized guidance and schools seeking fully vetted candidates.
- Website: www.twrecruitment.com
- Phone: +44 0207 845 5450
- Address: 3rd Floor 110 High Holborn, LondonWC1V 6JS
- Email: london@twrecruitment.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Tradewind turned my London move into a seamless experience, and I landed my first teaching position in less than two weeks.”
2. Prospero Teaching – “Empowering Educators to Thrive in London”
Prospero Teaching stands out for its comprehensive recruitment solutions, serving primary, secondary, and SEN schools. Known for its international teacher programs, Prospero helps overseas candidates relocate, providing assistance with visas, housing, and interview preparation. Local teachers appreciate its tailored support and career development opportunities.
The agency is particularly strong in high-demand areas such as maths, science, and SEN, where they connect schools with top-tier talent. Their long-standing partnerships with London schools make them a reliable choice for both permanent and temporary roles.
Specialty: Premier Focus
Recruitment of high-demand subject teachers and SEN specialists.
Best For: Global Talent
Perfect for international teachers and those looking for comprehensive career support.
- Website: www.prosperoteaching.com
- Phone: +44 20 7404 6383
- Address: 15 Worship Street, Fl 3, London, United Kingdom
- Email: TeachingTeam@prosperorecruitment.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Prospero guided me through every step of moving from Australia to London and helped me secure an SEN role.”
3. Teaching Personnel – “Supporting Schools and Teachers Since 1996”
Teaching Personnel is one of the UK’s largest and longest-established teacher recruitment agencies. In London, it is particularly valued for its extensive database of supply and permanent teachers, which ensures schools can fill roles quickly and efficiently.
They provide a dedicated candidate portal where teachers can manage assignments, access resources, and track payments. Schools also benefit from their SEN recruitment services and long-term staffing solutions. Known for reliability and scale, Teaching Personnel has built a reputation for smooth placements and ongoing candidate support.
Specialty: Professional Network
Large-scale supply teaching and SEN recruitment across London.
Best For: Reliability
“Best suited for schools needing rapid teacher placements and for educators who prefer a steady stream of assignments.”
- Website: www.teachingpersonnel.com
- Phone: +44 845 674 4844
- Address: 5th Floor, 33 Soho Square, London W1D 3QU
- Email: socialmedia@supportingeducation.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Teaching Personnel kept me in regular supply roles with great schools across London.”
4. Protocol Education – “Connecting Teachers with Schools Where They Belong”
Protocol Education is highly respected for its local approach, with multiple branches across London dedicated to primary, secondary, and SEN placements. Their consultants focus on building close relationships with both teachers and schools to ensure each placement is the right fit.
Protocol also provides free training and workshops to help teachers stay updated on the latest educational practices. Its robust compliance and safeguarding measures make it a preferred choice for schools that require fully vetted staff.
Specialty: Local Insight
Expert in connecting teachers with schools in their preferred London boroughs.
Best For: First-Time Teachers
Great for graduates or teachers seeking support entering the London market.
- Website: www.protocol-education.com
- Phone: +44 20 3219 7700
- Address: 10 Bloomsbury Way, London, United Kingdom
- Email: info@protocol-education.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Protocol helped me find my first London teaching job and provided excellent training.”
5. Horizon Teachers – “Your Pathway to a Rewarding Teaching Career”
Horizon Teachers is a boutique recruitment agency specializing in quality over quantity. They focus on long-term and permanent teacher placements, carefully matching candidates with schools based on their teaching style and career goals.
Horizon is praised for its personal approach teachers are assigned a dedicated consultant who guides them through interviews, compliance, and post-placement support. Schools value their attention to detail and the high calibre of candidates they provide.
Specialty: Personal Touch
Long-term and permanent recruitment with personalized candidate support.
Best For: Stability Seekers
Ideal for teachers who prefer secure, long-term roles instead of supply work.
- Website: www.horizonteachers.com
- Phone: +44 0207 444 0009
- Address: 2 Idol Lane, London, EC3R 5DD
- Email: info@horizonteachers.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Horizon matched me to a permanent secondary role that fit my skills perfectly.”
6. SANZA Teaching Agency – “Specialists in Primary and SEN Recruitment”
SANZA Teaching Agency is a trusted name in London’s primary and special educational needs (SEN) recruitment sector. Their team is known for providing a hands-on approach, helping teachers find placements that align with their skills and passion for education.
SANZA also has a strong international presence, regularly assisting teachers from Australia, New Zealand, and Canada with relocation, compliance, and induction programs. Their dedication to safeguarding and continuous teacher development has made them a preferred agency among London schools.
Specialty: Niche Expertise
Primary and SEN teacher recruitment with international support.
Best For: International Teachers
A top choice for international teachers looking for an easy transition into the London education system.
- Website: www.sanzateaching.com
- Phone: +44 20 7840 2900
- Address: 71–73 Carter Lane, London EC4V 5EQ
- Email: info@sanzateaching.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“SANZA helped me secure a primary teaching role before I even arrived in the UK. Their team was amazing!”
7. Engage Education – “Connecting Ambitious Teachers with Vibrant London Schools”
Engage Education has a strong reputation for helping teachers find their ideal roles through a mix of local and international recruitment services.
Their “iday” program is unique allowing teachers to interview with multiple schools in one day, saving time and ensuring faster placements. Engage also provides CPD workshops, visa sponsorship assistance, and relocation support for international candidates. London schools often rely on Engage for high-quality, fully vetted candidates for both temporary and permanent positions.
Specialty: Innovative Approach
Well-known for their “iday” fast-track teacher placement events.
Best For: Career Growth
Ideal for teachers who want multiple placement options and professional development.
- Website: www.engage-education.com
- Phone: +44 0333 150 8020
- Address: Floor 1, Portsoken House 155-157 MinoriesLondon, EC3N 1LJ
- Email: Customercare@engage-education.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Thanks to Engage’s iday program, I found my dream teaching role within a week.”
8. TimePlan Education – “Placing Teachers in London Since 1989”
TimePlan Education is one of London’s most established teacher recruitment companies with decades of experience in placing teachers across primary, secondary, and SEN schools.
They have strong international programs, recruiting educators from Canada, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Their team provides ongoing support, from securing interviews to helping teachers settle in London with housing and social integration guidance. TimePlan is widely trusted by schools for its rigorous candidate screening and its ability to quickly fill both temporary and permanent vacancies.
Specialty: Experienced Service
Decades of expertise in supply, permanent, and international teacher recruitment.
Best For: Trusted Long-Term Support
Excellent for teachers wanting continuous assistance during their London teaching journey.
- Website: www.timeplan.com
- Phone: +44 020 8371 8000
- Address: Second Floor, Longbow House, 20 Chiswell St, London EC1Y 4TW, UK
- Email: london@timeplan.net
Review: ★★★★☆
“TimePlan guided me from Canada to my first London classroom they were there every step of the way.”
9. Smart Teachers – “Shaping the Future of London’s Classrooms”
Smart Teachers is a well-recognized teacher recruitment agency in London, with a strong emphasis on both primary and secondary education. They are known for their highly personalized service, where consultants take time to understand the teacher’s career goals before recommending roles.
Smart Teachers also offer a robust network for schools, providing short-term supply, long-term placements, and permanent recruitment solutions. Their teacher support goes beyond placement they provide CPD workshops, interview preparation, and networking opportunities, making them a trusted partner for both schools and educators.
Specialty: Bespoke Placements
Known for matching teachers to schools where they can thrive both professionally and personally.
Best For: Career-Focused Teachers
Perfect for educators who value long-term growth and professional development opportunities in London.
Pricing: Free for teachers; schools are billed based on placement contracts.
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Website: www.smartteachers.co.uk
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Phone: +44 020 7065 7500
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Address: Unit 214, The Frames, Token House, 1 Phipp St, London EC2A 4PS
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Email: info@smartteachers.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆
“Smart Teachers guided me to a role that perfectly aligned with my career path and offered excellent ongoing support.”
10. Academics Ltd – “Providing Quality Teachers for London Schools”
Academics Ltd is a well-established teacher recruitment agency with a strong presence across London. They offer a range of services, including supply, long-term, and permanent teacher placements.
Academics Ltd is recognized for its personalized approach, giving both schools and teachers confidence in every placement. Their focus on candidate development through workshops and interview preparation has made them a favorite among early-career teachers looking for guidance.
Specialty: Comprehensive Solutions
Offers flexible recruitment solutions for all teaching levels and school types.
Best For: Versatile Opportunities
Excellent for teachers seeking both temporary and permanent positions across London.
- Website: www.academicsltd.co.uk
- Phone: +44 20 3031 4860
- Address: 4th Floor, 33 Soho Square, London W1D 3QU
- Email: london@academicsltd.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆
“Academics Ltd helped me switch from supply to a full-time teaching role with ease.”
What Services Do Teacher Recruitment Companies Offer?
Permanent Teacher Placements
These agencies specialize in long-term placements, connecting schools with teachers who fit the institution’s culture and meet curriculum requirements.
Supply and Temporary Teaching Roles
Supply teaching is essential for covering sudden vacancies or short-term needs. Recruitment agencies help teachers secure flexible roles while supporting schools with reliable staffing solutions.
International Teacher Recruitment
For overseas teachers, agencies simplify the process of relocating to London, offering visa guidance, compliance checks, and tailored placement opportunities.
Training and Professional Development Programs
Many agencies invest in professional growth by providing CPD workshops, safeguarding courses, and interview preparation for teachers aiming to enhance their career prospects.
Are Recruitment Agencies Safe and Reliable for Teachers?
Strict Compliance and Background Verification
All legitimate teacher recruitment companies perform enhanced DBS checks and verify qualifications before placing teachers in schools.
Alignment With UK Safeguarding Standards
Agencies follow local education laws and ensure that all placements comply with UK child protection and safeguarding requirements.
Long-Term Professional Partnerships
Teachers and schools often maintain ongoing relationships with agencies that consistently deliver reliable and compliant recruitment services.
Conclusion
Teacher recruitment companies play a crucial role in the success of London’s education system. They simplify the hiring process for schools, provide career opportunities for teachers, and ensure that classrooms never go without qualified educators.
Partnering with one of the top 10 teacher recruitment companies in London can help teachers find their ideal role and help schools maintain high teaching standards efficiently.
FAQs About Teacher Recruitment Companies in London
How do teacher recruitment companies work for schools and teachers?
They source, vet, and place qualified teachers into schools while ensuring compliance with UK education standards.
Are recruitment agencies free for teachers in London?
Yes, teachers do not pay for recruitment services as agencies charge the schools.
Can international teachers find jobs through these agencies?
Absolutely, agencies provide relocation assistance, visa support, and job placements.
How long does it take to secure a role via an agency?
Supply roles can be immediate, while permanent positions typically take 1–4 weeks.
What is the difference between supply teaching and permanent roles?
Supply teaching offers flexibility for short-term work, whereas permanent roles provide long-term stability.
Do agencies provide training or just job placements?
Many agencies offer CPD programs, interview prep, and safeguarding training in addition to job placements.
How can schools ensure they choose a reliable recruitment agency?
Schools can verify an agency’s accreditations, read reviews, and check compliance with UK safeguarding standards.