TP Talent - Meet Thomas
Get to know Thomas Grindrod, 24, from Leyland, Lancashire, and find out more about his role in our Liverpool Primary team.
Tell us about your role at Teaching Personnel
As a Recruitment Consultant, I partner with schools and educators to deliver tailored staffing solutions that support outstanding pupil outcomes. My role blends client management, educator recruitment, relationship building, sales, and problem-solving to ensure every placement meets the unique needs of each school.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are ever the same, but I like to keep a bit of structure in my week. I usually start by dealing with any urgent calls: covering sickness and arranging last-minute staffing so schools aren’t left in the lurch. Once that’s sorted, I move on to speaking with new applicants, posting adverts, and getting our marketing out there. Mid-morning is my favourite part: checking in with schools, having a chat, and letting them know about the brilliant educators we have available. Afternoons are all about recruitment, interviews, discussing upcoming roles, and making sure we’ve got the right people ready for when schools need them. It’s busy, but that’s what makes it rewarding!
Which office are you based in, and how long have you been with TP?
I’m based in the Preston office and work within the Liverpool Primary Branch. I started at TP in June 2025.
What brought you into education recruitment?
Having a twin brother with Autism and a stutter, and a younger brother with Asperger’s Syndrome, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges they faced throughout their education. The right support from teachers and teaching assistants made a huge difference to their journey, and without it, things could have been much harder. This personal experience drives my passion to help schools find the best educators for each role and, most importantly, for the children they’ll be supporting. My goal is to ensure every pupil has access to the right people who can make their educational experience as positive and successful as possible.
What were you doing before joining TP?
I have worked in recruitment since 2021, but in the construction industry for an agency called LinkIt Recruitment (LRL), based in Hindley Green, Wigan.
Have you taken on new responsibilities or progressed since joining?
Since joining TP, I’ve made significant progress in my role. Starting with a completely cold area, I grew my desk to a peak of 66 days in November. Along the way, I’ve strengthened my sector knowledge and learned how to manage a busy desk while ensuring both schools and educators are fully supported. I really enjoy the responsibility of running my own desk and building strong relationships with schools that haven’t previously worked with TP, it’s rewarding to see that growth and impact.
What’s been your proudest moment so far?
I’m proud to have won the TP Spirit Award for my region, just after passing my probation, and achieved the highest growth on my desk last year. These accomplishments reflect how much I genuinely enjoy my job, working alongside great colleagues and building relationships with our amazing clients and candidates. Staying positive and motivated, even during stressful times, is something I value, and I hope that energy inspires those around me.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Building relationships with both educators and schools is one of the best parts of my role. I love meeting new people and getting to know them, so being able to do that every day is a real bonus. The most rewarding part is when I can bring the two together and create the perfect placement, it’s a great feeling knowing I’ve helped make a positive impact for both the school and the educator.
What’s the biggest challenge you face, and how do you approach it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is prioritising tasks and managing my time effectively. Being relatively new to TP, it can feel like spinning a lot of plates - handling last-minute bookings, filling long-term vacancies, and conducting interviews all at once. It can be taxing, but I’ve learned to lean on the wealth of experience within my branch and the wider Lancashire region. By asking for advice, delegating where possible, and organising tasks based on urgency and impact, I’ve developed a more structured approach that helps me stay on top of everything.
What do your school partners appreciate most about working with TP?
I believe what sets us apart is the reliability, transparency, and communication we provide to our schools. While the calibre of our candidates is exceptional, it’s the genuine relationships we build beyond business that make the biggest difference. We’re always honest and open with everyone, which creates trust and long-term partnerships.
What helps you keep good relationships with the clients you work with?
For me, the key to maintaining strong client relationships is honesty and openness. Schools need to feel they can trust us, and that starts with clear communication. I enjoy getting to know the people I work with, understanding what matters to them and finding common ground. Regular updates on their educators, vacancies, and new candidates help keep everything transparent, which builds confidence and long-term trust.
What motivates you in your work?
What motivates me most is receiving positive feedback on the placements I make. My goal is always to match educators with roles that suit them and meet the needs of the children they’ll be supporting. When I hear that both the school and the educator are happy, it’s an amazing feeling, and that’s what drives me to keep working hard for my clients and candidates.
Do you have any goals for the year ahead?
My main goal for the year ahead is to recruit more exceptional teachers and support staff. By doing this, I can give schools a wider choice of high-quality candidates and help ensure pupils receive the best possible education. Achieving this will also support my personal career goal; to earn my first promotion within Teaching Personnel. I’m committed to developing my skills, gaining more experience, and working my way up the career ladder. Ultimately, I want to reach a point where I can share my knowledge and help my colleagues succeed too.
Quick-fire: Summer or Winter?
This might be controversial, but I love winter. There is nothing better than going home, getting your cosy/fluffy PJs on with a hot chocolate and watching a good chick flick. You cant beat a bit of Bridgett Jones. I might not seem to be the person would do that, but that’s me!
--
Are you an educator looking for jobs in Liverpool or a school in the area that's hiring, then get in touch with us today.
Interested in joining Teaching Personnel? Check out our latest vacancies.
Sign up to posts
Related jobs
Salary
£130 - 180 per day
Location free text
Milton Keynes
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
KS1 - Year 1
Location
Milton Keynes
Description
SEND Teacher – Primary Autism & Communication NeedsLocation: MK8, Milton KeynesSalary: M1-M6Contract: Full-time, TempoaryStart Date: September 2026Are you a passionate and dedicated teacher with exper
Reference
3947450HB
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties SENAuthor
Northants & Counties SENSalary
£160 - 170 per day
Location free text
St Albans
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Early Years
Location
Hertfordshire
Description
Primary School Teachers Needed (EYFS, KS1 & KS2)Location: St AlbansStart Date: September 2026Pay Rate: £160 – £170 per day (Depending on experience)Contract Type: Full-Time / Part-Time / Supply option
Reference
2425669 COR
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties SENAuthor
Northants & Counties SENSalary
£130 - 200 per day
Location free text
Northampton
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Teacher
Location
Northampton
Description
Location: Northampton, NN1Salary: 130-200+ per day dependent on experienceContract Type: full-time or part-time availableStart Date: ASAPAbout the RoleWe are seeking a passionate and dedicated EYFS SE
Reference
EYFST6ACH-NH
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties SENAuthor
Northants & Counties SENSalary
£93 - 110 per day
Location free text
Milton Keynes
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
Less than £100 per day
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
SEND Support
Location
Milton Keynes
Description
END Teaching Assistant Location: Milton KeynesJob Type: Full-time or Part-time (Flexible options to suit your lifestyle)Salary: £92.63 – £100 per day (dependent on experience)Why Choose Us? Are you
Reference
238478MK
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Northants & Counties SENAuthor
Northants & Counties SENSalary
£171 - 280 per day
Location free text
Dudley
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Science
Location
West Midlands
Description
Science TeacherLocation - Dudley (DY4)Start Date - ASAP - Full TimeSalary - £171.00 - £280.00 per day (depending on experience)I am currently working with a secondary school that is seeking to appoint
Reference
ST - DY4
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Birmingham SecondaryAuthor
Birmingham SecondarySalary
£168.80 - 232.56 per day
Location free text
Guisborough
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Other
Location
North Yorkshire
Description
Location: GuisboroughType: FlexibleStart: SeptemberSalary: Pay to scale from day (£168.80 - £232.56)We are looking for a passionate and adaptable SEMH Teacher to take on term cover for a local seconda
Reference
SEMH-Guisborough
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees SecondaryAuthor
Tyne Tees SecondarySalary
£130 - 160 per day
Location free text
Redcar
Job Type
Flexible Working
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
Sector
Secondary
Location
Redcar and Cleveland
Description
Location: RedcarType: FlexibleSalary: Daily rate: £130 - £160 DOEWe are looking for a passionate and adaptable Secondary Supply Teacher for all subjects for local secondary schools in Redcar. This is
Reference
ST-Redcar
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Tyne Tees SecondaryAuthor
Tyne Tees SecondarySalary
£160 - 250 per day
Location free text
Upton Snodsbury
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£100 - £199 per day
£200 - £299 per day
Sector
Maths
Location
Worcestershire
Description
Maths Teacher – Secondary School - WorcesterLocation: Worcester - WR7 Pay: £160.00 - £250.00 per day (depending on experience) Start: Immediate StartA well-regarded secondary school in Worcester is s
Reference
MT - WR7
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Birmingham SecondaryAuthor
Birmingham SecondarySalary
£30k - 45k per year
Location free text
Moreton-in-Marsh
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£30,000 - £39,999
£40,000 - £49,999
Sector
Religious Studies
Location
Gloucestershire
Description
Religious Education Teacher Location: Moreton in Marsh (GL56) Contract Type: Full-Time Salary: £30,000 - £45,000 (dependent on experience) Start Date: September 2026Inspire Curiosity, Respect and Und
Reference
RE - GL56
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Birmingham SecondaryAuthor
Birmingham SecondarySalary
£13.84 - 20.22 per hour
Location free text
Stafford
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
£10 - £19 per hour
£20 - £29 per hour
Sector
Early Years
Location
Staffordshire
Description
Job Title: Level 3 Nursery Practitioners & Early Career Early Years TeachersLocation: Staffordshire and Surrounding AreasContract Type: Full-time / Part-time / Flexible SupplyPay Rate: Competitive rat
Reference
EYFS ST
Expiry Date
DD01YY
Author
Birmingham SecondaryAuthor
Birmingham SecondaryRelated posts
Teaser
Education NewsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
As schools and trusts prepare for September 2026, the shift from CCS (Crown Commercial Service) to the new GCA (Government Commercial Agency) framework marks a significant change in how supply sta
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD06YY
Summary
When schools wind down for the holidays, nurseries keep open. Many early-years settings remain open throughout the summer. Nurseries rely on skilled, caring staff to help children and
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
Exams are one of the most stressful times in the academic year, and it isn’t only pupils who feel the pressure. For teaching assistants (TAs) and support staff, exam season brings new expectations
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
EducatorsContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
If you’re considering taking the next step in education, you’re not alone. More teachers and support staff are exploring permanent roles that offer stability, progression, and a sense of belonging
by
Adam Davies
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD05YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Danielle shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years. She's completed an apprenticeship, managed a branch and w
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
Patrick highlights a decade of his work as Teaching Personnel celebrates a milestone of 10 years.He's built relationships with schools and his own management style to successfully run a branch
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel celebrates 30 years, we hear from Senior Branch Manager, Hannah James, who reflects on her time with us these past 11 years. The impact we have on our schools and educat
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel marks 30 years, Vicky shares her experience of building a career with the company over the past 11 years.She joined as a trainee recruitment consultant and has become an
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As we celebrate 30 years of making difference, get to know Rebecca who has worked at Teaching Personnel for nearly a decade. Being able to support schools and help place the right educators
Teaser
People & CultureContent Type
TP-PostsPublish date
DD04YY
Summary
As Teaching Personnel celebrates its 30-year anniversary, Jenny reflects on a decade of working at Teaching Personnel.From starting as a teaching assistant to overseeing multiple branches, her
Register with us
for work in schools across England & Wales
Register today
Recent job