EED Governess Agency
Hire a governess through the agency trusted by VIP families worldwide
EED places world-class governesses, tutors and education specialists with exceptional families worldwide. Multilingual, rigorously vetted, perfectly matched — since 2010..
What We Offer
What does a governess do?
A governess is a live-in or live-out education and childcare professional who takes responsibility for a child's language development, academic progress, behaviour and etiquette. Unlike a nanny, a governess typically holds formal teaching qualifications and follows a structured educational programme, often supplementing that of the charge's school.
At EED, our governesses are native English speakers placed with international families to build full bilingual fluency in children of all ages. The 'immersion' environment of living and learning with a native speaker is the most efficient and effective route to genuine, natural language acquisition.
Beyond language, our governesses prepare children for entrance to the world's leading schools including Eton, Harrow, Wellington and Charterhouse, and more international institutions worldwide. EED also offers VIP tutoring for families requiring academic support outside of a full governess placement.
What's Included
- ✓Native English language immersion & tuition
- ✓Structured academic programme & homework support
- ✓Behaviour, etiquette & social development
- ✓Preparation for UK & international school entrance
- ✓Travel with the family — holidays, residences abroad
- ✓Liaison with schoolteachers & academic staff
- ✓Arts, sports, music & extracurricular activities
- ✓Additional language tuition (French, Spanish, Mandarin)
Our Placements
Types of governess placement we offer
Every family is different. We place governesses across a range of arrangements to suit your household, schedule and location.
Full-Time Live-In Governess
A dedicated governess residing in the family home, providing consistent daily education and care. The most immersive arrangement for rapid language development and academic progress. Typical hours: 8–10 per day, 5 days per week.
Enquire →Rota Governess
Two governesses working on rotation — typically 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off. Ideal for families who travel frequently or require continuous coverage. Ensures uninterrupted education regardless of location.
Learn more about rota governesses →Holiday & Travel Governess
A governess who accompanies the family on holiday, ensuring children continue learning during school breaks. Popular with families spending time in the South of France, UAE, the Mediterranean and beyond.
Learn more →Tutor-Governess
A qualified teacher combining formal academic tuition with the pastoral care of a governess. Holds PGCE or equivalent. Ideal for school entrance preparation, home education or children with specific learning requirements.
Learn more →Why Choose EED
The governess agency trusted by VIP families for over 15 years
EED was founded on a simple principle: the right governess changes everything. Not just for the child's education, but for the whole family. We have spent over 15 years building a private network of the finest education professionals in the UK and internationally.
The majority of our clients come to us by personal recommendation. Our longest client relationships span over a decade. We are trusted by CEOs, royalty and public figures across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. We place governesses in London, Dubai, the South of France and worldwide.
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We know every candidate personally
Every governess in our network has been interviewed by EED. We have discovered falsified DBS checks and bogus qualifications that other agencies missed.
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We actually listen
Other agencies send whoever is available. We take time to understand your family's specific needs — language goals, personality fit, travel requirements — before presenting any candidates.
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We stay with you after placement
Our aftercare process means we never simply 'drop' a family after day one. If a placement isn't working, we find the right solution — backed by our replacement guarantee.
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Complete discretion
All engagements are handled with the strictest confidentiality. NDAs are available on every placement as standard.
"EED have placed 3 British governesses with my family over the years, and more recently a part-time English language tutor. I appreciate EED's confidentiality. I also like that the candidates they send are not applying with many other agencies — and that EED's team judge them to be a good fit in terms of personality, not simply on paper. I trust their judgement in what makes a good relationship match between client and candidate."
Nebosja Yankovic — Head of Komita Group · St Tropez, France · 10 year client
Common Questions
Governess agency frequently asked questions
What is a governess agency?
A governess agency specialises in recruiting, vetting and placing qualified governesses with private families. Unlike the typical nanny agency, a governess agency focuses on candidates with formal teaching qualifications and expertise in language development and academic tuition. EED is one of the UK's leading governess agencies, with over 15 years' experience placing education professionals with VIP families worldwide.
What is the difference between a governess and a nanny?
A nanny focuses primarily on childcare — daily routines, meals, activities and wellbeing. The role of a governess directs a stronger emphasis on education, language development and academic progress. The governess herself typically holds teaching qualifications. Many families employ a nanny alongside a governess. EED can place both through our VIP nanny agency.
How much does a governess cost?
Live-in governesses are generally salaried at between £35,000–£70,000+ per year net, depending on qualifications, experience and the number of charges they are responsible for. Agency placement fees apply separately. Contact EED for a detailed conversation about your requirements and budget.
How long does it take to find a governess?
EED typically presents an initial shortlist within one to two weeks of your consultation. The full placement process usually takes between two and six weeks depending on your specific requirements. For urgent placements, speak to our team directly.
Can the governess travel internationally with our family?
Yes — international travel is standard for many of our placements. Our candidates regularly accompany families to the UAE, South of France, Switzerland, the Caribbean and beyond. We help to ensure all travel, visa and employment documentation is properly arranged.
What checks do you carry out on candidates?
Every EED candidate undergoes an enhanced DBS check, full employment reference verification, identity and right-to-work checks, qualification review, an in-person interview with our team and a social media review. We have repeatedly discovered falsified documents and bogus recommendations that other agencies missed.
Do you offer a replacement guarantee?
Yes. All EED placements include a replacement guarantee. If a placement does not work out within the guarantee period, we will find you a replacement candidate at no additional charge.
Begin Your Search
Ready to find your perfect governess?
Tell us about your family, your children and what you need. We will respond within 24 hours and begin your search immediately.