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Setting the Future Foundation

Primary & Secondary Education Recruitment

At Dovetail & Slate, we know that schools aren't just places of learning, they're the heart of our communities. From nurturing Early Years teachers to inspiring subject specialists and supportive Teaching Assistants, we find staff who bring warmth, passion and resilience into every classroom.

What We Do

At Dovetail & Slate, we're committed to supporting primary and secondary schools with people who care as much as you do. From nurturing Early Years teachers to inspiring subject specialists and supportive Teaching Assistants, we find staff who bring warmth, passion and resilience into every classroom.

Our job is simple: to connect schools with talent that inspires children, supports families and shapes brighter futures. We work with all school types UK-wide, helping you find reliable staff and supporting candidates in their next career move.

Whether you're wanting to move up to Senior Leadership roles, or you're looking to find your first Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) placement, we operate across all levels of seniority in Primary and Secondary Education.

Why Choose Dovetail & Slate

We understand the pressures, challenges, and magic of the classroom

We Understand Schools

We get the pressures, the challenges, and the magic of the classroom. Our team has real education sector experience.

We Care About Fit

It's not just about skills—it's about compassion, commitment and values. We match people, not just CVs.

We Move Quickly

Whether it's emergency cover or a permanent hire, we're there when you need us with rapid response times.

Long-Term Partnerships

Building trusted partnerships with schools, academies and trusts nationwide for sustainable recruitment solutions.

End-to-End Support

From first call to first day, we'll support you at every step of your recruitment journey.

Rigorous Vetting

Our rigorous vetting and screening procedures ensure safeguarding and compliance excellence.

Roles We Recruit

Our primary and secondary school recruitment services cover all roles

Leadership & Management

Headteachers, Deputy Heads, Assistant Heads, SLT members, and senior leadership positions across primary and secondary settings.

Primary School Teachers

EYFS Teachers, KS1 Teachers, KS2 Teachers, and Primary Class Teachers for all year groups and subject areas.

Secondary Subject Teachers

Subject specialists across all curriculum areas including English, Maths, Science, Humanities, Languages, Arts, PE, and Technology.

SEN & Inclusion

SENCO roles, SEN Teachers, Inclusion Coordinators, and specialists in supporting children with additional needs.

Teaching Assistants & Support

Teaching Assistants (all levels), Learning Support Assistants, 1:1 Support Staff, and Classroom Support roles.

Pastoral & Safeguarding

Pastoral Leads, Safeguarding Officers, Behaviour Support Staff, Wellbeing Coordinators, and Mentors.

Administration & Office

School Business Managers, Office Managers, Administrators, Receptionists, Data Managers, and Finance Staff.

Estates & Facilities

Site Managers, Caretakers, Facilities Staff, Cleaners, Maintenance Teams, and Premises professionals.

What Our Clients Say

Hear from schools and teachers we've worked with

"A highly responsive recruitment agency with excellent customer service — professional, efficient, and a pleasure to work with from start to finish."
AM

Amanda Maddocks

client
"A thorough and professional service with a comprehensive client base."
JJ

John Jones

client

Resources for Teachers

Helpful guides and information for education professionals

Featured 9 min read

Work-life Balance in Education

This resource document addresses the unique challenges of maintaining work-life balance in teaching roles, offering strategies for managing workload effectively, setting boundaries, dealing with marking and planning demands, and maintaining wellbeing during term time.

  • Sustainable teaching practices
  • Manage education workload
All
Read More
Featured 7 min read

Maintaining Professional Boundaries in Educational Settings

This resource provides guidance on maintaining professional boundaries in educational settings, covering relationships with students, colleagues, and parents, as well as digital boundaries and safeguarding considerations.

  • Professional conduct guidance
  • Safeguarding awareness
All
Read More
Featured 6 min read

What to Expect from the Safeguarding Process

This document provides an overview of safeguarding requirements for education roles, including understanding DBS checks, types of safeguarding training required, maintaining professional boundaries, and supporting vulnerable learners.

  • Understand safeguarding requirements
  • Prepare for DBS process
All
Read More
Featured 15 min read

How to Get into an Education Role: An Introductory Guide for Career Changers

This guide provides an overview of different education roles, qualification requirements and pathways into teaching and support roles for career changers.

  • Explore education career options
  • Understand qualification pathways
Career Changers
Read More
Featured 10 min read

How to Prepare for an Interview for Teaching Positions

This resource provides comprehensive strategies for preparing for teaching interviews, including researching the school, preparing for common questions and demonstrating subject knowledge.

  • Education-specific interview strategies
  • Build confidence for teaching interviews
All
Read More
Featured 8 min read

How to Write a Winning CV for Education Professionals

A comprehensive guide for education professionals on crafting a CV that stands out in the teaching sector. Includes practical tips and examples for highlighting teaching qualifications, classroom experience, and professional development.

  • Tailored CV advice for education sector
  • Stand out to school recruiters
All
Read More
Teaching Skills 10 min read

Classroom Management Techniques

This resource covers essential strategies for managing classroom behaviour and creating positive learning environments, including establishing classroom rules and expectations, positive behaviour management strategies, dealing with challenging behaviour, creating engaging learning environments and building rapport with students.

  • Effective classroom control
  • Positive learning environment
New Teachers
Read More
Teaching Skills 5 min read

Supply Teaching Success Guide

A comprehensive guide for experienced teachers to excel in supply teaching roles, covering quick adaptation, effective class management, and building rapport with students.

  • Supply teaching confidence
  • Quick adaptation strategies
Experienced Teachers
Read More
Career Pathways 12 min read

How to Become a Secondary School Teacher

A comprehensive guide on the pathways to becoming a secondary school teacher, including qualification requirements, training routes and career progression.

  • Clear pathway to secondary teaching
  • Understand training options
New Teachers
Read More
Career Pathways 8 min read

How to Start a Career in Educational Support

This resource document provides guidance on starting a career in educational support, focusing on non-teaching roles such as teaching assistants, learning support and administrative positions. It covers qualification requirements, the contribution of support staff to education, career progression and skill-building for career-changers.

  • Explore non-teaching education roles
  • Understand support career pathways
Career Changers
Read More
Job Application Support 12 min read

How to Apply for Jobs in Schools and Colleges

A comprehensive guide for education professionals on applying for roles in schools and colleges, covering the entire application process.

  • Complete application guidance
  • Understand school recruitment process
All
Read More

Meet Your Education Specialists

Our experienced education recruitment consultants are here to help

David Hilliker

David Hilliker

Principal Recruitment Consultant

Childcare & Early YearsClinical Care & NursingCounselling
Taylor Miller-Davies

Taylor Miller-Davies

Principal Recruitment Consultant

Principal/VPDirector of FacultyDirector of Curriculum

I love camping yet have a fear of pigeons...and other birds!

Chloe Railton

Chloe Railton

Managing Recruitment Consultant

Additional Learning SupportJob CoachesLearning Coaches

Chloe specialises in SEN recruitment, supporting education providers to build teams that genuinely change lives.

Robbie Wilson

Robbie Wilson

Managing Recruitment Consultant

Secondary Education

I was once a professional wrestler.

Chris Mills

Chris Mills

Senior Recruitment Consultant

Principal/VPDirector of FacultyDirector of Curriculum

My middle name is legally 'Spiderman'.

Josh Evans

Josh Evans

Recruitment Consultant

Childcare & Early YearsClinical Care & NursingCounselling

Interesting fact about me would be that I have a letter from the Queen!

Safeguarding & Compliance

Our rigorous vetting and screening procedures have been created and are overseen by a team with a wealth of experience in the education sector. We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children and young people.

All candidates undergo comprehensive checks including:

  • Enhanced DBS checks
  • Identity and right to work verification
  • Professional reference verification (minimum 2 references)
  • Qualification verification and Teaching Regulation Agency checks
  • Prohibition from teaching checks
  • Overseas police checks where applicable

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you're a school looking for exceptional teachers or an educator seeking your next opportunity, we're here to help.