Traditional Values. Modern Outlook.
Independent School Recruitment Specialists
Looking for people who'll fit your culture and start strong in week one? We connect independent schools with teachers, leaders and support staff who balance heritage with innovation and bring excellence to every lesson, every role, every day.
What Sets Us Apart
What We Do
We're proud to be one of the UK's leading specialists in independent school recruitment. From day-to-day cover to senior leadership appointments, we provide staffing solutions that are fast, flexible and focused on long-term success.
Whether you're looking for a Principal, a Maths teacher or an outstanding Pastoral Lead, we find people who bring warmth, expertise and genuine commitment to independent education. We go beyond the CV to understand your ethos, your values, and what makes your school special.
The right people protect your reputation with parents and trusteesβand lift co-curricular life as much as academic results. Because education matters. We promise, we deliver. It's that simple.
Why Work With Us
We're more than just recruiters, we're your trusted partner in building outstanding teams
We Understand Independent Schools
We know the difference between a prep school and a senior school, between boarding and day. We understand your ethos, your values, and what makes your school special.
Values-Led Matching
It's not just about qualifications, it's about fit. We match candidates who align with your school's culture, whether that's academic rigour, pastoral warmth, or sporting excellence.
Typical 48-Hour Shortlists
We deliver shortlists for permanent roles within 48 hours typically, with same-day options for urgent cover, all candidates fully vetted and genuinely interested in your school.
Aligned with KCSIE & ISS
We work in full compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education and the Independent School Standards, so you never lose sleep over safeguarding and regulatory requirements.
Expert Team Led by Elliott
Our consultants, led by COO Elliott Redmond, bring deep sector knowledge and genuine passion for independent education. We're here to support you at every step.
Peace of Mind for Your Community
Reliable, aligned staff provide confidence to parents and trustees. We help you maintain the standards your community expects and the consistency that drives results.
Roles We Cover
From classroom to boardroom, from boarding house to sports fieldβwe recruit for every role
Senior Leadership
Heads, Principals, Deputy Heads, Assistant Heads, Directors of Studies, and senior leadership team members across prep, senior and sixth form settings.
Teaching Staff
Subject teachers across all disciplines and key stages: English, Maths, Sciences, Humanities, Languages, Arts, Music, Drama, PE, Design & Technology, Computing, and more.
Boarding & Pastoral
Houseparents, Assistant Houseparents, Matrons, Gap Year Assistants, Boarding Assistants, Pastoral Coordinators, Chaplains, and Wellbeing Leads.
SEN & Learning Support
SENCOs, Learning Support Teachers, Specialist SEN Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Exam Access Coordinators, and Educational Psychologists.
Early Years & Pre-Prep
EYFS Teachers, Pre-Prep Teachers, Nursery Managers, Forest School Leaders, and Early Years Practitioners for nursery and pre-prep settings.
Bursary & Finance
Bursars, Finance Managers, Finance Directors, Fees Administrators, Procurement Officers, and financial management professionals.
Admissions & Marketing
Directors of Admissions, Registrars, Admissions Officers, Marketing & Communications Managers, and Development Directors.
Support & Administrative
HR Coordinators, School Secretaries, Receptionists, Office Managers, Data Managers, and administrative support staff.
Estates & Operations
Estates Managers, Maintenance Teams, Caretakers, Groundskeepers, Cleaners, Catering Staff, and Facilities Managers.
Co-Curricular & Enrichment
Sports Coaches, Music Teachers, Drama Directors, Duke of Edinburgh Coordinators, Activities Coordinators, and enrichment programme staff.
What Our Schools Say
Hear from independent school leaders and teachers we've worked with
"10/10 I had an excellent experience with Dovetail and Slate, who quickly understood what I was looking for and matched me with the perfect role. I really appreciated the regular updates and clear communication throughout. I felt supported at every step, which made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I would highly recommend Dovetail and Slate to anyone seeking their next career move. I did not have to chase or worry about anything."
Anonymous
"My experience with Dovetail & Slate, specifically Matty and his team, has been nothing but exceptional. They have all really invested in me as the client and ensured they understand our needs. This translates equally to the commitment they show to the candidates they work with, being transparent with them and guiding them through the whole process. Where a candidate has been offered and accepted a role the job doesn't finish there, the team remain engaged with the candidate for time afterwards to see how they are doing and if there are any issues they may need support with. Even when our recruiting needs are fully met, the conversation continues just to keep abreast of things so that they are ready to react when called upon. I decline to work with other recruitment agencies such is my trust in Dovetail & Slate."
Anonymous
"From the first telephone call Mr D. Cordukes, from start to finish conducted a professional service. Always upfront with a vast amount of knowledge and advice. It was a pleasure to work with him and Dovetail & Slate team."
Anonymous
"I wanted to thank David from the bottom of my heart for sending me on the UCB assignment. His call seven weeks ago came as a godsend, as I was looking for work and never knew I was capable of achieving more. If he had not shown faith in me that day, I would never have come out of my shell and would never have had the chance to show my capabilities. I really appreciate his efforts as he went above and beyond looking after me in this short-term assignment. He gave me regular weekly calls to check up on me and is always ready to provide work for me in the future. I have absolutely loved working with Dovetail and Slate and look forward to continuing to do so."
Anonymous
"Dovetail & Slate offers amazing recruitment services. The organisation's prompt response to emails and calls is quite encouraging. It provides detailed and comprehensive information to potential employees or job seekers with excellent professional follow-up guidance. I had different recruiters inviting me for a talk after going through my LinkedIn page and knowing that I am highly experienced, but they would not provide details and clarity about their offers. Clarity and comprehensive details are an essential part of information that should never be ignored. This organisation is good at providing clear and comprehensive information. Also, the polite manner of approach from the organisation's representatives is quite welcoming. I strongly recommend the establishment keeps up with its approach to recruiting job seekers. My experience with the organisation is awesome."
Anonymous
"Paulina was incredibly helpful throughout my job search and documentation process. Her guidance was clear, professional, and always timely, making the entire experience smooth and stress-free. What I appreciated most was her genuine care, attention to detail, and willingness to go the extra mile. Thanks to her support, I successfully secured a job and completed all the necessary steps with confidence. I highly recommend her services!"
Anonymous
Meet Your Independent Schools Team
Our experienced consultants understand the unique world of independent education
No team members to display.
Safeguarding & Compliance
Independent schools demand the highest standards of safeguarding and compliance. Our rigorous vetting process ensures every candidate meets those standards, giving your school and your parents complete confidence.
All candidates undergo comprehensive checks including:
- Enhanced DBS checks with barred list checks
- Identity and right to work verification
- Professional reference verification from previous schools
- Qualification verification and Teaching Regulation Agency checks
- Prohibition from teaching checks and Section 128 checks for management roles (independent and academy settings)
- Overseas police checks where required
We work in full compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and the Independent School Standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Build Your Team?
Whether you're a school seeking outstanding staff or an educator looking for your next opportunity, we're here to help.