The world of childcare is experiencing a significant transformation as elite nannies and governesses increasingly command six-figure salaries. This trend is particularly evident in global cities like London and New York, where families are willing to pay a premium for multilingual, highly educated professionals who can offer more than traditional childcare.
The distinction between a nanny and a governess is pivotal in understanding this shift. While nannies focus on the daily care and wellbeing of children, often incorporating learning through play, governesses are dedicated to academic development. They plan lessons, support homework, liaise with schools, and prepare children for exams, often taking on roles akin to personal assistants or housekeepers.
The Rise of the Elite Governess
Governesses are expected to hold teaching qualifications, with those from prestigious institutions like Russell Group universities often commanding higher salaries. According to Bice, a recruitment specialist, salaries exceeding £100,000 are becoming increasingly common for candidates with experience in elite international households, multilingual abilities, and exceptional educational expertise. This mirrors trends seen in other global cities.
One notable advertisement from a north London family sought a £180,000-a-year tutor from a “socially appropriate background” to teach their one-year-old son lessons in culture, manners, and sport. Such demands highlight the growing expectation for governesses to provide a comprehensive educational experience from an early age.
Demand Outstrips Supply
Elspeth Pitman, head of graduates at Norland College in Bath, notes that demand for nannies trained by their prestigious institution continues to outstrip supply. Families are willing to pay a premium for early years specialists who “recognize the vital impact of high-quality early childhood education.” Recent data from the Norland Agency shows that UK salaries have risen to as much as £82,500 per year.
London remains the hub for these high-paying roles, accounting for 71 percent of nanny placements in Britain. The highest UK salary currently advertised is £90,000, with a £140,000 role expected to launch this year. Even newly qualified Norland nannies are seeing pay increases, with daily live-out roles offering £48,100 and live-in positions offering £38,000, marking a rise from the previous year.
Challenges and Misconceptions
Despite the lucrative opportunities, the nannying profession in the UK remains largely unregulated. Pitman points out that there is no statutory requirement for formal qualifications, paediatric first aid, or even a DBS check. The Norland Diploma, however, includes all these requirements along with a code of professional responsibilities.
Georgia Barry, founder of Quintessential Governess, highlights that some six-figure salary expectations are fueled by confusion over the terms “nanny” and “governess.” Misuse of these terms can lead wealthy families to overpay, while candidates with only A-levels may consider themselves qualified despite lacking formal teaching credentials.
“Just the other day, I had a nanny email us — she was applying for a governess role in Verbier, Switzerland, and when she registered on our database, she revealed that she’s on £130,000 at the moment in London,” Barry said. “I was a bit baffled as I looked at her CV, and she is not a governess … I thought this is getting crazy.”
The Impact of the Pandemic
The demand for governess roles has grown since the Covid-19 pandemic, with more teachers leaving mainstream schools to pursue careers in private households in London, the home counties, and the Cotswolds. Barry also notes a growing community of nannies on social media who share tips on negotiating higher salaries and extra perks, such as cars or paid accommodation.
Barry herself launched her agency after a successful career as a governess. She now represents high-achieving candidates, including one governess earning £200,000 with four degrees, three from Cambridge, and a track record of getting children into prestigious schools like Eton and Stanford. Bilingual abilities and competence in teaching subjects like maths and science up to A-level further boost a governess’s salary.
The Future of Childcare Professions
Traditionally placed alongside a nanny, governesses in private households are often reduced to logistical roles, such as driving children to tutors or managing schedules, rather than fully utilizing their expertise. Barry describes this as “endless overkill,” where children attend private schools and also have governesses at home, yet rely on external tutors for education.
Barry’s career trajectory illustrates the lucrative yet paradoxical nature of the profession. Starting in a nursery at 18, she obtained her teaching qualification at the University of Brighton and later taught German before moving into private households. Her first governess role for an ultra-high-net-worth family paid £100,000 a year with separate paid-for accommodation.
“They pay for your expertise, but half the time it’s not required. Half the time, they want you to be quiet and drive the child to another tutor. It’s a bizarre world,” Barry remarked.
As the demand for highly skilled childcare professionals continues to rise, the industry may see further evolution. The ongoing debate over qualifications and roles highlights the need for clearer definitions and standards in this growing sector.
