In 2024, the UK education recruitment sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with agencies reporting record-breaking year-on-year profits. This boom presents a golden opportunity for education recruiters to maximise their desks and significantly boost their gross profit (GP). Here at Harrison Sands Rec2Rec, we’ve compiled five key strategies to help you capitalise on this thriving market.
1. Implement a guaranteed work programme
When it comes to education recruitment, offering candidates guaranteed work can be a game-changer. This approach not only ensures a steady stream of income for supply teachers but also provides schools with reliable, familiar faces in their classrooms.
Key benefits:
- Increased candidate loyalty and reduced dropouts
- Higher fill rates for client schools
- Improved long-term planning for both candidates and schools
Top tip: Consider implementing a tiered guaranteed work programme, offering different levels of guaranteed hours based on a candidate’s experience and flexibility.
2. Diversify your recruitment portfolio beyond teachers
While qualified teachers remain the backbone of education recruitment, expanding your focus can unlock significant growth potential. The education sector requires a diverse range of professionals to function effectively.
Roles to consider:
- Teaching assistants and learning support staff
- School administrative personnel
- IT technicians
- Facilities management (caretakers, cleaners)
- Specialist roles (school counsellors, speech therapists)
By broadening your recruitment scope, you not only increase your potential placements but also position yourself as a comprehensive education staffing solution.
3. Strategically engage with preferred supplier lists (PSLs)
Joining PSLs can be a powerful way to expand your client base, especially when targeting multi-academy trusts (MATs) or local education authorities (LEAs).
Benefits of PSL engagement:
- Access to a wider pool of schools within specific trusts or regions
- Increased placement volumes offsetting potential margin reductions
- Enhanced credibility and trust within the education community
Industry insight: While specific data can vary, many recruitment agencies report significant growth after joining major PSLs. The key is to balance any potential margin reduction with increased volume and long-term relationship building.
Top tip: When considering PSL opportunities, conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis. Factor in not just immediate financial impacts, but also long-term growth potential and the strategic value of accessing new school networks.
4. Revitalise your day-to-day supply strategy
While long-term placements often form the bulk of education recruitment, day-to-day supply can provide a significant boost to your GP and help you meet challenging targets.
Strategies to boost day-to-day supply:
- Develop a dedicated ’emergency cover’ team within your agency
- Implement a user-friendly booking system for schools
- Offer loyalty incentives for schools that consistently use your day-to-day service
Industry insight: Schools in the UK spend an estimated £800 million annually on supply teachers, with day-to-day bookings accounting for a significant portion of this expenditure.
5. Harness the power of client referrals
In the close-knit world of education, word-of-mouth recommendations can be your most powerful marketing tool. Leveraging your existing client relationships to generate referrals can lead to exponential growth.
Effective referral strategies:
- Implement a structured referral programme with clear incentives
- Regularly ask satisfied clients for introductions to partner schools
- Showcase case studies and testimonials from happy clients on your website and marketing materials
Statistics: According to a recent survey, 82% of school leaders value personal recommendations when choosing a new recruitment agency.
Conclution
By implementing these five strategies, you can maximise your education recruitment desk and capitalise on the sector’s current growth. Remember, success in this field requires a combination of relationship building, strategic thinking, and adaptability to the evolving needs of schools and education professionals.
At Harrison Sands, we’re committed to helping recruiters like you thrive in the dynamic education sector. For more insights or personalised advice on advancing your career in education recruitment, don’t hesitate to reach out to Caitlyn at caitlyn.spencer@harrisonsands.co.uk or drop a her message 07467 432 128
