Our Team
Learn More About Gold Education Recruitment Consultants
Our team brings decades of combined experience in education recruitment, united by a shared passion for supporting schools and helping education professionals thrive.
Every consultant offers a personal, dedicated and supportive approach, ensuring that both candidates and schools feel valued from the very first conversation.
Paul Yates
Director & Executive Consultant
Primary School Specialist
Paul heads up our Consultancy team and has specialised in education recruitment since 2008. With over 15 years of experience in the sector, he has developed a deep understanding of schools’ needs and the qualities that make an outstanding candidate. Over the years, Paul has built long-lasting relationships with schools and teaching staff across Essex, and takes great pride in matching candidates with schools where both can thrive.
Paul believes that recruitment is about more than filling a role — it’s about finding the right fit for both schools and candidates, ensuring that every placement has a meaningful, positive impact on pupils’ learning and experiences. He values the personal connections he makes with clients and candidates alike and is committed to providing guidance, support, and insight every step of the way.
"I know how important it is to find clients and candidates the right match. I am passionate about the work we achieve at Gold Education Recruitment, and I want every client and candidate who joins us to feel valued and appreciated. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities, seeking advice about the recruitment process, or just want an informal chat about working in schools, our team is here to help — you can contact us here."
- Paul Yates
Paul’s dedication and hands-on approach make him a trusted partner for schools looking for outstanding staff and for candidates seeking their next role. His extensive knowledge, combined with his genuine care for people, ensures that every interaction with Gold Education Recruitment is professional, supportive, and personal.
Chris Barlow
Executive Consultant
Secondary School Specialist
Chris has been supporting Secondary Schools across Essex, Hertfordshire, and Suffolk for over 15 years. With extensive experience in education recruitment, he believes the key to his success lies in providing a friendly, approachable, and efficient service to both schools and candidates.
"Secondary school is such an important phase of a person's life, and this is why it is vital that Secondary schools have the right teachers and education staff. I am very passionate about supporting all of our candidates and clients every step of the way to make sure our amazing candidates are matched with the very best Secondary schools in Essex, Suffolk, and Hertfordshire."
– Chris Barlow
Chris takes pride in building strong relationships with schools and candidates alike, understanding the unique culture, requirements, and ambitions of each. His focus is on making meaningful placements that benefit both students and staff, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on learning and school communities.
Known for his dedication, professionalism, and personal approach, Chris ensures that every candidate he works with is supported throughout the recruitment process, and every school receives staff who are not only qualified but also a perfect fit for their environment.
Clare Yates
Compliance Manager
Clare has worked in the education recruitment industry since 2011 and currently heads up our Compliance department as Compliance Manager. With over a decade of experience, Clare plays a vital role in ensuring that every candidate and school we work with meets the highest professional and regulatory standards.
"Supporting our candidates and clients every step of the way through their employment process is so important to us at Gold Education Recruitment. We are here to help, advise, support, and be in contact whenever needed."
– Clare Yates
Clare holds a BA Hons Degree in Early Childhood Studies and Sociology and a Level 3 Certificate in Recruitment Practice through the Recruitment Employment Confederation (REC). Her qualifications and extensive experience enable her to recruit, vet, and place candidates to the highest standards, ensuring that all placements fully comply with REC guidelines.
Known for her meticulous attention to detail and dedication to best practice, Clare ensures that both schools and candidates can trust the recruitment process from start to finish. Her guidance and support give clients peace of mind that every candidate placed by Gold Education Recruitment is fully compliant, skilled, and ready to make a positive impact in the classroom.