FEATURE FOCUS: RECRUITMENT
Why a digital recruitment process is essential for schools and MATs in 2025
education. Now, in 2025, awareness has grown significantly, particularly among HR professionals. Today, over half of multi-academy trusts (MATs) utilise an ATS to streamline their recruitment processes.
An ATS digitises the entire hiring process, from online applications and interview scheduling to reference requests and candidate management. For larger employers, this means handling thousands of applications efficiently, saving valuable time, and improving overall recruitment outcomes.
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ecruiting and retaining staff remains a significant challenge for many schools. Wayne Cartmel, Founder & CEO of MyNewTerm - winners of ‘Recruitment Support Company of the Year’ at the Education Today School & Supplier Awards 2024 - explores how schools are increasingly rethinking their recruitment processes, reducing barriers for applicants, and prioritising a positive candidate experience to attract top talent.
A few years ago, the term ‘Applicant Tracking System’ (ATS) was unfamiliar to many in
Enhancing the candidate experience Despite the increasing adoption of ATS platforms, thousands of schools and trusts still rely on manual recruitment methods—paper- based applications, email correspondence, and spreadsheets. While this might be manageable for low-volume hiring, even smaller schools can benefit from an ATS, primarily by improving the candidate experience.
Applying for jobs in education can be complex. Unlike many industries where submitting a CV is sufficient, education recruitment must comply with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) regulations, meaning each school or trust often has its own lengthy and manual application process. As a result, candidates must repeatedly complete different application forms for each school, leading many to abandon the process entirely—causing
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schools to miss out on talented candidates. A digital application process removes these barriers. With 94% of UK adults owning a smartphone (2024 statistics), a mobile-friendly ATS ensures that candidates can apply from any device. This accessibility reduces frustration and broadens the talent pool, particularly for those without access to a computer.
First impressions matter
The application process is often a candidate’s first experience with a school or trust. A cumbersome, frustrating process can create a negative impression, discouraging future applications.
Timely communication is another critical factor. One of the biggest frustrations for candidates is not rejection but being ‘ghosted’— receiving no response or update on their application status. An ATS resolves this by allowing candidates to track their applications, receive automated email/SMS notifications, and communicate directly with employers. Employers, in turn, can bulk-update statuses while still sending personalised messages, ensuring a professional and respectful candidate experience.
The importance of support staff recruitment When discussing education recruitment, many think solely of teachers. However, the majority of vacancies in schools are for support staff. In
March 2025
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