How to Register with a Teaching Agency in London: Documents, DBS and What Happens Next

Updated 30 September 2026. DBS fees below include the announced change from 5 October 2026.

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

• Before placement, agencies complete the checks appropriate to the role, including identity, right to work, relevant qualifications, references and an enhanced DBS check. A children’s barred list check is required where the role is regulated activity.
• Prepare identity and address evidence, proof of right to work, relevant qualifications, a full employment history and professional referee details. Ask the compliance team for the document checklist that applies to you.
• 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.

Teaching agencies must not charge you for registration or finding work. A DBS application or other separately agreed service may involve a charge; ask for an itemised explanation first. See Acas guidance on agency fees.

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.

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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

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Documents to Prepare Before You Apply

Gathering documents early can reduce delays, but you can contact us before every document is ready. The compliance team will explain which checks and documents your role requires. Identity, DBS and right-to-work checks have different rules: one document is not automatically suitable for all three.

Identity documents:

• Current passport or other identity documents accepted under the applicable checking route; there is no preference for a particular nationality
• A driving licence may be useful supporting identity evidence; check the document combination required
• If you do not have a passport, ask the compliance team which alternative identity documents are acceptable

Proof of address (follow your document checklist):

• Utility bill, bank statement or council tax bill
• Accepted document types, dates and formats vary; check before relying on a downloaded statement or scan

Right to work evidence:

• British or Irish passport, or the appropriate Home Office online check or eligible immigration documents for your status
• A current or expired British or Irish passport can establish right to work through the appropriate manual check. DBS identity rules differ. If you hold an eVisa, ask about a right-to-work share code; a physical BRP alone is not proof of right to work. See GOV.UK right-to-work guidance

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:

• A full chronological education and employment history, with dates and explanations for gaps
• Current CV tailored to education, clearly stating roles, age ranges and any SEN experience

Tell the compliance team about periods lived or worked overseas. Additional checks may be needed depending on your history and the role; there is no single 12-month threshold to assume applies in every case. Use the secure document process the team provides and ask which originals must be seen.

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: The required check depends on the duties of the role. School roles can require an enhanced DBS check; a children’s barred list check applies where the role is regulated activity. The compliance team will confirm eligibility and the correct check. See Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Most agencies will either:

• Consider an existing enhanced DBS certificate with an active Update Service subscription, subject to the required workforce, level, barred list coverage, your permission and a satisfactory status check
• Help you apply for a new dbs application through their system

DBS Update Service: You can join during the application process or within 30 days of the certificate’s issue date. The annual fee is £16 until 4 October 2026 and £15 from 5 October 2026. The service does not guarantee that a certificate can be used for every role. Read the DBS joining rules and fee announcement.

Right to work: The employer must use the appropriate Home Office checking route before employment begins. Depending on your circumstances, this may involve an online share-code check, eligible documents, an eligible digital identity check or the Employer Checking Service.

References: Prepare professional referee details, including your current or most recent employer where appropriate. References must be verified and any concerns followed up. Use official work contact details where available. If you are new to education, ask which referees are suitable rather than assuming school-based references are the only option.

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

A basic DBS check does not replace the enhanced check required for a school role. Teachers and classroom support staff working in regulated activity also require the relevant children’s barred list check. The agency will confirm the correct application for your duties.

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
• Confirm the total charge before applying. The enhanced DBS government fee is £49.50 until 4 October 2026 and £41 from 5 October 2026; a provider may add an administration fee
• 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.

Keep your original DBS certificate. For an Update Service check, the original paper certificate must be checked in person under the DBS employer guidance; a scan or video view is not a substitute. Arrange the required verification with the compliance team before assuming clearance is complete.

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 – provide dates and explanations for gaps; do not assume only gaps longer than three months need explaining
• Leaving document questions unresolved – tell the consultant early if a certificate or overseas check is missing, so they can explain the next step
• 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 guide 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

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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

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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. An eligible certificate on the DBS Update Service may reduce repeat applications, but each agency must confirm that it meets the requirements for the role.

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.