If you’re thinking about registering with a teaching agency in London, you probably want to know exactly what’s involved, which documents you need, and how quickly you can start working. This guide covers the full registration process for teachers, teaching assistants, SEN staff and other classroom support roles across Greater London.
Key Takeaways
- London teaching agencies must complete strict safeguarding checks including identity verification, right to work, qualifications, enhanced DBS checks with the barred list, and professional references.
- Core documents include photo ID, two proofs of address (within 3 months), right to work evidence, original qualification certificates, and details for at least two professional referees.
- Most candidates complete the registration meeting in under an hour with documents ready, but the dbs checking process and reference checks can take longer depending on individual circumstances.
- Requirements are similar across London agencies, though exact documents and processes may vary between providers and roles.
- Once fully cleared, candidates can usually be put forward quickly for supply, long-term and sometimes permanent teaching jobs across London.
What Registration with a Teaching Agency in London Usually Involves
The typical registration process for teachers, teaching assistants, SEN TAs, LSAs, HLTAs and cover staff follows a clear path designed to meet the disclosure and barring service requirements that schools expect.
Here’s what to expect:
- Online enquiry or application form – the first step to get your details to a consultant
- Initial screening call – discussing your experience, qualifications and preferences
- Document upload – submitting ID, qualifications and employment history via secure portal
- Compliance checks – verification of identity, right to work, and work history gaps
- Registration interview – in-person at a London office or via video call
- Final clearance – confirmation that all checks are complete
Agencies in London follow safer recruitment standards set by the Department for Education, so the vetting process often feels more detailed than in other industries. Multiple ID checks, full employment history and safeguarding questions are standard.
Registration is normally free for candidates. Agencies earn fees from schools once work is secured, so there’s no joining fee for you.
After registration, you can be considered for roles across primary, secondary and SEN schools in Greater London, and it helps to understand teaching posts and education careers in London. Ready to start? You can apply or register with us online.
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
Documents to Prepare Before You Apply
Having documents ready before starting your application is the single biggest way to speed up teaching agency registration in London.
Identity documents:
- Valid passport (UK or Irish preferred) – expired ID cannot normally be accepted
- Full UK photo driving licence as secondary ID
- Birth certificate plus National Insurance number proof if no passport available
Proof of address (2 documents, within last 3 months):
- Utility bill, bank statement or council tax bill
- Online statements accepted if they clearly show name, address and date
Right to work evidence:
- UK/Irish passport, Biometric Residence Permit, or Home Office share code
- Acceptable evidence depends on your immigration status
Qualifications:
- Original degree certificates and transcripts
- QTS certificate or TRN details for teachers
- CACHE, HLTA or relevant childcare certificates for support roles
Work and education history:
- Month-by-month history with explanations for any gaps (especially last 5 years)
- Current CV tailored to education, clearly stating roles, age ranges and any SEN experience
Overseas candidates or those who’ve lived outside the UK for 12 months or more may need an overseas police check from each relevant country. Check document expiry dates and legibility in advance, and send clear colour scans before your interview.
DBS, Right to Work and Reference Checks Explained
This section gives a recruiter’s view of how safeguarding checks work for London teaching and classroom support roles.
DBS check: Schools require an enhanced check with children’s barred list information for roles involving contact with children. The dbs certificate confirms whether records held by the police national computer include any spent and unspent convictions, conditional cautions or other relevant information.
Most agencies will either:
- Accept an existing enhanced DBS on the update service (if it matches the required workforce and level)
- Help you apply for a new dbs application through their system
DBS Update Service: After receiving your dbs certificate printed copy, you can subscribe to the update service (£13/year) so future employers can check your status online. This speeds up starting work with new London schools.
Right to work: Agencies must confirm your right to work in line with Home Office guidance, either by checking original documents in person or verifying your digital status via share code.
References: You’ll typically need two recent professional references from senior staff in schools or education settings, covering at least the last 2 years. References must come from official work email addresses (school domains) rather than personal accounts. Character references alone are usually not accepted.
Overseas checks: If you’ve worked or lived abroad, schools may request an overseas police clearance or equivalent from that country.
The overall clearance time depends on how quickly DBS, right to work evidence and references are returned. Delays in any element slow down when you can start.
DBS Checks for Teaching Jobs in London
London schools expect enhanced dbs checks with barred list information for teachers, TAs, LSAs, HLTAs and most classroom support roles. A basic check or standard or enhanced check without barred list isn’t sufficient.
Typical steps:
Impact Teachers is a specialist London teaching agency connecting educators with schools, so we manage this DBS process in line with current safeguarding guidance.
- Complete an online form via the agency (the responsible organisation)
- Submit ID for verification
- Pay the DBS fee (approximately £38-£44)
- Wait for the certificate to be issued
Processing times can range from a few days to several weeks depending on individual circumstances. Neither agencies nor candidates can guarantee exact timeframes – the local police force and dbs system processing speeds vary.
Once the physical certificate arrives at your home address, agencies need to see the original or a clear scan before confirming clearance. If you’re planning to apply for teaching jobs in London soon, start your DBS process early rather than waiting for a specific vacancy.
What Happens After You Register
Once all documents are submitted and checks are underway, here’s what typically happens next:
- Post-registration review – the compliance team confirms that ID, right to work, DBS, references and work history meet school safeguarding standards
- Preference discussion – your consultant discusses supply vs long-term, primary vs secondary, mainstream vs SEN, and preferred London boroughs
- Job matching – your profile is promoted to suitable schools, with potential matches leading to trial days, interviews or immediate supply bookings
- Booking process – for day-to-day supply, expect morning calls or advanced bookings; for long-term posts, schools may require interviews and observations
- Feedback loops – consultants provide guidance on CV improvements and interview technique
Registration isn’t a one-off event. Keep your availability, contact details and any new qualifications up to date with the agency.
Common Mistakes That Slow Down Registration
Avoid these issues to prevent delays:
- Incomplete documents – missing passport pages, unclear scans, or expired ID
- Reference problems – requests sent to wrong email addresses, unresponsive referees, or vague references lacking dates and role details
- Unexplained employment gaps – gaps of 3+ months trigger safeguarding questions under disclosure rules
- Booking interviews too early – before locating qualification certificates or overseas police checks
- Inconsistent information – different dates on CV vs application form prompts extra checks
- Slow responses – not reading agency emails carefully or following document upload instructions
Respond to compliance team queries within 48 hours where possible.
Which Roles You Can Be Considered For
Once registered with a London teaching agency, you may be eligible for various roles based on your qualifications and relevant experience, whether you’re interested in primary classrooms or experiencing a day in the life of a secondary school teacher.
Teaching roles:
- Primary class teacher, secondary subject teacher
- Supply teacher, long-term and permanent posts
- QTS usually required for maintained school teacher positions
Classroom support:
If you’re considering support work, it’s worth understanding the teaching assistant pay scale for 2024/2025 so you know what to expect as your experience grows.
- Teaching assistant, learning support assistant (LSA) role, HLTA, cover supervisor
- Many London schools value strong experience with children even without formal TA qualifications
- Explore teaching assistant jobs and LSA jobs
SEN-focused roles:
If you’re aiming to specialise, you may want to explore top tips for aspiring SEN teachers alongside these support options.
- SEN teaching assistant, 1:1 support for pupils with EHCPs
- Specialist roles in special schools – see SEN teaching assistant jobs and browse current SEN job opportunities across London boroughs
Some candidates progress from TA or LSA into teacher training or HLTA roles. Agencies can also support candidates targeting specific boroughs or school types.
Browse current teaching jobs in London once registered.
How Impact Teachers Can Help
We specialise in matching teachers, teaching assistants and SEN staff to London schools, with strong focus on safeguarding and long-term satisfaction.
- We support both UK-based and overseas educators through the full registration process, including detailed guidance on documents, DBS, overseas police checks and references
- We work with primary, secondary and SEN schools across London, offering daily supply, long-term and permanent roles
- Our consultants provide practical advice on London school expectations, interview preparation and behaviour management standards
- Ready to move forward? Apply or register with Impact Teachers to begin
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 About Registering with a Teaching Agency in London
How long does it usually take to be ready for work after registering?
Once you’ve submitted all the information and completed your interview, the remaining time depends on how quickly DBS and references are returned. Candidates with a suitable DBS on the update service and responsive referees may be cleared relatively quickly. Agencies cannot guarantee exact timeframes as parts of the process sit with external bodies like the disclosure and barring service.
Can I register with more than one teaching agency in London at the same time?
Many educators register with multiple agencies, but keep each updated on your commitments to avoid double-booking. Schools prefer reliable staff, so be honest about availability. The DBS Update Service makes this easier without paying for multiple new checks.
Do I need Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to register?
QTS is typically required for qualified teacher roles in maintained schools but not for all positions. Agencies also work with unqualified teachers, cover supervisors, tutors and support staff without QTS. Discuss options with your consultant based on your career goals and experience.
Can I register before I move to London or the UK?
Overseas candidates can usually start the registration process remotely, including initial interviews and document checks. Some compliance elements may need completing in person once you arrive. Starting early helps with arranging overseas police checks and gathering references before relocating.
Will I only be offered supply work, or can I get long-term or permanent roles?
Registration doesn’t limit you to supply work. Agencies support long-term and permanent placements too. The balance depends on your experience, references, time of year and current demand. Share your preferences during registration – whether supply while settling in or job offers for permanent positions – so the agency can target suitable roles.
