Education recruitment specialist Operam Education Group has announced the acquisition of Choice Teachers and its brand, Bespoke Education, for an undisclosed sum.

The deal marks the ninth acquisition for the Barnsley-headquartered group as part of a 10-year growth strategy. Operam is backed by Three Hills, a private markets investment firm, and BGF, the UK’s most active growth capital investor.

Choice Teachers, which has been operating for nearly 20 years, specialises in the recruitment of supply teachers and support staff across primary, secondary, and further education settings. The agency operates offices in Leigh (Greater Manchester), Liverpool, and Hitchin (Hertfordshire).

The transaction was funded by Three Hills Impact, BGF, Operam management, and long-term banking partner HSBC. As part of the agreement, the directors of Choice Teachers and its 50-strong team will remain with the business.

The move strengthens Operam’s presence in its traditional heartland of North West England while significantly expanding its reach into London and the Home Counties. Following the deal, the group’s annual revenues are expected to exceed £50 million.

Commenting on the acquisition, Operam CEO Eddie Austin said: “The North West has always been a traditional heartland for Operam and a key region when it comes to executing our 10-year growth strategy.

“The acquisition of Choice Teachers will help to deepen our existing roots in the North West, while materially growing our footprint in the south of England, where we’ve been growing following our first London acquisition in 2024.”

He added: “With deep sector knowledge and a strong local network, Choice Teachers has built a fantastic brand profile across its three regional offices over nearly 20 years. It will perfectly complement our current portfolio of businesses and we are delighted to have the 50-strong team onboard.”

Pablo Velez, Partner at Three Hills, commented: “We are proud to support Operam on the completion of its largest acquisition to date and its first since our investment. With Choice joining Operam, the group materially increases the scale of the business, taking it to more than £50 million of revenues, while further strengthening Operam’s position as a leader in education recruitment.”

Rob Johnson, investor at BGF, said: “Operam has built an excellent reputation in the market through strong organic growth and a well-executed buy and build strategy, bringing together like-minded businesses that together form part of an ambitious and progressive recruitment group.”

To date, Operam’s portfolio includes Provide Education, The Education Specialists, Teachers UK, Key Stage Teacher Supply, First for Education, Bridge Education, Provision Recruitment, and Horizon Teachers.