WHAT IS THE REAL FOCUS OF EDUCATIONAL RECRUITMENT AGENCIES?

An article written by Sean Coughlan (BBC Educational correspondent) on teacher recruitment stated that:

‘The NAHT report also warns of the extra cost, with schools saying that agency fees to find teachers can cost £10,000 for a single appointment’

Emma Knights, Chief Executive of the National Governors’ Association, said there was a “phenomenal cost” from recruitment fees, when schools were already “constrained by cost”.

As Director of Teachers today a Sussex based recruitment agency and a teacher/senior leader with over 18 years of educational expertise I have been on both sides of the track, dealing with agencies and now managing one.

Liaising with an Agent who lacks personal teaching experience and a poor understanding of the educational system is a turn-off from the very start. This can result in staff not being placed correctly and over inflated fees being brought to the table.  I find it disgusting that some Agencies may be charging schools high fees for a single appointment knowing that budgets are extremely tight. An Agency is a business, and of course will need to make a profit, but at what expense? How can this help to build positive relationships with the schools you are hoping to provide a service to? It will only serve to create bad press and word soon spreads!

At Teachers today we want to build positive relationships with our schools and provide a quality teaching service. As an educationalist my priority is to our staff, pupils and schools. I would find it uncomfortable holding a school to ransom over a particular candidate, how can that be good business?

​So, if agencies are charging such high fees, what are they paying the candidate? I heard a story where an experienced Science teacher was receiving £70 per day teaching on a long-term contract which involved planning, marking and teaching. I was in complete shock and disappointed that an agency can treat a qualified teacher as a commodity while probably charging a considerable fee.

Teachers today’s USP is that we care deeply about education in Sussex and our relationships with schools. We pay our staff to scale and are realistic with fees that we charge. This ensures that our staff feel valued and enthused while in that long-term contract. Having flexibility with our fees and listening to schools enables positive working relationships and close partnerships forming.
If you are a school or a teacher and would like to find out more information please visit our website www.Teacherstoday.co.uk or contact us at info@Teacherstoday.co.uk .