One of the first questions families ask when beginning a governess search is: what should she actually have on paper? The answer matters — because the governess market is full of candidates who call themselves governesses but lack the professional qualifications that make the role what it should be.

Here is what to look for, and why each qualification matters.

Teaching Qualification: Non-Negotiable

A governess is, at her core, a teacher. She should hold a formal teaching qualification recognised in the country where she trained. In the UK, that means:

• PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) — the most common route for graduates entering teaching
• QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) — the official certification required to teach in state schools in England and Wales
• BEd (Bachelor of Education) — an undergraduate teaching degree

For internationally trained governesses, EED also accepts equivalent qualifications from recognised institutions in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, and Ireland. We do not place candidates who lack a formal teaching qualification — regardless of how impressive the rest of their CV is.

Academic Degree

Most families hiring a governess want someone educated to degree level, ideally with strong subject expertise in the areas relevant to their children. An Oxbridge, Russell Group, or equivalent international university degree is common in the top tier of the market. Subject degree + PGCE is the most typical profile we see.

DBS and Background Checks

An enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is essential for anyone working with children in the UK. This must be current — not simply a certificate from three years ago. For candidates with international experience, overseas police checks should also be obtained.

At EED, all candidates undergo enhanced DBS checks as part of our vetting process before any introduction to a family.

First Aid Certification

A paediatric first aid certificate is a standard requirement for anyone working with children. For live-in governesses travelling internationally, it is especially important. This should be renewed every three years.

Language Qualifications

If you are seeking a bilingual governess for language immersion, you need verified proof of language proficiency — not just a claim on a CV. Look for formal qualifications (DELF, DELE, HSK, etc.) or native speaker status, and consider an independent language assessment as part of the interview process.

Experience in Private Household Settings

This is not a paper qualification, but it matters enormously. Teaching in a school and working one-to-one in a private household are fundamentally different experiences. A candidate who has worked only in schools will face a steep adjustment curve. Look for at least one or two previous governess roles, with references from those families.

Soft Skills That Can’t Be Certified

The best governesses combine academic excellence with warmth, adaptability, discretion, and the ability to build a genuine educational relationship with an individual child. These qualities don’t appear on a CV — they emerge in a thorough interview and a trial period. Never skip the trial.

What About Rota Governesses?

The same standards apply. A rota governess arrangement involves two qualified governesses working in rotation — typically one week on, one week off. Both candidates must hold full teaching qualifications. The consistency of educational approach between the two is something EED helps families to structure during the placement process.

Thinking of Hiring?

Every governess EED places is teaching-qualified, fully vetted, and experienced in private household settings. Get in touch to start your search.

You can also read our 2025 Governess Salary Guide to understand what you should expect to pay for different levels of qualification and experience.