AK Teaching ltd acquired by Zen Educate. North East-based education recruitment specialist AK Teaching has been acquired by international education staffing technology platform Zen Educate. Founded in 2012 by Anthony Kirtley, AK Teaching has grown into one of the largest independent education recruitment agencies in the North East. From its original base, and now Head Office in Sunderland, the business supplies full and part-time teaching and support staff, including teachers, early years practitioners, nursery nurses and teaching assistants to primary, secondary and SEND schools. Under the acquisition, the existing management team of AK Teaching will continue to run the business as part of Zen Educate, supported by the group's wider infrastructure, investment and technology platform. Zen Educate has rapidly become one of the leading technology-driven staffing platforms in the education sector across the UK and US, connecting schools directly with available educators. The company has raised over $70m since 2024 to support its ongoing expansion and is pursuing a strategy of both organic and acquisitive growth. The acquisition strengthens Zen's presence across the North of England and brings together two businesses with strong regional networks, shared values, and a commitment to improving recruitment in the education sector. Advising the shareholders of AK Teaching was Newcastle-based RG Corporate Finance (RGCF), led by Partner and Head of Corporate Finance, Carl Swansbury, CF Senior Manager Sam Shield and CF Executive Andy Alexander. Legal advice to the shareholders of AK Teaching was provided by a team from Newcastle-based Muckle LLP including Stephanie Brown, Matthew Walsh, Lucy Dougall, Atif Salim and Abi Chorlton-Wilson. Zen Educate received legal advice from Trethowans, led by Lucy Gleisner and Amrita Sangha, with financial and tax due diligence undertaken by Wilson Partners' Tom Bradbury and Lucas Humphries. Anthony Kirtley, Founder and Managing Director of AK Teaching, said: "Over the past 13 years we've built AK Teaching into a trusted partner for schools and candidates across the North, thanks to the dedication of our team and the strong relationships we've formed with the education community. "Joining Zen Educate marks the start of an exciting next chapter. Their investment, technology and vision will help us enhance the service we provide to schools and continue our growth, while staying true to the values that got us here." Slava Kremerman, CEO of Zen Educate, said: "Our ambition is to continue expanding across the UK and internationally through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions where there is a strong values alignment to do right by the education sector." "AK Teaching is a fantastic addition to the Zen Educate family, it's a well-established business with an excellent reputation, strong regional presence and a team that shares our commitment to supporting schools, educators and pupils. Together, we can drive complementary growth and make an even greater impact across the education sector."

Zen Educate has raised $37 million in a Series B funding round led by Round2 Capital, with participation from existing investors. This marks the largest European edtech investment this year. The funds will support Zen Educate's expansion and acquisitions in the UK and US, aiming to reduce hiring costs by improving teacher placement efficiency. The company plans to save the education system over $100 million annually by refining its recruitment model and developing workforce management software.