At Zen, we’re a certified B Corp transforming how schools and educators connect, because every student deserves consistent access to excellent teaching.
Zen Educate is a digital staffing platform matching teachers, teaching assistants (also known as paraprofessionals or classroom aides), special education support staff, substitute and supply teachers, early years and early childhood educators, and wider school support staff with schools.
By replacing traditional agency intermediaries with smart matching technology, Zen Educate charges roughly half the typical agency fee - so educators earn more and schools save money.
Over 13,000 educators have found roles through Zen Educate, and 2,000+ schools actively book staff through the platform every month. The matching engine fills over 97% of short-term daily substitute and supply teacher requests. Educators sign up online, complete safeguarding and background checks, set preferences in the app, and get matched to daily, long-term, or permanent roles.
Founded in 2017, Zen Educate is an accredited social enterprise and government-approved education staffing supplier, backed by Series B funding led by Round2 Capital and grown through the acquisitions of Opus Education, Aquinas Education, and AK Education.
Proud to be a certified B Corp.
Rating Reviews
Rating is calculated based on
17
reviews and is evolving.
Pros: The team at Zen Educate is fantastic, really supportive and collaborative. I've felt genuinely valued here, and the focus on employee well-being is evident. The hybrid working setup is brilliant for managing personal commitments without sacrificing productivity. It's a forward-thinking company within the education technology industry.
Cons: While the career progression is generally good, sometimes it can feel a bit unclear about the exact pathways for advancement within certain departments. More structured mentorship programs could really enhance the experience for newer team members seeking to grow.
Advice to Management: Keep fostering the strong team spirit and clear communication. Investing further in structured career pathing and development resources would be fantastic for retaining talent.
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Pros: It's great to feel like you're actually helping schools find the right staff, which is a core part of what we do. The flexibility offered, especially for remote and hybrid working setups, really helps with work-life balance. The team I work with is very collaborative and supportive, making the challenging aspects of recruitment in the education industry much more manageable. There's a good sense of camaraderie.
Cons: Sometimes communication can be a bit disjointed, especially when dealing with multiple stakeholders or urgent placements. There are also moments where the workload can feel overwhelming, perhaps due to the rapid growth the company is experiencing. Streamlining some internal processes could help with efficiency.
Advice to Management: Continue focusing on team collaboration and investing in better communication tools to support the company's growth and improve operational efficiency.
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Pros: I really appreciate the mission-driven aspect of Zen Educate; connecting schools with great teachers feels impactful. The company culture is pretty collaborative, and there's a good amount of autonomy in the Recruitment Consultant role. The Vancouver team is friendly, and there's a genuine effort from leadership to foster a positive environment. Remote work flexibility is a definite plus for work-life balance.
Cons: While leadership is generally accessible, sometimes communication about broader company strategy could be clearer, especially regarding process changes. Some onboarding materials for new roles could also be more comprehensive to speed up integration. It's a fast-paced environment, which is good, but can occasionally lead to feeling a bit stretched thin on specific projects.
Advice to Management: Continue to foster open communication and transparency, especially around strategic shifts. Investing further in robust training for new hires will enhance team efficiency and support long-term growth.
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Does Zen Educate offer any commuter benefits for their teachers working in London?
As a teacher with Zen Educate in London, I haven't seen specific commuter benefits advertised, but their flexible scheduling often helps reduce travel stress. It's worth asking directly about any potential support for roles in the education sector.
Does Zen Educate offer any professional development or education assistance for teachers working in London schools?
Yes, Zen Educate provides access to ongoing professional development opportunities and support for teachers, helping them to enhance their skills and advance their careers within the education sector in London.
As a CEO looking to scale a tech company, what's Zen Educate's approach to hiring leadership roles?
Zen Educate focuses on understanding the specific strategic needs of a growing tech company like ours, ensuring leadership hires align with our long-term vision and culture.
What are the benefits of working for Zen Educate as a teacher?
Zen Educate offers competitive rates and flexible working hours, which really helped me balance my teaching career with personal commitments. It's a great platform for finding roles in the education sector, especially within UK schools.
What are the benefits of working at Zen Educate as a teacher?
Zen Educate offers great flexibility for teachers in the education sector, letting me choose my own hours and work in various London schools. It's been fantastic for work-life balance.
Can I work from home as a teacher with Zen Educate in the UK?
Yes, Zen Educate offers many remote teaching roles across the UK, allowing me to tutor students online from home. It's great for finding flexible, part-time opportunities in the education sector.
What is the interview process like at Zen Educate for a teaching role?
My interview for a secondary school teaching position at Zen Educate involved an initial screening call, followed by a practical teaching observation and a final panel interview. The entire process for this edtech company felt structured and focused on assessing my classroom skills.
What is the typical work environment like at Zen Educate for a teacher?
The work environment at Zen Educate is generally collaborative and supportive, with a focus on helping teachers find fulfilling roles. You'll find a team dedicated to improving the educational landscape through technology and personalized support.