Business Details
12 Years
experience
Expert Education Recruitment Services in London, West Midlands & Staffordshire
Zest Education was founded in 2014 with a clear mission to revolutionise education recruitment across London, Staffordshire, and the West Midlands. Our journey has been defined by an unwavering commitment to excellence, earning us recognition as an award-winning agency specialising in teacher and support staff placements. With over 50 years of combined industry experience, we combine the agility of a boutique agency with the resources of a large-scale operation. Our core values of being personable, honest, and professional underpin every interaction, ensuring we meet the unique needs of both educational institutions and professionals. Our APSCo-accredited compliance processes and Crown Commercial Service Supplier status reflect our dedication to safeguarding and quality assurance.We pride ourselves on understanding the daily challenges faced by schools and candidates, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions that exceed expectations. Our team's deep sector knowledge and passion for education drive our success in matching the right talent with the right roles. We maintain long-standing relationships with schools, nurseries, and alternative provisions, offering access to exclusive opportunities. Our commitment to continuous improvement and client-centric approach has resulted in a strong reputation for reliability and exceptional service. This foundation of trust and expertise positions us as a market leader in education recruitment.
Services
Primary School Teaching
Secondary School Teaching
SEND Jobs
Teaching Assistant
Cover Supervisor
Graduate Programme
Office Support
ECT Pool
Compliance Services
Staffing Solutions
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- Over 50 years of dedicated education recruitment experience
- APSCo accredited compliance and safeguarding processes
- Personalised service tailored to individual school and candidate needs
- Extensive network of schools across London, Staffordshire, and West Midlands
- Dedicated consultants with sector-specific expertise
Associations and certifications
- APSCo
- Crown Commercial Service
What people say
Brilliant agency
Amazing consultant
Excellent service
Highly recommend
Outstanding supply staff
Services
Education Recruitment
Zest Education specialises in connecting schools with qualified teaching and support staff across multiple regions. Our rigorous compliance processes ensure all candidates meet strict safeguarding standards while matching their skills to specific institutional needs. With dedicated consultants for primary, secondary, and special educational needs sectors, we provide tailored solutions that address both immediate and long-term staffing requirements. Our extensive network and sector expertise enable us to deliver high-quality placements that enhance educational outcomes.
Teacher Placements
We offer comprehensive teacher placement services covering early years through secondary education. Our consultants work closely with schools to understand curriculum requirements and cultural fit while supporting candidates with career progression. Through our ECT Pool, we help new teachers secure induction placements while providing experienced educators with diverse opportunities. Our sector-specific knowledge ensures we match qualified professionals with roles that maximise their impact in classroom environments.
SEND Recruitment
Our specialist SEND team recruits qualified professionals for special educational needs schools and mainstream provisions. With consultants possessing direct experience in special needs education, we understand the unique requirements of these roles. We conduct thorough candidate assessments to ensure alignment with specific student needs while providing ongoing support for both staff and institutions. This focused approach helps create successful placements that improve outcomes for vulnerable learners.
Graduate Programme
This programme offers graduates valuable classroom experience through cover supervisor and teaching assistant roles. Participants gain practical insights into school operations while developing essential skills for teaching careers. We provide Level 2 Safeguarding training and facilitate placements that enhance PGCE application prospects. The structured experience helps graduates build confidence in educational environments while supporting schools' staffing needs.
Compliance Services
Our APSCo-accredited compliance team conducts thorough vetting processes for all candidates. We manage DBS checks, reference verification, and mandatory training certifications to ensure full regulatory compliance. This rigorous approach provides schools with complete confidence in staff suitability while streamlining the onboarding process. Regular audits and adherence to Crown Commercial Service standards maintain our exceptional compliance record.
People
Scott Barker
Founder
With 15+ years in education recruitment, Scott established Zest Education in 2014. Known for his transparent approach and work ethic, he focuses on building long-term relationships while maintaining industry-leading compliance standards. His leadership drives the company's commitment to excellence.
Mike Talbot
Education Consultant
A former teacher with 10+ years recruitment experience, Mike specialises in matching educators with suitable roles. His sector knowledge and understanding of school requirements help create successful placements. He manages relationships across the West Midlands education sector.
Beth Blythe
Head of Operations
As Designated Safeguarding Lead, Beth oversees compliance processes and operational efficiency. With a career progression from Compliance Assistant to leadership, she ensures all procedures meet regulatory standards while maintaining Zest's high service quality.
Mitch Joss
SEND Specialist
With 9 years in special needs education recruitment, Mitch leverages his sector expertise and personal experience to place specialists in appropriate roles. He provides Team Teach training and focuses on understanding specific institutional requirements for successful SEND placements.
Liam Fitzpatrick
Head of Primary
Leading primary education recruitment, Liam builds relationships with schools and candidates across the West Midlands. His background in cognitive neuroscience informs his approach to matching teaching styles with institutional needs while maintaining a client-focused service.
Questions
What areas does Zest Education cover?
We operate across London, Staffordshire, and the West Midlands, maintaining strong relationships with schools throughout these regions.
How does Zest ensure staff quality?
Our rigorous APSCo-accredited compliance process includes DBS checks, reference verification, and mandatory training assessments.
Do you specialise in specific education sectors?
We provide staffing solutions for primary, secondary, and special educational needs schools, with dedicated consultants for each sector.
What support exists for new teachers?
Our ECT Pool offers induction placements and career guidance for Early Career Teachers seeking their first teaching positions.
How quickly can you provide staff?
We often arrange placements within 24 hours, with some emergency cover solutions available at 30 minutes' notice.
Are compliance documents handled efficiently?
Our dedicated team processes registration paperwork within 15 minutes and ensures all legal requirements are met promptly.
Reviews (5)
Haseeb Ahmad
Dec 19, 2021
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Since I have been working with Zest, I have been impressed by the different types of work they have provided and the variety of schools they have on offer. For me, Megan Jones has been an excellent consultant, which has involved her going above and beyond my expectations. She is an effective communicator and always looks after her supply teachers. I highly recommend that you get in touch with Megan and her colleagues for some high quality work.
Isra Shaheen
Dec 19, 2021
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Positive:Quality
Great communication, a very helpful and reliable agency. Always made me feel satisfied with their service!! - massive shoutout to Mike for placing me in local schools and giving me support when needed. Thank you :)
Great communication, a very helpful and reliable agency. Always made me feel satisfied with their service!! - massive shoutout to Mike for placing me in local schools and giving me support when needed. Thank you :)
Mara Zarina
Dec 15, 2021
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Zest Education is the best agency I have ever worked for. I had constant work and Mike - the agent would always go above and beyond. Since working for Zest I have now a permanent placement in a school and recently got promoted. Mike always listened to my needs and placed me in the perfect school for me. I'm very grateful for this opportunity and I wish many more people will get similar opportunities through Zest Education.
Fiona Rose Soares
Dec 07, 2021
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Zest Education is an amazing agency, with excellent staff that always puts you first!!! There's a certain sense of pride that I feel when I say I'm from Zest. LIAM is an absolute superstar!! He ensured a no stress registration, and has made sure I've had work every single day since! I have to commend the team, especially Liam for their commitment to us supply teachers. I feel supported and well taken care of because they communicate and manage my days so very efficiently. Thank you for everything Zest!!!
Amy S.
Dec 05, 2021
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I applied to work with ZEST just before the summer holidays and was amazed by how efficient the process was. I was initially concerned that I may not find work since I have such a restricted schedule but the job is super flexible and they are more than happy to cater around you. Mitch contacted me every Friday prior to the following week to confirm my availability and provided me with work whether it be 1, 2 or 3 days that week. I also had a preference for working in a SEND school and Mitch was more than happy to supply me with regular work at one particular AS school. Definitely recommend, I
