TES Acquires Schrole: What It Means for International Teaching Families

At the end of 2024, TES Global acquired Schrole Group Ltd – two major players in international school recruitment.

While the platforms continue to operate separately, the merger signals some broader changes that international teaching families should keep an eye on.

Let’s take a look.

What’s Happened – and Why It Matters

TES Global, best known for its education job boards and teacher resources, has now added Schrole, a recruitment and compliance platform widely used by international schools, to its portfolio. Schrole’s tools focus on safeguarding, onboarding, and streamlining international hires.

For schools, this could mean easier systems and stronger compliance tools. But for international teachers and their families, the impact may be less immediate, but still important to understand.

What TES Acquiring Schrole Could Mean for You

In the short term at least, its likely that teachers won’t see any major changes to the way they use either platform.

Both platforms will remain separate, and your usual recruitment timelines, job fairs, and application processes should feel familiar – depending on which teaching agencies or platforms you use.

But in the long term, you may want to keep an eye out for these potential trends:

Fewer Platforms, More Control

Consolidation can improve job-matching and compliance tools. But it could also lead to less competition among platforms. This could mean fewer options for schools and rising fees for recruitment. This could where you look to find jobs as an international teacher.

Better Matching for Families

Integrated systems may improve filtering for jobs that fit better your family’s needs.

You may find platforms offer more – so you can search by teacher benefits (e.g., housing support, flight allowances etc). Or even how many children are offered tuition at the school to decide if it’s right for you.

Fee Pressures on Schools

Larger platforms often introduce tiered pricing. If schools face higher fees, some may cut back on recruitment benefits or limit the number of international hires.

We’ve heard rumours that with the acquisition, the Schrole fees for advertising jobs have simply been converted from USD to GBP. If true, that’s a significant bump without providing any additional value to the school.

Data Security

More centralised systems mean more of your data (such as passport details, certifications and qualifications, references etc) could be shared. While we’re not saying this is the case with TES and Schrole, who both have excellent reputations for cyber security, it’s always a good idea to check privacy policies when signing up with any recruitment platform.

International Recruitment Trends to Watch

Here are some of our predictions for the international education recruitment industry’s future in the next few years (some of which we’re already starting to see).

1. Continued Consolidation

As competition tightens and schools seek even greater efficiency, we predict there’ll be even more mergers among recruitment, onboarding, and safeguarding platforms.

2. Rise of AI-Driven Matching

Platforms to introduce or expand AI tools to “match” teachers to roles based on skills, cultural fit, family needs, and even previous school types. While this could benefit some international teaching families, it could also sideline those who don’t fit algorithmic patterns.

3. Direct-to-Candidate Models

Some schools, especially well-known ones with established reputations, could move toward more direct hiring. For example, using LinkedIn, internal portals, or social media to avoid rising recruitment fees.

4. Tiered Access and Pay-to-Play

Recruitment platforms may shift toward premium tiers for both schools and candidates. That could mean earlier access to job postings or enhanced visibility for candidates who pay—raising equity concerns in the sector.

Final Thought on TES and Schrole

For now, the TES–Schrole acquisition isn’t a game-changer for most teaching families. But it could signal more of a broader shift in the sector.

As recruitment platforms consolidate, it becomes more important than ever to stay informed, use a range of different online resources, and rely on your network to keep you and your family informed – and prepared for future moves.