For candidates, working with School Staff Direct means having a dedicated team actively working to secure your next role. Our services are completely free, and we provide CV guidance, interview coaching, and access to exclusive job opportunities that may not even be advertised yet.
You can register by visiting our registration page, where you can submit your details and upload your CV.
Once registered, a consultants will proactively match you with job opportunities that fit your skills and experience - sometimes even before roles are advertised. You can also set up job alerts and preferences to ensure you only receive notifications for roles that interest you.
You can submit your CV through our Quick CV Drop. Once received, it will be directed to the most relevant consultant, who will contact you when a suitable position becomes available.
Each job listing will have a clearly labelled button, that you can click to ‘Apply’. Simply follow the steps, and complete your application.
At first, a contract role can feel overwhelming, but we make it simple. Give us a call, and our team will guide you through the entire process, from registration and compliance to payroll setup.
Contracting offers flexibility and often higher pay rates compared to permanent roles. Many contractors earn significantly more due to the short-term nature of their contracts. Pay rates vary based on experience, skills, and demand.
If you haven’t received a response, it may be because:
You can apply for as many roles as you find suitable. Our team will help identify the best matches for you.
Unfortunately, you must have a valid right to work in the UK to apply for roles through School Staff Direct. Our compliance team will require proof of eligibility to work, such as a passport, proof of National Insurance, and two recent proofs of address. If you are an overseas worker with right to work in the UK, you must provide your share code.
All applicants must disclose any past or pending convictions, as schools require enhanced DBS checks for all staff.
We are committed to equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Our recruitment process is fair, transparent, and free from bias. You can learn more by referring to our equal opportunities and diversity policy.
Our services are completely free for candidates. We never ask for fees, money transfers, or credit card details. If you receive any suspicious requests, please contact us immediately.
Our office is located in Hadleigh, Essex, and we support schools and candidates across Essex, London, and the surrounding home counties.
We take data security seriously. All personal and sensitive information is stored on secure servers, and we fully comply with GDPR and data protection laws. For more details, please see our privacy policy.
If you would like your personal data removed from our records, simply contact us, and we will process your request in line with data protection regulations.
Dressing professionally helps create a great first impression. Wear smart, well-fitted attire that reflects the role you’re applying for. If unsure, opt for business or business-casual attire to ensure you look polished and professional. You are welcome to discuss this further with your consultant.
Keeping your details up to date ensures we can stay in touch about opportunities and important updates. If you need to change your contact information or update your circumstances, simply reach out to your dedicated consultant, who will update your records accordingly.
Yes, weekly timesheet submission is essential to ensure your payments are processed on time. If you're unsure about the process or experiencing any difficulties, your consultant is always available to guide you through it.
An unsigned timesheet, or signed past the deadline will result in delayed pay.
If you’ve changed your bank details, inform your consultant immediately to prevent any payment delays. If your consultant is unavailable, contact our finance team at the office, and we’ll process the update securely.
If your payments are processed through an umbrella company, you can inform them directly.
Yes, we do. Your consultant can provide you with all the details and answer any questions you have about using an umbrella company.
We work with an umbrella company and your consultant can provide guidance on how it works.
If you're unable to make it to work, please notify both your consultant and your direct supervisor at the school as soon as possible. If your absence is due to illness, keep them updated on your condition and expected return date to help manage continuity.
We take all concerns seriously and are committed to resolving any issues fairly and professionally. If you have a complaint, please refer to our complaints procedure, which outlines the steps to ensure your issue is addressed appropriately. If you need assistance, contact your consultant or our support team.
Hiring the right candidate can be time-consuming, challenging, and costly when done in-house. By partnering with School Staff Direct, schools gain access to pre-vetted, high-quality candidates quickly and efficiently. Our specialist consultants, deep market knowledge, and extensive candidate network ensure a streamlined, effective recruitment process, saving you time and resources.
If we’ve worked together before, simply email your job details directly to your consultant. If you’re new to School Staff Direct, you can submit a vacancy through our website, and we’ll connect you with a consultant to discuss your requirements.
A briefing call helps us gain a deeper understanding of your school’s culture, values, and specific staffing needs. This allows us to go beyond CVs, ensuring we match you with candidates who align with your ethos and will thrive in your environment.
We use a multi-channel approach to source top candidates, including:
At School Staff Direct, we do more than just fill roles—we create lasting partnerships with schools to ensure they have access to the best talent. Here’s what sets us apart:
The will depend on the role, location, and required skills. However, during our initial briefing, we’ll provide an estimated timeline based on current market conditions and candidate availability.
We take concerns seriously and are committed to addressing them professionally. If you need to raise a complaint, please refer to our complaints procedure on our website, or contact your consultant directly for guidance.
Compliance is the process of verifying your identity, right to work in the UK, and background checks to ensure you meet legal and employer-specific requirements.
These checks help maintain safety, safeguarding standards, and professional integrity within the education sector.
A Compliance Officer ensures that all compliance checks are completed before you start your role. They work behind the scenes to verify documents, complete necessary checks, and ensure you are fully compliant, so there are no delays in your start date.
Compliance is a legal and safeguarding requirement to ensure that all education staff meet the necessary standards before working in a school or provision. Employers often require these checks before confirming a start date.
Once all compliance checks are verified, you’ll be ready to start your role. In many cases, we aim to complete compliance before your interview so that if you’re offered the position, you can begin work without unnecessary delays.
The timeframe depends on how quickly you provide the required documents and whether additional checks are needed.
If you have everything in order, it's possible to complete the entire process within 24 hours, however, typically, we aim to complete compliance within 3-4 days, though DBS checks or additional references may extend this.
The documents required vary by role, but generally, you will need:
You can provide:
If additional documents are required, our Compliance Officer will advise you.
If you are an overseas worker, you must provide your share code so that we can check this on the UK Government website.
We typically require two professional references, with at least one from your most recent employer. If additional references are needed, we will discuss this with you.
If you don’t have a passport, we accept:
Accepted documents include:
Accepted documents include:
Most roles in education require an Enhanced DBS check to ensure you meet safeguarding and child protection standards.
Your Recruitment Consultant will introduce you to our Compliance Officer, who will handle all compliance matters. If you need urgent assistance and cannot reach them, please call our main office number for support.
We recruit for a wide range of school-based roles in education, across the following categories:
Our team works closely with schools to ensure every role is filled with the right candidate who fits their culture and needs.
We partner with a variety of educational settings, including:
Whether mainstream or specialist, we understand the unique challenges schools face and provide tailored staffing solutions.
To register as a teacher, you will typically need:
If you are newly qualified or returning to teaching, our team can guide you through any additional requirements.
Support staff must provide:
We welcome applicants with experience in education, childcare, or social care, as well as recent graduates looking to transition into education.
Registration is completely free and there is no fee. The only potential cost is for a DBS check, if you do not already have one. We recommend subscribing to the DBS Update Service, which speeds up future compliance checks. If you need to submit a DBS application, you can get more information here.
We encourage final-year teaching students to register for supply work, as it provides valuable experience, additional income, and a pathway to securing a full-time role once qualified.
Once you have registered and submitted all necessary documents for compliance, you could start as soon as the next day, depending on how quickly your DBS, ID, and references are cleared.
Many of our Teaching Assistants and Learning Support Assistants are recent graduates, particularly those with backgrounds in education, psychology, or child development. These roles are excellent pathways into teaching or other education careers.
We process weekly payments, provided we have received a signed and approved timesheet for the work you have completed.
Pay rates for teachers and support staff depend on your experience, qualifications, and the roles you take on. We ensure competitive pay rates that meet your expectations during registration.
Pay rates depend on several factors, including your experience, qualifications, and the role you take on. We ensure that all our candidates receive competitive pay that reflects their skills and expertise.
All pay rates include 12.07% statutory holiday pay, ensuring you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
Contract lengths can vary, however interim contracts typically last between 6- 9 months, though some may extend longer depending on the Local Authority’s needs. As your contract nears its end, we’ll proactively explore extension opportunities or help you secure your next role, ensuring you have continuous employment options.
Not as frequent as an office presence role, however some Local Authorities allow fully remote work, while others may require occasional office presence. If you prefer a fully remote position, let your consultant know, and we’ll find an opportunity that suits your needs.
A 4-week notice period is typically not an issue, but it’s always best to check with the consultant managing the vacancy. Some councils with urgent needs may prefer candidates available sooner.
While most of our Local Authority clients seek full-time professionals to meet long-term demands, part-time roles do occasionally arise. These positions are less frequent, so if you're looking for part-time work, let us know, and we’ll notify you when opportunities become available.
We work with a variety of Local Authority roles, including:
If you’re looking for specialist Local Authority positions, our team can help match you to the right role.
We primarily partner with Local Authorities across Essex, London, and the home counties. If you have a particular Local Authority in mind, reach out, and we’ll discuss current opportunities in that area.
School Staff Direct will never ask for payment, cash transfers, or credit card details for our services. Our recruitment support is completely free for candidates. The only potential cost is for a DBS check.
If you receive any unexpected payment requests claiming to be from us, or anything seems suspicious, contact us immediately for verification and guidance. Your security is our priority.
