How education recruitment agency fees work
A plain English guide to what education recruitment agencies charge, how the different fee models work, and how to compare agencies fairly, with no jargon and no hard sell.
"How much does an agency cost?" is one of the first questions schools ask, and too often the answer is vague. Here is how fees actually work in education recruitment, so you can budget with confidence and compare agencies on a level playing field.
The two main ways agencies charge
1. Daily or hourly charge rate (temporary and long term staff)
For short term and long term cover, you pay a charge rate for each day or hour worked. That rate covers the educator's pay plus the agency's margin, and it includes the things you would otherwise have to handle yourself: payroll, National Insurance, holiday pay, pension, and all the vetting and compliance. You only pay for the days someone actually works.
2. Permanent placement fee
When you take someone on permanently, you pay a one off placement fee, usually a percentage of the new employee's starting salary. A good agency will back this with a rebate or replacement guarantee, so if the placement does not work out within an agreed period, you get some or all of the fee back, or a free replacement search.
Temp to perm: the best of both
Many schools try someone on a temporary basis first, then take them on permanently if they are a great fit. The charge rate applies while they are temporary, and a (usually reduced) transfer fee applies if you make them permanent. It is a low risk way to be sure before you commit.
What a fair fee should include
- Full safer recruitment vetting to DfE standards
- Enhanced DBS, right to work and identity checks
- Full referencing and employment history checks
- Payroll, tax, NI, holiday pay and pension for temporary staff
- A named consultant who knows your school
- Aftercare and a guarantee period on permanent hires
How to compare agencies fairly
Do not just compare headline numbers. Ask what the rate actually includes. A slightly higher charge rate from a compliant, relationship led agency usually costs you less in the long run than a cheap rate that comes with poor vetting, high turnover and no aftercare. Questions worth asking every agency:
- Is the charge rate all inclusive, or are there add ons?
- What is your permanent fee, and what is the rebate period?
- What does temp to perm cost?
- Are you an approved supplier on the government framework?
- What vetting is included as standard?
The WhoFoundWho way: clear rates agreed up front, no hidden add ons, full compliance included as standard, and a guarantee on permanent placements. We would rather quote you honestly and earn your trust than win you with a number we cannot stand behind. We are also an approved supplier on the government's education recruitment framework (RM6376).
Want a straight answer on what staffing your school would cost? Tell us what you need and we will give you a clear, honest quote.