Hiring a governess is a significant appointment. Unlike many household staff roles, a governess becomes a central figure in your children’s lives — shaping their education, manners, cultural awareness and intellectual development, often over many years.
This guide covers the key steps for London-based families approaching a governess search, whether you are new to the process or refining how you’ve hired before.
Step 1: Define the Role Precisely
The most common reason a governess placement fails is an unclear brief. Before approaching any agency, be specific about what you need.
Age and number of children — governess roles typically suit children aged 4 and above. The age spread significantly affects the brief.
Educational objectives — home education, school supplement, or competitive entry (4+, 7+, 11+, Common Entrance)?
Languages — French, Mandarin, Arabic and Spanish are the most common requests from London and international families.
Travel requirements — if extensive, a rota arrangement may be more practical than a single appointment.
Live-in or live-out — live-in offers more flexibility, particularly for travelling families.
Household integration — does she work independently or alongside other staff?
Step 2: Work with a Specialist Agency
A governess placement is not a hire to approach through a general job board. The candidate pool is specialist, the vetting requirements are high, and the fit between governess and family is deeply personal.
A specialist agency with experience placing governesses in private UHNW households will save significant time and reduce the risk of a poor placement. Look for an agency that conducts its own in-depth interviews, checks references thoroughly, and takes time to understand your family before presenting a shortlist.
Step 3: Review the Shortlist Carefully
A good agency will present a curated shortlist — typically three to five candidates genuinely suited to your requirements. Review each profile with both professional qualifications and personal character in mind. The best candidate on paper is not always the best fit for your particular children and household.
Step 4: Conduct Thorough Interviews
Interview governess candidates in your home where possible, so they can meet the children and you can observe the dynamic naturally.
Cover in the Interview
Educational philosophy · Experience with relevant age groups · Approach to discipline and parent communication · Flexibility with travel · Discretion and household confidentiality
Time with the Children
Arrange brief time for candidates to meet the children — not a formal trial, simply an opportunity to observe natural interaction. What you see in those moments matters as much as the interview.
Step 5: Check References Rigorously
References for a governess must be spoken, not written. Call previous employers directly — at least two — and ask specific questions about educational approach, reliability, discretion and relationship with the children. Enhanced DBS checks are standard and should be current.
Step 6: Agree a Clear Contract
A governess is an employee and requires a written contract. This should clearly cover hours, salary, holiday entitlement, notice periods, travel expectations, confidentiality obligations and any specific household rules. Your agency should support you through this process.
Begin Your Governess Search with EED
EED places exceptional governesses with private families across London, Dubai and internationally. Register as a client to discuss your requirements.
Rota Governess Agency
For families who travel extensively or split time across multiple residences — a rota arrangement provides uninterrupted educational care wherever you are.
Governess Salary Guide
Current salary benchmarks for all governess roles — standard, rota, bilingual and homeschooling — based on live EED placement data.