The landscape of education is continually evolving, with teacher salaries and staffing challenges at the forefront of discussions among educators and policymakers – especially in the run up to next week’s General Election.
Recruitment agencies, like us here at Zest Education, have become pivotal in bridging the gap between schools’ staffing needs and the availability of qualified teachers to fill the 20% (c.2,800 roles)** of teacher vacancies currently advertised, as well as the day-to-day absences that have increased by around 12% since COVID-19.
We play a crucial role in ensuring that educational institutions operate smoothly and maintain high standards of teaching. However, agencies are often seen as both a solution and a point of contention.
On the one hand, we provide an essential service by quickly filling vacancies and offering schools a pool of high quality, fully vetted, qualified teachers ready to step in at a moment’s notice. On the other, there is ongoing debate about the cost implications and the rates at which agencies pay their teachers.
Setting pay rates
Setting pay rates for teachers is a complex process that involves balancing fair compensation for the teachers with the financial constraints of the schools.
School budgets are set according to the National Funding Formula and, are, even despite the fact that school revenue funding will reach a high of £60.7bn during the 2024/25 academic year, stretched to breaking point.
With 55% of supply teachers surveyed by NASUWT saying that their pay rates had not improved last year*, it’s never been more important for agencies to offer competitive salaries if they want to continue to attract skilled educators.
It can be done.
It’s a balance that is critical in maintaining a sustainable and effective partnership between schools and agencies, and one that we spend a great deal of time working with our schools to get just right.
Looking to the future
Looking to the future, we see recruitment agencies continuing to be integral to the education ecosystem.
We anticipate that our role will actually need to expand as schools increasingly rely on flexible staffing solutions to adapt to fluctuating student numbers, unexpected teaching and support staff absences, and the increasing need for specialised teaching staff – listings for which have increased by 118% between February 2020 and last month, according to REC analysis*.
Agencies around the UK are investing in technology and training to improve matching processes, ensuring that the right teachers are placed in the right roles swiftly and efficiently and are also increasing the number of consultants in place to ensure that enough time can be spent getting to know each candidate – something that we at Zest Education take great pride in.
Where we stand
As an agency, we are 100% committed to supporting our teachers, getting to know them personally to maintain our impeccable standards, and paying a fair wage to match the skill and experience of each individual.
We also provide all our candidates with resources and opportunities for growth, which in turn benefits the schools and students they serve.
By fostering strong, supportive relationships with schools and teachers, we ensure that every classroom has the high-quality educators it needs to thrive.
Whatever the circumstances.
Sources:
**https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/03/19/school-funding-everything-you-need-to-know/
Zest Education is an award winning recruitment agency specialising in education recruitment, supplying teaching and support staff to educational settings across Staffordshire and the West Midlands.
Since 2014 Zest Education has been using their vast experience to build genuine relationships, making perfect matches for candidates and schools and ensuring the best results for everyone.
For further information on how Zest Education Ltd. can support your school, please visit www.zesteducation.co.uk
