While teacher shortages often dominate headlines, schools are also struggling to recruit and retain the support staff who keep everything running behind the scenes.
From admin and finance teams to pastoral support, learning assistants, site staff, and IT technicians, these roles are essential to school life. Yet recruitment processes often treat them as secondary, leading to poor outcomes and avoidable turnover.
Here is how schools and trusts can take a smarter approach.
Why support staff roles are hard to fill
These positions often face several challenges:
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Pay scales that are lower than comparable roles in the private sector
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Term-time only contracts that limit income
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Lack of structured development or progression routes
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High pressure and limited recognition
At the same time, expectations have increased. Support staff are now expected to manage safeguarding concerns, deliver behaviour interventions, run data systems, and provide emotional support to pupils.
What candidates want
Strong candidates for support roles often value:
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A positive team culture and clear communication
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Fair workload expectations
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Flexible working hours or clarity around term-time expectations
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Opportunities for training or professional development
Many are motivated by impact, not just income. Highlighting the difference they make can help attract the right people.
How to improve support staff recruitment
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Be specific about the role
Avoid generic job titles. Make it clear what the person will be doing day to day and what support is available. -
Streamline your recruitment process
Delays in shortlisting or unclear interview formats can put off applicants. Many support staff candidates are applying to multiple roles and may accept elsewhere if communication is slow. -
Offer structured onboarding
Help new staff understand school systems, policies, and expectations early. This improves confidence and reduces early turnover. -
Invest in retention
Support staff are more likely to stay when they feel part of the team. Include them in training days, development discussions, and school-wide decisions.
Barrow Mount recruits across the whole school team
We help schools and trusts find qualified, motivated staff for support, admin, and pastoral roles. If your support services are stretched or your job ads are not landing, we can help improve both reach and fit.
