Curating the perfect team of staff to support students well and educate brilliantly is a challenge. With the national shortage of qualified teachers, most schools struggle with staffing issues and absenteeism. Recent statistics show almost 6 in 10 teachers taking sickness absence averaging 5 days in 2022-2023*, and only 67% of teachers remaining in the profession after qualifying. This staffing instability creates significant disruption to learning and adds pressure to already stretched administrative teams. And when you’ve got a million things to juggle already, finding the perfect candidate can seem like an impossible task.
Over the last 3 years, teacher vacancies have almost doubled nationwide. More schools are competing for qualified candidates, and when teachers find a school that works for them, they're increasingly reluctant to risk making a move. With so few qualified teachers available to fill these vacancies, hiring effectively becomes a full-time job for administrators who already have overwhelming responsibilities.
But hiring a recruitment team is too expensive, right?
Wrong.
When it comes to finding the perfect fit, recruitment can consume valuable time and resources. School leaders typically spend at least a couple of days dealing with shortlisting, posting adverts, and sifting through candidate CVs. For someone in the Senior Leadership Team who already juggles multiple responsibilities, this process can easily extend to a week or more—and that's before you even reach the interview stage. Then comes the initial interview, the test lesson, the school visit... The time spent on recruitment quickly adds up.
Beyond the cost of time, you must also factor in advertising expenses. For just one month of advertising alone, schools can pay upwards of £700—and that's assuming you find the perfect candidate within that timeframe! Partnering with specialists like SAAF Education can take this burden off your shoulders. While most recruitment agencies charge a percentage of the new hire's first-year salary, choosing the right provider will see that investment returned tenfold in time and energy saved. You'll no longer need to spend hours reviewing CVs of candidates who don't match your requirements, lack proper qualifications, or simply won't be a good fit for your school culture.
Our Temp2Perm no-fee structure offers a unique advantage: you can evaluate new teachers in your actual school environment before making a permanent commitment. This arrangement provides the flexibility to ensure your new hire integrates well with your team and connects effectively with students, without dealing with complicated notice periods. This works both ways—candidates can also confirm that your school is the right environment for them, making them more likely to remain committed and perform at their best.
With a transparent pricing structure and friendly round-the-clock support, our team of experienced specialist recruiters are here to make your life easier. Whether you’re ready to jump in with both feet or are just testing the waters, we’re ready to answer any questions, ease any worries, or find any candidates you need. Whatever your staffing requirements, we have the network and expertise to deliver qualified candidates.
Ready to transform your school's recruitment process so you can focus on your students? Contact us today to learn how our specialised education recruitment services can help you build the perfect team.
*Source: Department for Education, Education Statistics Service, 2023