London’s education sector moves fast. With thousands of primary, secondary and SEN schools spread across 32 boroughs, finding the right teaching role can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re new to the city or the UK.
That’s where teaching agencies come in. A specialist teaching agency connects qualified teachers, early career teachers and teaching assistants with schools that need them, handling everything from safeguarding checks to interview bookings.
What you’ll learn in this article:
- How London teaching agencies work, from registration to your first classroom
- The types of roles available: daily supply, long-term cover and permanent positions
- What overseas trained teachers need to know about relocating to London
- SEN and teaching assistant opportunities across Greater London
- How Impact Teachers supports candidates at every stage of their teaching journey
Impact Teachers is a London-based education recruitment agency with over 20 years of experience placing educators in primary, secondary and special educational needs schools across the capital and beyond.
London Teaching Agencies: How They Work and What to Expect
Understanding how teaching agencies operate helps you know what to expect before you register. The process is straightforward, though each agency handles details slightly differently.
Registration and Vetting
Most agencies ask you to complete an online registration form, followed by a phone or video call with a consultant. During this call, you’ll discuss your teaching experience, preferred year groups, subject specialisms and which London boroughs suit your commute.
Before you can work in any UK school, you’ll need to pass several safeguarding checks. These typically include an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, professional references, right-to-work verification and qualification checks. For overseas teachers, this may also involve police clearances from your home country.
Matching and Booking
Once cleared, your consultant matches you with suitable schools. For daily supply roles, bookings often come the evening before or same-day via phone, app or online portal. Long-term cover and permanent placements usually involve a formal interview process, sometimes arranged before you even arrive in the UK.
Common terminology you’ll encounter:
- ECT: Early Career Teacher (formerly NQT), completing their two-year induction period
- Daily supply: Day-to-day cover work, often confirmed at short notice
- Long-term cover: Fixed placements lasting a term or longer, covering maternity leave or secondments
- Permanent placement: Direct employment by the school, often facilitated by agency introductions
- PAYE vs umbrella: Payment structures; agencies can explain which applies to your role
What Teachers Gain
For teachers and teaching assistants, agencies offer several advantages. You gain access to jobs that schools don’t advertise publicly, faster placement than applying directly, and a dedicated team managing your paperwork. Flexibility is a major draw—you can choose when to work, which areas suit you, and whether you want supply variety or long-term stability.
Impact Teachers works with both mainstream and SEN schools across multiple London boroughs including areas in north, south, east and west London, as well as the home counties, offering a wide range of teaching jobs in London.
Looking for Teaching or Support Roles in London?
Apply once with Impact Teachers and be considered for Primary, Secondary and SEN roles — including Teaching Assistant (TA), LSA, HLTA and SEN Teaching Assistant Jobs positions.
Explore Roles by Location: London Jobs | Wandsworth | Greenwich | Hackney
Types of Teaching Jobs in London Through Agencies
London agencies offer roles across all phases and contract types. Whether you’re looking for your next role before September or need work starting next week, agencies maintain pipelines for various positions.
Main job types available through agencies:
- Daily supply: Short-notice cover for absent staff, ideal for building experience across different schools
- Long-term cover: Term-by-term or full academic year placements, often covering maternity or long-term absence
- Permanent positions: Direct contracts with schools, typically starting in September or January
- Teaching assistant roles: Classroom support, 1:1 work, and intervention groups
- SEN specialist posts: Roles in special schools, pupil referral units and alternative provisions
Agencies recruit for primary school settings (EYFS through KS2), secondary schools (including subject specialists like English, maths and science teacher roles), and SEN provisions. Each phase has different demand patterns, with certain subjects and key stages experiencing more consistent vacancies.
Supply Teaching Roles in London
Supply teaching remains in high demand across London due to school size, staff turnover and the unpredictable nature of teacher absence. For many educators, supply work is an ideal role that offers flexibility and variety.
Who supply teaching suits best:
- Overseas trained teachers building UK classroom experience before committing to a permanent post
- Parents or carers needing term-time work with the freedom to decline bookings when needed
- Early career teachers exploring different boroughs, school types and year groups before settling
The typical supply pattern involves receiving a call or notification the evening before or early morning. Work might be across multiple schools in a cluster—say, schools across south London or the south west London area. Reading about a day in the life of a secondary school supply teacher can give you a realistic sense of these routines. Punctuality matters; schools expect you ready at registration time with minimal briefing needed.
Adaptability is essential. You’ll follow existing lesson plans, manage behaviour using the school’s policies, and maintain learning continuity for pupils who may test a new face in the classroom.
Impact Teachers offers both pre-booked supply and same-day bookings across London, giving you access to a range of schools and settings without the pressure of committing to one location.
Teaching Assistant and Support Roles
Demand for teaching assistants in London remains strong, particularly in early years, KS1 and special educational needs provisions. Schools rely on support staff to deliver small-group interventions, support individual pupils, and keep classrooms running smoothly.
Typical TA responsibilities:
- Phonics and reading interventions with small groups
- Classroom preparation and resource management
- Playground supervision and pastoral support
- Working closely with the class teacher to differentiate learning
- Supporting pupils with SEND during lessons and transitions
For graduates considering a teaching career, a graduate teaching assistant role offers an excellent opportunity to gain classroom experience. Many GTAs use this as a stepping stone toward teacher training programmes like School Direct or PGCE courses, and there are numerous special needs teaching assistant jobs in Greater London available through agencies.
A dedicated SEN teaching assistant role might involve 1:1 support for pupils with autism, ADHD or complex learning needs. These positions exist in mainstream schools with SEN resource bases, as well as special schools and alternative provisions, and aspiring educators can benefit from top tips for Special Educational Needs teachers when considering this pathway.
Impact Teachers regularly recruits TAs and support assistant roles for mainstream and SEN settings, welcoming both experienced staff and career changers looking to enter education.
Relocating to London as an Overseas Teacher
Moving to London from abroad is a significant decision, but London teaching agencies commonly support teachers from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa and Ireland. The UK’s education system attracts educators worldwide, and agencies like Impact Teachers have structured processes to help you arrive classroom-ready, including guidance for those transitioning from teaching abroad to the UK.
What to Expect as an Overseas Teacher
Relocating involves several steps: understanding visa requirements, having your qualifications recognised, and familiarising yourself with the UK curriculum. While agencies cannot provide formal immigration advice, they can explain which visa types typically allow supply or permanent teaching work and guide you through the practical steps.
Many overseas teachers register with an agency while still in their home country. One teacher who relocated from Canada noted: “I signed up with Impact Teachers whilst I was still living in Canada and they helped me a great deal with visa questions. They also organised 2 Skype interviews with schools before I landed.”
This pre-arrival engagement is a significant advantage. Rather than arriving in London and starting from scratch, you could have interviews lined up and a clear pathway to your first role.
Timeline and Planning
Most overseas teachers aim to start at the beginning of a term—September or January are the most common entry points. The academic year runs September to July, so arriving in August gives you time to settle before schools reopen.
Cost of living varies significantly by borough. Agencies can advise on realistic commute times and travel zones, helping you balance affordability with access to schools. Commuting from zones 4-6 is common for teachers prioritising lower rent while maintaining access to central London schools.
Impact Teachers provides ongoing support for overseas educators, including help with documentation, safeguarding checks and finding that crucial first role. The agency’s relocation packages cover elements like visa guidance, UK police checks and practical tips for settling in London.
Visa, Compliance and Safeguarding Support
Reputable London teaching agencies follow strict safeguarding and compliance standards aligned with UK legislation and Ofsted expectations. This protects both schools and candidates.
Typical checks required before you teach:
- Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
- Professional references from previous employers
- Right-to-work verification
- Qualification checks and certification
- Overseas police clearances (if applicable)
The DBS process can take several weeks, so starting early is advisable. Agencies guide you through the paperwork, ensuring you’re classroom-ready before your first day.
For overseas teachers, agencies like Impact Teachers explain the visa process thoroughly without crossing into formal immigration advice. One testimonial noted: “They explained the visa process thoroughly and provided many tips of what to do when I first arrive in London.”
Choosing the Right Teaching Agency in London
With many agencies operating across London, selecting the right one matters. The best choice depends on support quality, transparency and genuine school networks rather than flashy marketing or sign-up incentives, as well as understanding the breadth of top teaching posts available in London.
Key Factors to Consider
Specialist education focus: Agencies that work exclusively in education recruitment understand schools, safeguarding and the realities of classroom life. Generalist recruitment agencies may lack this depth.
Consultant experience: Many of Impact Teachers’ consultants are ex-teachers themselves. This background means they understand the challenges you face and can offer practical guidance beyond basic job matching.
Quality of communication: How quickly does the agency respond? Do they follow up on promises? Testimonials consistently highlight this as a differentiator—one teacher noted “they actually listened and followed through with what they promised.”
Clarity around pay and expectations: Understand how and when you’ll be paid, whether roles are PAYE or via umbrella company, and what notice you’ll receive for bookings.
Building the Right Relationship
Avoid registering with too many agencies simultaneously. This leads to double-bookings, confused calendars and weaker relationships with consultants. Instead, register with two or three agencies maximum and build a strong relationship with one main consultant who understands your preferences.
Ask agencies directly which boroughs they genuinely cover and how often they place teachers in your subject or phase. A specialist London education recruitment agency should give you honest answers about realistic work patterns in your preferred areas.
Questions to Ask a London Teaching Agency Before You Register
Before committing to an agency, gather the information you need. Use these questions during your initial conversation:
- How often do you place teachers in my subject/phase in London?
- What’s the typical working pattern in my preferred boroughs?
- Do you offer CPD, behaviour management training or professional development resources?
- How is pay structured—PAYE or umbrella? How frequently am I paid?
- How much notice do you give for daily supply bookings?
- How do you share feedback from schools to support my professional growth?
These questions help you assess whether the agency genuinely matches your needs or is simply trying to fill their roster. Impact Teachers welcomes these questions and provides clear answers during registration calls.
How Impact Teachers Can Help You in London
Impact Teachers is a London-focused teacher recruitment agency with over 20 years of experience connecting educators with schools across Greater London and the home counties. The agency works with primary, secondary and SEN schools, offering daily supply, long term role placements and permanent positions.
Support for different candidate types:
- Early career teachers: Exposure to different schools while completing induction, with long-term opportunities leading to permanent roles
- Experienced teachers: Access to positions matching your subject specialism and career stage, whether supply flexibility or a full time permanent post
- Overseas trained teachers: Dedicated relocation support, visa guidance, documentation help and first-role placement
- Teaching assistants: Mainstream and SEN assistant roles, from nursery assistant positions through to specialist 1:1 support
What Sets Impact Teachers Apart
The agency emphasises one-to-one consultant support rather than automated job boards. Many consultants have teaching backgrounds themselves, understanding the real impact of classroom dynamics, behaviour challenges and school culture fit.
For overseas teachers, Impact Teachers offers relocation packages covering visa guidance, UK police checks, flights and practical settling-in support. One Australian teacher described the experience: “The extensive support you receive from Impact as soon as you land made all the difference.”
Professional development opportunities and resources are available to registered candidates, covering topics like safeguarding, behaviour management and SEN awareness. This ongoing support continues throughout your time with the agency, not just during placement.
While Impact Teachers recruits for roles outside London, the main emphasis remains on London-based opportunities where the agency has strong relationships with schools across multiple boroughs, reflecting its mission of empowering teachers to transform education.
You can visit the Impact Teachers website to browse current London teaching jobs, contact the team directly, and register to start your job search.
Looking for Teaching or Support Roles in London?
Apply once with Impact Teachers and be considered for Primary, Secondary and SEN roles — including Teaching Assistant (TA), LSA, HLTA and SEN Teaching Assistant Jobs positions.
Explore Roles by Location: London Jobs | Wandsworth | Greenwich | Hackney
FAQs: Teaching Agencies in London
These frequently asked questions address common concerns from teachers and teaching assistants considering using a London agency.
Do I need UK experience before registering with a London teaching agency?
No, UK experience is not essential for registration. Agencies like Impact Teachers support both UK-trained and overseas teachers without recent UK classroom experience. Many overseas educators begin with supply teaching or TA roles to build UK experience before moving into long-term or permanent positions.
Testimonials show teachers successfully arranging roles while still living abroad, with no prior UK teaching. The key requirements are valid qualifications, appropriate visa status (for overseas candidates), and willingness to complete safeguarding checks.
Can I choose which London boroughs I work in?
Yes, you can set preferences for specific areas—north London, south London, east or west clusters, or particular boroughs based on your commute. However, flexibility typically leads to more consistent work.
Teachers open to a wider geographic spread tend to receive more bookings, especially for daily supply. If you have strong preferences, discuss these honestly with your consultant so they can set realistic expectations about work frequency in your chosen areas.
What documents do I need to start teaching through an agency?
You’ll typically need:
- Right-to-work proof (passport, visa documentation, or settled status confirmation)
- Enhanced DBS check (the agency usually initiates this)
- Professional references from previous employers or university tutors
- Qualification certificates (teaching degree, PGCE, QTS evidence)
- Overseas police clearance (if you’ve lived abroad in the past five years)
Impact Teachers provides clear guidance on documentation requirements during registration, helping you gather everything needed efficiently.
Is agency work suitable for Early Career Teachers (ECTs)?
Agency work can be an excellent opportunity for ECTs, with some considerations. Supply teaching lets you experience different schools, key stages and behaviour contexts before committing to a single school. This exposure builds your skills and helps you identify the environment where you’ll thrive.
For ECT induction completion, you’ll need a role lasting at least one term. Many agencies, including Impact Teachers, place ECTs in long-term positions where they can complete induction requirements while working toward a permanent offer.
Can I move from supply to a permanent role in London?
Yes, this is a common pathway. Strong performance during supply or long-term cover often leads to permanent offers facilitated by the agency. Schools use supply placements as extended interviews, assessing classroom management, relationships with students and staff fit.
One teacher working with Impact Teachers described receiving a permanent offer: “One of the schools wanted me as a year 3 Teacher” after initial Skype interviews and supply work. If you’re seeking permanency, communicate this goal clearly to your consultant so they can prioritise schools with upcoming vacancies.
Do teaching agencies in London help with SEN roles?
Absolutely. London has strong demand for SEN specialists, both teachers and teaching assistants. Agencies recruit for special educational needs roles across special schools, mainstream SEN resource bases, pupil referral units and alternative provisions.
Roles range from dedicated SEN teaching assistant positions supporting individual pupils with autism, ADHD or complex needs, to qualified teacher posts in specialist settings. Impact Teachers has specific experience placing candidates in SEN schools and mainstream provisions with specialist units.
If SEN work interests you, ask your consultant about current vacancies and any additional training that might strengthen your application—many agencies offer or signpost relevant CPD.
Whether you’re an ECT exploring London schools, an experienced educator seeking a rewarding new role, or an overseas teacher planning your UK move, the right teaching agency can make your job search faster and significantly less stressful.
Your teaching career in London starts with one conversation. Register with Impact Teachers to access current vacancies and speak with a consultant who understands what you’re looking for.
