Sunderland Education Recruitment Firm AK Teaching Acquired by National Tech Provider Zen Educate
In a significant development for the regional education sector, Wearside-based recruitment specialist AK Teaching has been acquired by national technology-driven operator Zen Educate. The undisclosed deal will see AK Teaching's senior management team, including founder Anthony Kirtley, remain in post while benefiting from Zen Educate's investment and technological infrastructure.
Expanding Regional Presence Through Strategic Acquisition
The acquisition strengthens Zen Educate's presence across Northern England, complementing their existing national network. AK Teaching, which operates from offices in Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Sheffield and Leeds, becomes part of the £13 million revenue group that provides a digital platform connecting teachers and teaching assistants with schools seeking staff.
Since its establishment in 2012, AK Teaching has developed into a trusted supplier of full-time and part-time teaching professionals, including teachers, early years practitioners, nursery nurses and teaching assistants. The firm serves primary, secondary and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) schools across the region, having expanded its Sunderland headquarters into the City Hall building in 2023.
Shared Vision for Education Sector Support
Anthony Kirtley, founder and managing director of AK Teaching, commented on the acquisition: "Over the past thirteen 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."
Kirtley continued: "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."
Zen Educate CEO Slava Kremerman emphasised the strategic importance of the acquisition: "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."
Kremerman added: "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."
Professional Advisory Support and Sector Significance
The transaction was supported by Newcastle-based RG Corporate Finance (RGCF), who advised AK Teaching's shareholders. The advisory team was led by partner and head of corporate finance Carl Swansbury, alongside corporate finance senior manager Sam Shield and corporate finance executive Andy Alexander.
Legal advice for AK Teaching was provided by Muckle LLP, while Zen Educate received legal counsel from Trethowans. Financial and tax due diligence was conducted by Wilson Partners.
Carl Swansbury of RGCF reflected on the transaction's significance: "AK Teaching is a North East success story, a business that has grown consistently, built strong relationships with schools and candidates, and become an attractive acquisition for a highly ambitious international group."
Swansbury noted: "This transaction demonstrates the strength and potential of high-performing regional businesses in the human capital sector, as well as Zen Educate's ambition to invest and scale across their business in key locations."
The acquisition builds upon Zen Educate's established international operations, including client work in the United States, and follows their raising of more than $70 million (£50.7 million) since 2024 to support expansion plans.
