Permanent Teacher Recruitment
Bespoke permanent search for UK schools — from class teachers to middle leaders, with full vetting and a retention guarantee.
Hiring a permanent teacher is one of the most consequential decisions a school makes. GAC Education runs a personalised search built around your school's culture, your timetable and the kind of teacher who'll genuinely thrive in your environment.
We don't bury your role under hundreds of irrelevant CVs. You get a curated shortlist of candidates we've personally vetted, interviewed and recommended — and a consultant who'll support you all the way through to the new hire's first morning.
Headteachers, MAT leaders and university senior leaders are recruited through our education executive search.
What we offer
Bespoke candidate search
Targeted headhunting plus advertised search — visible or confidential, your choice.
Curated shortlists
3–5 high-quality, fully vetted candidates rather than CV dumps.
Salary benchmarking
Live local market data so you make competitive, sustainable offers.
Interview coordination
We schedule, prep and chase — you focus on the conversation.
Retention guarantee
If a placement doesn't work out within the guarantee period, we replace at no cost.
ECT to leadership
From newly-qualified teachers to heads of department and SLT.
Who we work with
Our permanent search process
Brief & benchmark
Detailed briefing on the role, school culture and ideal candidate, with live salary benchmarking.
Search & screen
Targeted headhunt plus advertised reach. Every candidate is interviewed and vetted before shortlist.
Shortlist & interview
3–5 curated candidates, scheduling and interview prep handled end-to-end.
Offer & onboard
We support offer negotiation, references, safeguarding and induction through to day one.
Vetting & safeguarding
Permanent hires get the same rigorous safer-recruitment process as our supply staff — fully KCSIE 2026 aligned.
- Enhanced DBS check
- DfE prohibition & barred list checks
- Two written references verified
- Right-to-work & qualifications verified
- Competency-based screening interview
- Safeguarding-led interview design
Frequently asked questions
How does permanent teacher recruitment work?
We take a detailed brief on the role, the school culture and the ideal candidate, then run a bespoke search across our active and passive candidate networks. You receive a curated shortlist, we coordinate interviews, and we support negotiation and onboarding through to a successful start.
Do you offer a retention guarantee?
Yes. Every permanent placement comes with a free-of-charge replacement period — speak to your consultant for current terms.
What types of permanent roles do you fill?
Class teachers, subject specialists, ECTs, middle leaders, SENCOs, heads of department, deputy heads and headteachers. From single hires to whole-team builds.
How are candidates vetted before shortlisting?
Enhanced DBS, prohibition list check, two-reference verification, qualification confirmation, identity check and a competency-based interview with a GAC consultant.
Do you advertise our role or use your existing network?
Both — we headhunt from our existing network, advertise on relevant boards if you'd like wider reach, and run targeted social campaigns. You decide how visible the search is.
How long does a typical permanent search take?
Most class teacher and middle leader searches deliver a shortlist within 7–10 working days and an accepted offer within 4–6 weeks. Specialist or leadership roles take longer depending on the market.
What is your fee structure?
A simple percentage of first-year salary, payable on the candidate's start date. No upfront cost, no charge for advertising, no surprise add-ons. Speak to your consultant for current rates.
Can you handle ECT recruitment specifically?
Yes. We work closely with PGCE providers and SCITT routes to maintain a pipeline of well-prepared, locally-based ECTs each summer.
Hiring a permanent teacher?
Send us the brief and we'll come back with a vetted shortlist within days.