This March 14–15, the annual Search Associates London-March Fair once again brought global talent together in the heart of the UK capital. A lively and intimate gathering, the fair welcomed nearly 150 candidates and recruiters representing 27 international schools—ready to explore over 100 open positions across regions and curricula worldwide. In just one dynamic weekend, 150 interviews took place, and three weeks later, schools are still scheduling follow-up conversations.
Both candidates and recruiters repeatedly shared how warm, personal, and supportive this fair feels. Because the event coincided with Ramadan, a dedicated prayer room was available, ensuring all participants felt welcomed and accommodated.
Fair hosts Dominic and Adrienne Currer and Peter and Janelle Smyth were delighted to be joined by an exceptional team of Search Associates colleagues: Executive Assistant Rebecca Steadman of the UK North & Ireland office; Executive Assistant Janelle Smyth and Justina Thomas from the UK South office; Bill and Alison Turner; and Senior Consultant Jeremy Lewis. Their collective presence ensured that candidates and recruiters had expert guidance at every turn.
For many educators attending their first international school job fair, the London-March event is an ideal entry point. Its smaller scale and welcoming atmosphere create a more comfortable, accessible experience, especially for newly activated candidates or SEARCH educators re-entering the job market later in the school year. Because it runs exclusively on Saturday and Sunday, UK-based teachers can participate without taking time away from their classrooms.
Schools also find tremendous value in the timing of the fair. Late-season hiring needs are inevitable, and the London-March Fair offers a well-timed solution for filling unexpected openings. As Adrienne notes, “We get schools coming to this fair from some very interesting and exciting places around the world,” adding to the fair’s vibrancy and global mix.
For more than a decade, the Hilton Paddington in Central London, a venue praised year after year for its seamless logistics and exceptional comfort, has been home to this event. With a direct train link to Heathrow Airport, the Hilton Paddington is wonderfully convenient for international recruiters and candidates flying in from abroad, as well as educators traveling from within the UK. Participants consistently appreciate how smooth the experience is: reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable meeting spaces, plentiful food and drink, and a hotel staff that is attentive, friendly, and quick to support. “Many also love that we are in the heart of London with easy access to theatres, shops and restaurants – great for decompressing after a busy day of interviews,” Adrienne adds.
Throughout the weekend, the fair staff remained fully available to mentor candidates and offer personalized guidance. Several team members also delivered high-impact presentations designed to strengthen candidates’ confidence and readiness. In their well-attended session, “Make a Strong First Impression,” Bill and Alison Turner provided practical tips and strategies for interview success, including compelling “elevator pitch” ideas to help candidates shine during the sign-up session. Senior Consultant Jeremy Lewis also led “Lead the Way: Application Advice for Aspiring and Current Leaders,” an insightful session filled with concrete guidance on preparing strong leadership applications and navigating interviews for administrative roles in international schools.
Because professional journeys may change and new adventures begin at any time of the school year, Search Associates’ London-March Fair continues to fill an important need for educators and schools seeking meaningful international school opportunities late in the school year. For more about SEARCH’s annual job fairs held around the world, including London-March and London-January, click here.
