Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it!

Jan Shadick, CEO at Haberdashers' Academies Trust South

"My recruitment partnership with Tarja Aila has been a longstanding one, commencing in 2012. It’s based on trust and her thorough understanding of our requirements.

Over the 8 years, Tarja has supported me and other senior leaders in the organisations I have worked at recruiting many outstanding senior leaders, teachers and support staff for permanent and long-term roles.

Tarja’s knowledge of the marketplace and her dedication to understanding each school or MAT’s culture is second to none. She is always prepared to go above and beyond to find the right match for each school through her large professional network and search & selection expertise.

She is efficient, transparent and professional and she saves us time as she only puts strong candidates forward to each role. One of the great values of working with someone like Tarja is that she takes time to get to know the organisation and our needs as well as how we work. This means that she can ensure that candidates are given the full picture before they apply.

A candidate experience is important to us and those placed into our organisations have felt that Tarja listened to their aspirations and requirements, supported them throughout the application process and was able to find them the right role.

I highly recommend Tarja and Aston Education as a recruitment partner."

Jonty Archibald, Principal at Global Academy

I have worked with Tarja for many years and most recently on a ‘challenging to fill’ key appointment for our academy.

Tarja took time to truly understand the role being recruited and the ethos and requirements of the organisation. She is skilled in search, strategic communication, and promotion attracting top talent, which allowed us to appoint an outstanding candidate for the role.

I would recommend Tarja and Aston Education as a recruitment partner without reservation.

Porsha, Economics and Business Studies Teacher

"Tarja supported me to secure a part-time role in a London secondary school last summer.

She was a consummate professional and found a potential position that was suitable within a week of our first meeting.

Tarja has remained in contact with me throughout my fixed-term contract; negotiating on pay and conditions, checking in at the start of the role and enquiring of my future needs towards the end of my contract.

I would highly recommend her services for any stage of teaching career, she provides support and guidance that makes navigating your career within education easier."

María, MFL Teacher

"I would like to thank Tarja, from Aston Education, for helping me to secure my next teaching role. It is easy to get lost in the wide London job market and she was paramount in supporting me to land in the right school.

From the beginning to the end, Tarja was very knowledgeable, friendly and professional, always available and happy to help with anything.

She was a delight to work with and she went above and beyond to make sure I was fully supported along the way in the recruitment process. Her positive approach, excellent communication skills and sense of humour made the whole process a breeze.

She is, definitely, at the top of her game. Many thanks, Tarja!"

Sharon – Clerk to Governors / Governance Professional, Multi-Academy Trust

“Tarja helped me find the perfect part time job. She listened to my requirements and was able to match me to a local school who were requiring someone with my exact skill set.

She is a consummate professional and I do not hesitate to recommend her to you."

Kayleigh, Year 5 Teacher and Music Coordinator

“Tarja has been fantastic from start to finish!

She has remained professional at all times and works extremely efficiently. She has made what could have been a very stressful time for me, relaxed and trouble-free.

Tarja makes it her mission to ensure her clients are well informed and supported throughout the process of finding a new job and I would really recommend working with her.”

Senior Leader, Primary

“From the moment I first made contact with Tarja, she has been a consummate professional: reliable; organised and efficient; patient with my queries; and reassuring.

I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with her and shall always be grateful for her help and support.”

Lia - Teacher of English

"Tarja was consistently kind, professional and helpful.

She guided me through the initial process before efficiently finding an array of suitable part-time options. She was a constant source of support during the application and interview stages.

Once placed, she was on hand to answer all my questions and continued to check in regularly.

I would unreservedly recommend working with Tarja and Aston Education."

Asma - Sixth Form Academic Mentor

"I had a fantastic experience with Tarja at Aston Education. Right from the start, she was welcoming and easy to talk to.

I told her what I was looking for and now only a few months later I’m settling into a brilliant new job that she helped me find.

Tarja was so helpful from start to finish, I wouldn’t have made it to this role without her support!"

Mark Bland, Executive Headteacher at The Griffin Schools Trust

“Tarja is one of the best recruiters I have ever worked with. She is very efficient, professional and incredibly hard-working.

Most importantly, Tarja takes the time to listen and find out about your school and what sort of staff you need, so she only puts forward candidates who have the skills and experience for the job.

Tarja has been my preferred recruiter for nearly ten years, and I would highly recommend her without any reservation to any school.”

Sue Northend, Director of HR at REAch2 Academy Trust

“Aston Education has worked in a successful partnership with REAch2 over a number of years and are always prompt in presenting calibre candidates in line with the brief.

Tarja understands the importance of a good cultural fit for a successful appointment. She has worked with us on a number of ‘challenging to fill’ positions and delivered.”

Steve, Substantive Primary Principal

“I can only say positive things about Tarja. Throughout the process, she has been professional and supportive.

Her personable approach was very much appreciated, and she worked tirelessly to secure a Headteacher role for me. This often involved negotiating on my behalf to secure the best outcome for myself and the school.

Her support during the interview stage was invaluable; I was more than prepared.

I would recommend Tarja and Aston Education without reservation.”

Jason, Substantive Primary Principal

“Tarja showed high levels of professionalism and efficiency throughout the entire process.

She was able to listen to my needs and quickly found me a suitable role to apply for. She was transparent throughout the whole process and went above and beyond to ensure I was successful.

I have worked with many agencies and agents in the past who have also been very good but Tarja's levels of efficacy makes her a cut above the rest.”

Marion, Substantive Primary Principal

I cannot praise or thank Tarja highly enough. She really took time to understand my experience, skills and values.

Tarja was very knowledgeable about the Trust I was applying to due to the relationship she had built up with them over the years. Tarja wasn’t remotely pushy but rather offered timely advice and took a genuine interest in ensuring I was as prepared as possible for the interview process.

Tarja went over and above, and I felt extremely well supported.
Lazaros, Deputy Head of Mathematics and Lead Practitioner
Tarja has been a great professional.

Not only, she managed to find a school that really is suitable for this stage of my career, she has also done this very swiftly. Tarja has the finisher approach. She will get things done effectively and immediately.

Beverley – Business Support Officer, Multi-Academy Trust

“Tarja has been OUTSTANDING.

Her knowledge of the education sector is matchless, and she possess very strong expertise on what various roles entail. She was able to successfully find me a suitable full-time position in the space of just nine days from application to offer!!!

Tarja's commitment to supporting those she is working with is unquestionable and I would recommend her to everyone. This has been an incredible experience in what can sometimes be a daunting situation. She truly knows what she's doing and won't leave you in the dark.

Thank you, Tarja!”

Asia, Science Teacher (ECT)

“Tarja was absolutely amazing.

I have to commend her efficiency and professionalism. Within a day of speaking to her, I had an interview with a wonderful school, and the school also mentioned how reliable she is.

Her instructions were clear and comprehensive, and she made the hassle of job hunting feel like an ocean breeze.”

Laurent - Sixth Form Academic Mentor

"It has been amazing working with Tarja & Aston Education Ltd. The service has been professional and very helpful as they have secured a wonderful job opportunity for myself.

I would definitely recommend other clients to use this agency to find work in the education sector.

They are very reliable, communication is outstanding, and they have supported me every step of the way. From the interview process, collecting documents, contract negotiation, and ensuring a smooth transition into the school."

Chris - Facilities Manager

“I applied for a Facilities Manager role that was being advertised by Aston Education. Tarja made contact with me straight after I submitted my application and was amazing from the start of the process, right through to the end.

Tarja was there with support and encouragement with a phone call the night before the interview to see if I needed anything and to wish me luck. There was also a quick little good luck message on the day. Even after securing the role, Tarja is still assisting with contract signing and start dates.

The service I received was second to none and it's the small details that make a difference. Job hunting and interviews can be a tough and nerve racking-time but, I really felt like I had Aston Education's support behind. Thank you!”